A new Calgary Stampede rodeo event was added for first time in 50 years

A brand-new event is being added to the Calgary Stampede rodeo this summer: ladies breakaway roping.

The Stampede announced on Wednesday that in partnership with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), the lightning-fast event will be added to The World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo from July 4 to 13.

Breakaway roping showcases exceptional horsemanship and roping skill, where the goal is to rope a calf, stop the horse, break the rope from the saddle horn, and record the fastest time. While the concept may be simple, flawless execution takes years of training and precision.

“The Calgary Stampede is proud to introduce ladies breakaway roping to our daily rodeo,” says Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede, in a news release.

“This event celebrates the incredible talent of female ropers and our dedication to elevating women’s events in rodeo, while also offering another world-class experience for our guests. We can’t wait to see these amazing athletes showcase their skills in front of thousands of rodeo fans at GMC Stadium this July.”

The WPRA has officially sanctioned the event, meaning competitors will earn prize money that counts toward their world standings as they compete at The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

Breakaway roping was first introduced at the Calgary Stampede as part of the Rocky Mountain Cup during the annual 10-day festival in 2023 and will now take its place among the Stampede rodeo’s main events. This marks the first time a new event has been added to the Stampede rodeo since ladies barrel racing was introduced in 1979.

Are you looking forward to the Calgary Stampede rodeo this year?

Recent Posts:
These are the biggest festivals coming to Calgary this spring
This historic Calgary mansion’s a whopping 6,725 square feet