With breakaway roping being the fastest-growing event in rodeo it only makes sense that the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth picks it up. For the first time in history, breakaway ropers will back into the box for their shot at a coveted Calgary Stampede bronze in July.
With 30 athletes joining the lineup, they will be taking their shot at an estimated $310,250 payout to add one more page to the history books.
“Well, we’re very excited to bring the ladie’s breakaway into all ten performances. This is the first time we’ve added an event since 1979 when barrel racing came into our rodeo. This is incredibly important to us to give these world-class athletes a chance to compete here at Calgary in front of our fans,” Joel Cowley, CEO of Calgary Stampede said.
This announcement came days after newly elected WPRA President Heide Uecker-Schmidt took her place and it is something that she describes as absolutly incredible.
“I know these ladies are over the moon. Our phones have been ringing off the hook since the initial press release went today and we just thank our partners at Carlgary so much for all they do for women in rodeo,” Uecker-Schmit said.
The 30 athletes you can look forward to seeing be a part of the historic ten days include four from the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, the Top 15 from the 2024 WPRA World Standings, the Top 5 in the current World Standings but there are two opportunities to qualify for those that do not fall in one of the previous categories. Two positions open in April at a qualifier in Salina, Utah, while Calgary will be hosting its own qualifier in June.
Glass ceililngs continue to shatter for women in rodeo and it will happen again July 4-13 at the Calgary Stampede.
