Breakaway roping was being included as a full event at the country’s biggest rodeo for the first time, with a slate of 12 cowgirls competing in all five rounds of competition.

Macy Rae Auclair, on her horse Chrome, practices roping at her family’s spread near Ponoka, Alta., last week. Auclair is competing in the first ever breakaway roping event at the Calgary Stampede.

Day 1 of the 2025 Calgary Stampede rodeo welcomed the stars of breakaway roping to the main stage. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, of Langdon, Alta., was all smiles after winning Friday’s event and ...

Breakaway roping really started exploding on the pro circuits after a 2017 pilot program in the Columbia River circuit. Bleiker said at that time the WPRA pushed to get the event in around 30 rodeos.

“Breakaway roping is the women’s version of tie-down roping,” Bird explained. “When the calf is roped, rather than dismounting and tying the calf, the rope is secured to the saddlehorn ...

This kind of roping led Williams to the 2024 Rookie title and is proving consistent this year, too. Currently, Williams sits in the No.18 spot in the World Standings.