The Calgary Stampede is making history for their 2025 Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, with the addition of the first new rodeo event since 1979.
Ladies Breakaway Roping has been added to the lineup of rodeo competitions for this year’s rodeo, after first being introduced to the Stampede in 2023 and 2024 as part of the Rocky Mountain Cup during the 10-days of the Stampede.
The event has been sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), and has been one of the fastest growing rodeo events for audiences and competitors due to the combination of horsemanship and roping skills exhibited by competitors.
“The Calgary Stampede is proud to introduce Ladies Breakaway Roping to our daily Rodeo,” said Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede.
“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 last event added to the Stampede Rodeo was Ladies Barrel Racing.
The Stampede is set to award $310,250 for Ladies Breakaway Roping winners over the 10 days of the competition, bringing the total 2025 rodeo prize total to more than $2.17 million.
Thirty spots will be available in the sport at the 2025 Calgary Stampede, with 24 competitor securing their pots through standing in the current and previous year Canadian and WPRA Pro Rodeo ranking.
The additional six spots will be secured in two breakaway roping competitions in Utah in April, and in Calgary from June 3 and 4 at the Stampede’s Nutrien Western Event Centre.
“The fact that The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is including Breakaway Roping alongside the other major rodeo events is a huge step forward for both the sport and women in rodeo,” said Shelby Boisjoli-Meged.
Boisjoli-Meged, originally from Langdon, Alberta, won the 2023 WPRA world title for breakaway roping in 2023.
“I can only imagine the impact this moment will have on the little girls watching us compete in the Stampede Rodeo for the first time and realizing that one day, they too could be in our place. Knowing they have something to aspire to, to dream about and to work toward is truly amazing,” she said.
The Rocky Mountain Cup for 2025 has been moved to August, said the Stampede, and will exclusively feature team roping.
“This change allows the Calgary Stampede to offer an expanded event format with even more prize money on the line, welcoming the Team Roping community to showcase their skills alongside the top Team Ropers in the world at Stampede Park. More details on the Rocky Mountain Cup will be announced soon.”
