The Calgary Stampede introduced breakaway roping, a women's calf-roping event, for the first time in nearly 50 years, marking a significant step for women in professional rodeo. The 30 cowgirls competing receive equal prize money to other major events, with a total purse of $310,250. Macy Rae Auclair made history as the first breakaway roper, and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged won on Day 1.
Meet the women breaking barriers at the Calgary Stampede’s newest competition
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Calgary Stampede introduced breakaway roping, a women's calf-roping event, for the first time in nearly 50 years, marking a significant step for women in professional rodeo. The 30 cowgirls competing receive equal prize money to other major events, with a total purse of $310,250. Macy Rae Auclair made history as the first breakaway roper, and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged won on Day 1.
Trending- 1 Nearly 50 years ago: Ladies' barrel racing was the last new competition added to the Stampede.
- 2 March: The Calgary Stampede decided to add breakaway roping.
- 3 Friday, July 4, 2025: The Calgary Stampede's 10-day competition began; Macy Rae Auclair made history as the very first breakaway roper; Shelby Boisjoli-Meged won first place on Day 1.
- 4 Monday, July 7, 2025: The second group of competitors started.
- 5 2024: Haven Meged won the tie-down title at last year's Stampede.
- Increased recognition and opportunities for women in professional rodeo
- Female competitors receive equal prize money to other major events
- A historical milestone for the Calgary Stampede
What: The Calgary Stampede introduced breakaway roping, a women's calf-roping event, as a new competition for the first time in nearly 50 years.
When: The decision to add the event was made in March. The 10-day competition started Friday (July 4, 2025). The second group of competitors started Monday (July 7, 2025).
Where: Calgary Stampede, GMC Stadium, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Why: The addition aligns with the rise of women's professional sports and aims to recognize women's hard work and investment in their sport.
How: The Calgary Stampede decided to incorporate the event and offered equal prize money to the female competitors, attracting 30 cowgirls to participate.