Breakaway ropers look to earn spot in 2026 Calgary Stampede rodeo

Albertan competitors hoping to qualify for the Calgary Stampede rodeo packed the Nutrien Centre.

The pressure was on Tuesday as 80 cowgirls took to the arena at the Western Nutrien Centre hoping to qualify for a spot in breakaway roping at the Calgary Stampede rodeo.

But the odds made it tough.

Only four competitors would qualify to compete in Calgary in early July.

Lakota Segboer from Nanton says competing at the Stampede would be amazing.

“It would be beyond a dream come true,” said Segboer.

“It’s not even something I grew up dreaming of because it wasn’t a possibility. To watch the Calgary Stampede, my brother (Logan Bird) competed, and my family stock contracts the cattle. I didn’t think I’d ever have a chance to compete there. So just to get the opportunity is unbelievable, really.”

The same holds true for Kendal Pierson of Wardlow.

She says competing at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth runs in her family, and she would love to carry on that tradition.

“My sister (Shelby Pierson) has trick rode at the Stampede and stuff, and so for me it runs deep. My dad (Bruce Pierson) bareback rode in it, too, so for me it’s on a personal level. But for everyone else, the money and everything—you can’t even dream of it, and now you get the chance to rope. It’s just unbelievable.”

Sport is growing

For years, the only women’s event at the Stampede was ladies’ barrel racing.

Breakaway roping made its debut last year, and it was a big hit.

Navada Phipps, the Calgary Stampede’s western events specialist, says adding breakaway roping has really elevated the sport.

“When those professional-level athletes are getting that main stage, you’re starting to see that grassroots really growing and developing,” said Phipps.

“We’re certainly seeing that within breakaway roping at those junior rodeo levels, high school rodeo, college rodeo, and it’s just driving the sport, which is great to see.”

With breakaway roping growing in popularity, young cowgirls can now realize a dream and compete for big money.

Pierson is thankful that others paved the way for her.

“There’s been a lot of people before my time that kind of got a foot in the door for us,” said Pierson.

“Now, us younger girls are getting the opportunity that they’ve put the work in to open the doors (for), and I’m excited to be a part of all of it.”

At the Calgary Stampede, the breakaway ropers will once again get to compete for some big money.

In all, they’ll compete for $310,000, with the winner taking home $50,000.

Segboer still can’t believe she can make a living with her horse and a rope.

“The sport has really exploded in the last few years,” said Segboer.

“There’s a lot more young girls coming out and working hard at their breakaway roping. And girls that spend their time and money trying to elevate the sport and work at the breakaway roping because there’s a bigger stage for us to compete on now.”

Unfortunately, Segboer and Pierson didn’t qualify for this year’s Stampede.

Here’s who has earned a spot in Calgary:

Three run aggregate

1. Celie Rogers—Choteau, Mont.—8.6
2. Audrey Butler—Wheatland County—8.9
3. Jenna Dallyn—Nanton—8.9
4. Payton Scalzo—Stephenville, Texas—9.0