With just one month to go before the start of the 2026 Calgary Stampede, equestrian athletes are busy securing the final spots for rodeo events.
Western festivities will take over the city on July 3rd, among them a popular rodeo addition that joined the lineup last year.
Women’s breakaway roping has been growing in popularity, and this year it most definitely has a prize worth competing for. A total of $310,250 will be awarded over the 10 days of the 2026 Calgary Stampede Rodeo.
It’s a rodeo event that some women say will change the future of ladies competition.
“When you see those professional-level opportunities, that really helps to drive and support those grassroots. Because those young athletes really see those opportunities to go far — that’s what these positions are really affording to those young girls, is they’re seeing a future in the sport,” says Navada Phipps, Western event specialist for Calgary Stampede.
For some women, the event is encouraging them to keep swinging their lasso, just when they thought it was time to hang it up.
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“Usually in high school and college rodeo, you don’t really win much you kind of just do it for the love of the sport,” says Lakota Segboer, a contestant from Nanton, Alta.
“Now there’s a chance to win $50,000 competing in the breakaway roping. So for little girls growing up getting to know that they’re going to get to run at that kind of money and on a stage, the Calgary Stampede is awesome.”
Eighty contestants participated in the final qualifier, including a host of local talent. Of those, the four finalists on the road to Stampede are:
- Celie Rogers, Choteau, Mont.
- Audrey Butler, Weatland County, Alta.
- Jenna Dallyn, Nanton, Alta.
- Payton Scalzo, Stephenville, Texas.
The full roster of rodeo participants will be finalized next week when barrel racers compete for the last remaining spots.
AND my partner in crime holds the record for RIBBON PICKING off a calf in B.C. What is ribbon picking? An official puts a rope around a calf or steers stomach then put a short piece of red ribbon under the string on the animals back. The participant and horse sit in the box and when they nod that they are ready to go down the arena the calf is pushed out of the chute. The lady/girl/woman has to bend down and pick the ribbon of the calf or steer in the shortest amount of time compared to the other contestants. Our record was 3 ribbons picked up in under 2 seconds on 3 steers. Awww, the good old days..fun days… memories, lol…
I really miss not being able to edit posts on here.
Breakaway rope???? Oh, theyeam Calf Roping.
This new Canadian low English again.