Nanton resident Lakota Bird at a recent breakaway roping event. (Covy Moore/CovyMoore.com)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

more women will qualify for finals

CFR to qualify 12 for breakaway roping instead of 6

Jul 29, 2022 | 3:19 PM

Canadian Finals Rodeo, which takes place Nov. 2-6 at Red Deer’s Westerner Park, is moving to 12 breakaway roping qualifiers from six for at least the next two years (CFR 48 and 49).

Organizers say this is due to the event’s already huge, and growing popularity.

“These cowgirls are immensely talented ropers and horsewomen,” says Denny Phipps, CPRA Assistant General Manager. “And the CPRA is proud to be increasing the CFR contestant roster in the Breakaway Roping as these athletes vie for a Canadian championship on the biggest stage in Canadian Pro Rodeo. The level of competition has been amazing to watch all year and I believe that fans in Red Deer are in for an exciting show!”

Breakaway roping is is open to female rodeo athletes of all ages – as long as they hold a current CPRA membership.

One local roper who competed in last year’s finals says the move is a good one.

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“I think the move to take 12 girls instead of six to the Finals is a huge step in the right direction. There are a lot of very good breakaway ropers in Canada. I’m glad that the CPRA has noticed and acknowledged the support and growth the breakaway (event) has seen this year,” says Taylor Flewelling, who is from Lacombe.

“I know the breakaway ropers are very thankful for the decision. These girls have been waiting for their chance to go to the rodeos, and now that it’s finally here they’re showing up in full force.”

Flewelling is currently second in the roping standings, while her fellow competitor, Lakota Bird, is in sixth.

A Nanton resident, Bird says the event’s success can be attributed to the participants’ professionalism.

“There have been upwards of 60 entries at many of the rodeos. The times and competition have been tough; breakaway ropers are showing that they belong in professional rodeo. The crowd loves the fast pace and the addition of another women’s event,” she says.

“Having 12 qualifiers to the finals will give contestants incentive to continuing rodeoing late into the summer. The roping has been tough this year and I think there are going to be 12 girls who deserve to be at the Canadian Finals. We are grateful to the CPRA for allowing us to compete on Canada’s largest rodeo stage and to the committees who have included us in their rodeos to get there!”

Breakaway ropers will compete in three performances at CFR. However, as organizers note, prize money will be raised by the ropers as the event is currently outside the CFR agreement.

As of July 29, the ladies breakaway roping standings are as follows (all are from Alberta unless otherwise noted):

1. Kendal Pierson (Wardlow)
2. Taylor Flewelling (Lacombe)
3. Jade Kenney (Canyon, TX)
4. Brittan Schuk (Lamont)
5. Jenna Dallyn (Nanton)
6. Lakota Bird (Nanton)
7. Bradi Whiteside (Longview)
8. Caitlyn Wiswell (Duffield)
9. Bailey Hines (Marwayne)
10. Brittainy Smith (Eckville)
11. Bobbi Henderson (Alix)
12. Mikenna Schauer (Halkirk)
13. Kylie Whiteside (Longview)
14. Aubrey Ross (Botha)
15. Shelby Spielman (Ponoka)
+19 more competitors

The latest event standings are at rodeocanada.com.