The Calgary Stampede is one of the most iconic summer rodeos and they have made one massive change to their 2025 program. The ladies of breakaway roping will be backing into the box at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth for the first time come July 4.
“It was actually pretty cool. They gave me a phone call and told me I was the first official person to be told the news and that I was not allowed to tell anybody. So it was a really hard secret to keep and it was really hard not to tell anybody. I actually teared up and cried when they gave me the news because this is just so huge for me and women in rodeo,” Boisjoli Meged said.
After attending the Calgary Stampede with family for her entire life, Boisjoli-Meged’s chance to shine at what is like a hometown rodeo has finally come and it came in with an equal money payout.
“I think it’s going to be huge and this is just a huge, huge step in the right direction for breakaway roping and for women athletes, women in rodeo. If the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth is going to add us as an equal event, pay us the same and treat us like every other cowboy out there then I think that says alot and speaks volumes for where the sport is headed,” she said.
With the $310,250 payout and 30 athletes that are backing into the box come July 4, there is no question that breakaway ropers and the WPRA continue to shatter glass ceilings.
“I’m super excited for all the little girls that are going to be able to watch and dream about being there one day,” Boisjoli-Meged said.
