‘No taking your foot off the gas pedal': Competition tight at ladies' breakaway roping qualifier
It was a big day for some rodeo athletes at the Nutrien Western Event Centre, there to hopefully earn a berth in this year's Calgary Stampede.
Tuesday was a big day for some rodeo athletes at the Nutrien Western Event Centre.
A lot was on the line for these competitors.
They were there to hopefully earn a berth in this year's Calgary Stampede.
They were competing in the ladies' breakaway roping qualifier, which makes its debut at this year's Stampede.
Breakaway roping is one of the fastest-growing rodeo sports.
It showcases exceptional horsemanship and roping skills.
'It's all about that catch and stop. … As soon as that rope breaks away from their saddle horn, that is when time is called for them,' said Navada Phipps, western events specialist.
It was a big day for some rodeo athletes at the Nutrien Western Event Centre, there to hopefully earn a berth in this year's Calgary Stampede.
It was a big day for some rodeo athletes at the Nutrien Western Event Centre, there to hopefully earn a berth in this year's Calgary Stampede.
This year marks the first time ladies breakaway roping will be featured as a main event at the Calgary Stampede.
One of the competitors hoping to make it was Kylie Whiteside of Longview.
She says earning a spot in Calgary would be a dream come true.
'For this, it's definitely surreal because the opportunity that we have to rope in the infield in Calgary is huge,' said Whiteside.
'I mean, seeing the sport grow and having that opportunity is just another chance for women to compete at a huge level.'
Unfortunately, it didn't work out for Whiteside and many others on this day—the competition was fierce, and she couldn't secure a spot in Calgary.
'It's very competitive. I mean, we come from all over Canada and the States to do it—to come here—and there's no taking your foot off the gas pedal because it's tough,' said Whiteside.
'Everyone is very talented out there.'
It was a big day for some rodeo athletes at the Nutrien Western Event Centre, there to hopefully earn a berth in this year's Calgary Stampede.
It was a big day for some rodeo athletes at the Nutrien Western Event Centre, there to hopefully earn a berth in this year's Calgary Stampede.
The qualifier is a pressure cooker, and you've got to be on your game.
'Of the 159 contestants that have entered this breakaway qualifier, they are competing for four spots to come and compete at the Calgary Stampede rodeo,' said Phipps.
The breakaway ropers will have a chance to win more than $310,000 over the 10 days of the Stampede.
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