The American Rodeo: WPRA's Elite Breakaway Ropers Face Off Against Formidable Contenders

Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, the 25-year-old dynamo from Calgary, AB, shattered records with $164,549 in earnings in 2023. A consistent force at the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping, she's a reigning World Champion and currently ranked No. 9 in the world standings with $12,025.60. Keep an eye out – she might just be riding her 2015 mare, "Onna," a two-time Nutrena Horse of the Year winner.

Hali Williams, the 20-year-old sensation from Comanche, Texas, made waves with $146,743 in earnings in her debut at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping. Holding strong at No. 31 in the world standings with $5,596.08, she's gearing up for her first American Rodeo appearance, possibly riding her 2016 gelding, "Red Light."

Martha Angelone, the 28-year-old dynamo from Stephenville, Texas, clinched 3rd place in the 2023 World Standings with $132,865 in earnings. A seasoned contender and former World Champion, she's currently ranked No. 7 with $12,601.33. Look out for her riding "Legend," a 2009 gelding, at the American Rodeo.

Sarah Angelone, the talented 25-year-old from Lipan, Texas, dominated in 2022, winning the All-around title at the WPRA World Finals. With $114,284 in earnings and a No. 4 finish in 2023, she's now ranked No. 41 with $4,599.27. Keep an eye on her riding "Wilma," a 2015 mare, at The American Rodeo.

Taylor Munsell, the 27-year-old dynamo from Alva, Okla., left her mark as the reserve World Champion in 2022. With $108,458 in earnings in 2023, she's now ranked No. 17 with $8,895.01. This marks her fifth appearance at The American Rodeo, possibly riding "Colonel," a 2012 gelding.

Breakaway Roping Contenders:

Jordan Jo Hollobaugh, the 33-year-old trailblazer from Springtown, Texas, has rewritten the script of breakaway roping. In 2019, she seized the inaugural championship at Cheyenne Frontier Days, etching her name in history. The following year, she claimed the National Finals Breakaway Roping Average Championship. Now, ranked No. 10 globally with $11,465.40, she's set for her electrifying debut at The American Rodeo astride her trusted partner, "Cookie."

Bailey Bates, the unstoppable force from Tohatchi, N.M., boasts two Indian National Finals Breakaway Roping titles (2017, 2022). In 2024, her third-place finish at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo catapulted her to No. 4 globally with $15,376.61. Witness her inaugural ride at The American Rodeo, likely aboard her trusted mount, "Rocket."

JJ Hampton, the 52-year-old legend from Stephenville, Texas, is a pioneering force in breakaway roping with a staggering 18 WPRA world titles. Despite rankings of 13th in 2023 and No. 34 in 2024, her resolve remains unwavering. Catch her debut at The American Rodeo, potentially aboard her trusted roan, "Sparkplug."

Morgan Sparks, the 22-year-old sensation from Marthaville, La., boasts a stellar resume across various rodeo circuits, including a Junior NFR Champion Breakaway Roper title in 2018. In her third appearance at The American, expect to see her riding "Trojan," the same standout mount from the East Regional Finals.

Josie Conner, the 20-year-old sensation from Iowa, La., blazed into the spotlight as the WPRA National Breakaway Champion in 2021. With accolades including WPRA Resistol Rookie of the Year in 2022, she's ranked No. 32 in 2024 with $5,493.26. Watch her dazzle once again at The American Rodeo, likely aboard her standout gelding, "Dutch," aka Stylish Drifter.