2023 - The Year of the BC Breakaway Ropers

Written by Kirsten Gjerde of Writer Girl Creative

The Canadian Finals Rodeo, National Finals Rodeo, WCRA, and major PRCA events like Rodeo Houston have started including it in their shows. In March, Jackie Crawford took home $600,000 at the American Rodeo and that kind of money is life-changing for cowgirls. Even the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” the Calgary Stampede had it last year behind the scenes. Competitors are hopeful to see it amongst the major events in the coming years.

“ This is only one of two events open to women. We know barrel racers fought for equal money and equal opportunity to compete for decades - and now we’re doing the same. For us, that starts at the grassroots creating events to build our sport and support our cowgirls, putting their names on the map.”

The entire High Call Roping Jackpots Breakaway Series was planned by founders Arna Gavaga and Rika Antoine, breakaway ropers themselves. The pair of moms sat on the sidelines of their daughters' dance classes and went back and forth formatting events that could unite and showcase all of the talent BC has to offer.

“ We can see the growth in Alberta and Saskatchewan and we know BC has a lot of excellent ropers. We want BC ladies to be as competitive if not more and this is how we can build on that talent,” says Gavaga, mother of 2, ranch owner and owner of Charles Ranch Equine.

“ We wanted to give girls the opportunity to compete and get comfortable in a competition setting other than rodeo. It’s the perfect way to season young horses and open up opportunities to breakaway ropers in our home province,” adds Antoine, a mom, former BCRA BAW Champion, owner of “Equine Fit” and also a rancher.

The women have dedicated countless hours to the design of the series and gathering sponsors for prizes and added money. Every jackpot is a “Canadian Finals Breakaway” qualifier. They’ve even included a junior incentive to entice young ropers and to sweeten the pot the High Call Finals Champion will win an entry into the “All In Breakaway Roping” in Las Vegas, NV come December.

The series begins on May 6th and wraps up August 19th. For exact dates and more information including how to sponsor, be sure to check out www.highcallroping.ca.