War Bonnet Round Up to debut Women’s Breakaway Roping

While the War Bonnet Round Up may be Idaho’s Oldest Rodeo, this year it will feature one of the newest up-and-coming events in the rodeo world: Women’s Breakaway Roping.

It is similar to men’s tie-down roping with a few minor differences. In breakaway roping, the competitor does not dismount the horse. A flag, tied to the end of the rope, is tied by a string to the saddle horn. When the competitor ropes a calf, the rope is pulled tight, breaking the string and the rope flies free, signaling time.

“This is a first for the War Bonnet, but anytime we can add an event that will bring more world caliber female athletes to our rodeo, we are going to jump at that chance,” said Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation Director PJ Holm. “This is a really exciting, fast paced event that brings some of the top female talent from around the world, but it will also feature some great local talent.”

Women’s Breakaway is new to many rodeo circuits across the county and has mainly been a part of youth and amateur rodeo. However, in 2016 it was introduced into Professional Rodeos in the Northwest and in 2018 it was added to RFD TV’s THE American.