Gold Buckle Breakaway At The WNFR

With the sudden onset of pandemic-age cancellations leaving the 2020 rodeo scene barren, 2020 being the “Year of Breakaway Roping” was a goner. But in the midst of ash and devastation rose the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR). 

In conjunction with the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, women ropers will compete for the first-ever world championship: The Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping (NFBR). Breakaway roping is one of the hottest events sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). And the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is proud to share the venue with some of the best cowgirls. The PRCA and the WPRA have been working together to promote breakaway roping and grow the sport. 

With the addition of Breakaway Roping to the Wrangler National Finals line-up, professional breakaway roping has up the ante. Cowgirls will see harder competition, bigger venues and a much larger crowning purse. At the WNFBR alone the top hand will receive $200,000!

COWGIRL asked a few of the top breakaway ropers in the industry what this new level of competition means to them. And what this means for the future of female professional rodeo athletes. 

^{Photos by Ken Amorosano.}

Jackie Hobbs-Crawford

Jackie Hobbs-Crawford is a nineteen-time Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World Champion. She hails from Illinois but has set up her roots in Texas. On the addition of breakaway to the NFR lineup, Jackie was all positive!

“It just solidifies that breakaway is coming to the highest level of rodeo,” Jackie said. “I’m so happy that people in the PRCA see the value in breakaway roping for our industry! We are closer and closer to getting where we want to be!”

^{Left: photo by Ken Amorosano; right: photo by Olie's Images.}

Lari Dee Guy

Lari Dee Guy has been roping and riding since 1971. She is also no stranger to the winner’s circle and continues to train, compete and kick serious butt on some of the world’s greatest roping horses. On what the NFBR means to her, Lari was just plain excited.

“I am excited for the sport of breakaway! We are one step closer to being added during the NFR rodeo as another women’s event,” she exclaimed.  “I am looking forward to feeling the excitement and vibes of the spectators during the rodeo and to see more people become fans of women breakaway ropers. We are all thankful for the leadership in the WPRA and PRCA for working together for this!”

^{Photos by Lindsay Gomez.}

Jordan Jo Fabrizio

Jordan Jo Fabrizio evolved into breakaway roping naturally. A rider since age 4 and part of a rodeo family, she really didn’t have a choice. She has been an important player in the world of rodeo, winning the first-ever Cheyenne Frontier Days Breakaway Championship in 2019 and qualifying for the WCRA Days of 47 and RFD-TV’s The American and Rodeo New York. 

"I am so thankful! I have cried, laughed, jumped up and down, and have felt excited! I am ready to back in the box and rope!"

Let's hear it for the cowgirls!
For more information on the Wrangler NFBR check out the Inaugural Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping or visit ProRodeo.com.