Breakaway Roping Thrives In Vermilion With Local Summer Series

Ally Pocock and Hickey full speed and focused showing off their roping skills. Photo Kailey Wirsta from K Cow Design

The Vermilion Agricultural Society Breakaway Roping Jackpot Series brought together a strong field of talented women and an enthusiastic crowd at the Vermilion Rodeo Grounds on July 29. Starting at 7 p.m., the event delivered high-energy competition and added intensity to the overall standings as breakaway ropers vied for top placements in one of rodeo’s fastest-growing events. With only two jackpot opportunities left before the series finals, every run counted, and the competition reflected it.

Breakaway roping is a timed rodeo event that blends speed, precision, and horsemanship. A mounted rider ropes a calf around the neck, and when the rope breaks away from the saddle horn, the clock stops. Legal catches must be a “bell collar catch,” and timing is everything; most winning runs are under three seconds. Too fast off the line, and a rider breaks the electric-eye barrier, incurring a 10-second penalty. Too slow, and they risk missing the calf entirely. It’s one of the most exciting events to watch and one of the most technical to master.

The July 29 jackpot marked the fourth competition in the 2025 series. Beyond the jackpots themselves, Carla Pocock has organized clinics designed to help both new and experienced ropers refine their skills. The goal is as much about development as it is about competition, and Vermilion has become a hub for that growth. The series is co-sanctioned with the Alberta Ladies Breakaway Association (ALBRA), a passionate, volunteer-run organization driving the “Add Breakaway” movement across the province. While ALBRA members earn jackpot points toward year-end standings and finals qualifications, the events are open to non-members as well, encouraging participation from a broad range of athletes.

Held throughout the summer, the Vermilion series is quickly gaining a reputation for its professional feel, family-friendly environment, and fast-paced action. Spectators enjoy free admission and an easy-to-follow format, making it a welcoming entry point into the world of rodeo for newcomers. Many of the top female ropers in the region have shown up to compete here, including local standouts like Ashley Watt, Brittany Schuck, Charlee Edge and Kayley Anderson. These athletes not only bring top-level performance but also serve as role models and mentors to the next generation of competitors.

The series has become an important platform for women in rodeo. For many years, barrel racing was the only event available to women after high school and college. Breakaway roping is changing that, providing another high-skill, high-stakes event where women can shine. While it still doesn’t enjoy full inclusion across all levels of amateur and professional rodeo, events like Vermilion’s are helping to shift that tide. The supportive atmosphere and sense of community among competitors have become just as much a hallmark of the series as the fierce competition itself. “This series isn’t just about roping fast, it’s about creating space for women in rodeo, building community, and giving girls a place to shine outside of barrel racing,” says Carla Pocock. “Breakaway roping has become a true sisterhood, and we’re proud to be part of that movement right here in Vermilion.”

Behind the scenes, the series is run entirely on volunteer effort and community support. Series organizer Carla Pocock shares that the series is run entirely from passion, not profit. Key contributors have included Lindsey Westman, who handles coordination with the Ag Society and volunteers at every event; Gord Ziegler, who supplies cattle, judges, and helps manage the events; his wife, Susan, who has announced many of the jackpots; and Margie Axten, who prepares the draw. Their work, along with others, ensures the smooth operation of each round.

Generous sponsorship has elevated the series even further. Prizes at the upcoming Finals Jackpot include championship buckles from UFA and Connor Njaa, custom pendants from Diamond K Customs and Anchor A Farms. Handcrafted leather stools from Prairie Wind Leather Works, Breezy Hill Equine, and Anchor A Farms, as well as overnight stay certificates from Endurance Equine in Ponoka. Additional contributions come from Wowk Ranches, Vermilion Livestock Exchange, R&B Creations, and others who believe in building a sport that matters.

The Finals, scheduled for August 20, 2025, will feature a sudden-death format open to all entrants, though only those who have competed in at least three of the five regular season events will be eligible to win the top prizes. Added money will ensure the final has a true championship atmosphere, while still keeping the door open for new competitors to join in.

The Vermilion Agricultural Society Breakaway Series is about more than fast times and big prizes. It’s about building a lasting foundation for women’s rodeo, creating a space where girls can see themselves as athletes and champions beyond the barrel pattern. It’s about mentorship, community, and the joy of competition.

Support has come not just from volunteers and sponsors, but from institutions like Lakeland College, which has offered its indoor arena as a backup venue and stands ready to assist with anything the series might need. Event coverage has also helped raise the series’ profile, with K Cow Design Photography capturing stunning stills and Boss Mare Marketing providing professional videography, both of which are considered essential in giving the events the elevated feel and lasting memories that competitors and fans love.

With the next jackpot scheduled for August 6, Vermilion Breakaway Roping Series is heading toward an exciting close. It’s already proven itself as one of the most important grassroots rodeo events in Alberta this summer, a place where talent, passion, and community come together in the arena.