One of the fastest events in the sport of rodeo, Breakaway Roping requires speed, precision and technique. The cowgirl positions herself and nods her head, giving the signal to release the calf. Once released with a head start, it is up to the cowgirl to rope the calf and stop her horse as quickly as possible. This causes the rope to ‘breakaway’ from the saddle horn in which it is tied to with a string, stopping the time.

If the cowgirl cues her horse too early and ‘breaks the barrier’ rope, she will receive a 10 second penalty, with missing the calf resulting in a no time.

There are a lot of variables in this event, but you better not blink – most runs are over in two seconds or less!