Meet The Cowgirls Competing At The 2026 Calgary Stampede

The world's best rodeo athletes are heading north of the border for 10 days of elite competition at the 2026 Calgary Stampede, July 3–12. Competing for more than $2.1 million in prize money, 210 athletes from Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Australia will battle for a Calgary Stampede championship.

Known as the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede consistently attracts one of the strongest rodeo lineups anywhere in the world. With limited spots available in each event, earning an invitation to Calgary is an accomplishment in itself. This year’s barrel racing and breakaway roping competitions are no exception, featuring world champions, past Stampede winners, and some of the toughest female competitors currently going down the road.

One of the biggest storylines heading into the Stampede is the return of reigning barrel racing champion Anita Ellis. After suffering a serious fall from her futurity horse where her head struck concrete last November, she was forced to miss the 2025 futurity, her first qualification. Now back in competition, Ellis continues one of rodeo’s most inspiring comeback stories. She currently sits 21st in the world standings and has made major milestones, including a win at the 2026 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

Ellis will be facing a stacked field of barrel racers, including former Calgary champions Hailey Kinsel (2018), Lisa Lockhart (2019), Kassie Mowry (2022), and Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi (2023). Canadian barrel racers Taylor Manning, Jennifer Neudorf, Blake Molle, and Jayden Wilson will also be joining the field.

Barrel Racing

Tricia Aldridge

Michelle Alley

Catherine Asmussen

Emily Beisel

Andrea Busby

Jordan Driver

LaTricia Duke

Anita Ellis

Hayle Gibson-Stillwell

Sydney Graham

Kathy Grimes

Heidi Gunderson

Gracen Harman

Wenda Johnson

Hailey Kinsel

Halyn Lide

Lisa Lockhart

Taylor Manning

Megan McLeod-Sprague

Tayla Moeykens

Blake Molle

Kassie Mowry

Jaylan Neatherlin

Jennifer Neudorf

Carlee Otero

Acey Pinkston

Julie Plourde

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi

Katelyn Scott

Jayden Wilson

Meanwhile, breakaway roping returns for its second year after making history with its Calgary Stampede debut in 2025. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged etched her name into the record books by winning the inaugural Stampede breakaway championship and will return in 2026 with hopes of defending her title. She’ll face stiff competition from a talented group of ropers, including current world standings leader Hali Williams and reigning World Champion Taylor Munsell.

Breakaway Roping

Bailey Bates

Shelby Boisjoli-Meged

Kinlie Brennise,

Audrey Butler

Josie Conner

Caitlyn Dahm

Jenna Dallyn

Jordi Edens-Mitchell

Rylee George

Sawyer Gilbert

Bradi Good

Jaci Hammons

Bobbi Henderson

Hadley Hiner

Maddy Jacobs

Cheyanne McCartney

Aspen Miller

Taylor Munsell

Madison Outhier

Beau Peterson

Celie Rogers

Payton Scalzo

Mikenna Schauer

Jill Tanner

Bradi Whiteside

Cadee Williams

Hali Williams

Joey Williams

Suzanne Williams

Macy Young

The field is so evenly matched across all disciplines that any competitor could put together the winning runs and claim the 2026 Calgary Stampede championship. Stay tuned for more competitor spotlights, event previews, and behind-the-scenes stories as the countdown to Calgary continues.

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