A two round qualifier in Decatur, Texas finalized the remaining breakaway roping spots for Rodeo Austin.
The final 20 spots in the breakaway roping at Rodeo Austin this year were decided through a two round qualifier. The roping was held in conjunction with a jackpot produced by Webb Productions and Mr. Dirk Webb. The qualifier took place at NRS The Ranch in Decatur, Texas where nearly 100 ladies entered to take their shot at an Austin qualificaiton.
Rodeo Austin will feature 68 total breakaway ropers. 48 of them that are pre seeded based on last year’s WPRA standings and the current standings up to this point. This however leaves 20 positions to be earned through the qualifier. Any WPRA cardholder not already seeded had to compete for one of those spots.
The format rewarded both fast times and consistency. The top five ladies from each round advanced automatically, along with the top 10 in the overall average. If a cowgirl qualified through a round and also finished inside the top 10 in the average, her average spot dropped down to the next eligible cowgirl to ensure a full group of 20 qualifiers.
Round 1
Round 1 belonged to Melyssa McDonald of Post, Texas, who won the round with a sharp 1.8 second run. Kamie Crouse followed with a 1.9/ Macie-Rae Warken stopped the clock in 2.0. The final two advancing spots came at 2.1 seconds, claimed by Cali Griffin and Christi Braudrick.
Round 2
In Round 2, Jenna Fulton of St. Lawrence, South Dakota, led the way with a 1.8 second run. Kimberly Luco placed second with a 1.9. A four way tie at 2.0 seconds followed, with only three advancing positions available. Based on last year’s standings, Josey Murphy, Millie Greenwood and Sequin Brewer earned those three advancing spots.
The Average
The average race featured a tie at the top, with four cowgirls finishing on a 4.5 on two runs; Carlee Potter, Lauren Hopkins, Kamie Crouse and Taylor Engesser. Crouse had already advanced through Round 1, her average position dropped down.
Cali Griffin finished fifth in the average but had also already qualified through Round 1. Lari Dee Guy placed sixth and advanced, followed by Lyndee Moser, Lucy Richards, Kimberly Williams, Shelby Whiting, Maelee Wade and Quincy Sullivan.
With the qualifier now complete, those 20 girls will now be seeded into Rodeo Austin performances alongside the pre qualified ropers. Rodeo Austin will take place March 13–28 this year.
Last year’s Rodeo Austin breakaway title was won by Rylee George with a 1.7 second run in the finals. George is among those who entered the 2026 rodeo through pre seeding and will again be one to watch when the rodeo begins in Austin.