NFBR Set to Kickoff Tuesday in Las Vegas

By Ann Bleiker

In 2023, Shelby Boisjoli etched her name in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s record book winning her first breakaway roping world title in record fashion setting an all-time earnings record with $197,706.

The Alberta-born cowgirl is back atop the world standings for breakaway roping as she looks for her second world title. She could become the first breakaway roper to win back-to-back world titles since the event got introduced to ProRodeo’s from coast to coast. Prior to 2020, the world title was awarded off WPRA co-sanctioned roping standings but since then it has been based solely on ProRodeo standings. The last WPRA member to win back-to-back breakaway roping world titles was Kelsie Chace Domer in 2017-2019. Domer will also be in the hunt this year coming into the NFBR ranked fourth.

            This will be Boisjoli-Meged’s third time to pin the No. 1 back number on after moving into first on the final weekend of the regular season with a total of $146,665. She is followed closely by Josie Conner, who will be riding the breakaway roping horse of the year Dutch, and coming in with $139,098. The veteran in the sport with a total of 23 WPRA World titles, three of them coming in breakaway roping, is Jackie Crawford at No. 3 with $135,498.

            Boisjoli-Meged has qualified for every Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping since 2020 and the only other roper in the field to have accomplished this feat as well is Martha Angelone ranked No. 6. In 2022, Angelone won her first world title.

            Making their NFBR debut appearance is Maddy Deerman, Rylee George and TiAda Gray, while Macy Young and Jordan Jo Hollabaugh are making their first appearance at the NFBR here in Las Vegas as their previous appearance was at the inaugural NFBR held in Texas.

            All the action will take place at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center Dec. 3 and 4 at 2 p.m. PT. Tickets are still available for those looking to watch in person and for those unable to make the trip catch all the action on The Cowboy Channel.