Breakaway roping is a timed event in rodeo where a rider on horseback attempts to rope a calf. The event is predominantly designed for female competitors, although youth and amateur male competitors also participate. In breakaway roping, a calf is given a head start in the arena and the rider pursues it on horseback. The rider ropes the calf with a specialized rope called "breakaway rope" that is tied around their saddle horn with a string. Once the calf is roped, the rope breaks away from the saddle horn, signaling the rider to stop their horse. The timing stops when the rope breaks away. The event emphasizes quickness, precision, and skill in roping the calf and stopping the horse as quickly as possible.
