For the competitor, Art of the Cowgirl will offer five competition events including: the Kimes Ranch World’s Greatest Cowgirl presented by Western Horseman, the Wrangler All-Women’s Ranch Rodeo presented by COWGIRL magazine, the Merck Animal Health Breakaway Roping presented by Kimes Ranch, All-Girl Team Roping presented by Merck Animal Health, and the NEW Total Feeds Daybreak Colt Starting Challenge.
2026 Competition Events
World's Greatest Cowgirl
Presented by Western Horseman
WCG Events: Herd Work, Reining, Steer Stopping & Fence Work
Contestants: Limited to 40 Entries
Added Money: $TBA
Judges: TBA
Dates: February 24-28
*Subject to Change
*Mandatory Check-in/Reception Tuesday Evening, February 24.
General Information: Top 10 horse/rider combinations will advance to the Finals on the last day of the contest. Finals start with a clean slate. Online entries only. All entries are due by December 20, 2025. Entries received after December 20th will be considered late and late fees will be included. No new entries will be taken after February 15, 2026.
Ranch Rodeo
Presented by COWGIRL Magazine
Details: Teams of 4, Max of 2 teams per Contestant
*Limited to 40 Teams by Invitation Only
Dates: February 24-28
*Subject to Change
*Mandatory Check-in/Reception/Judge’s Meeting Tuesday Evening, February 24.
Prelim Events: Ranch Horse, Branding, Team Roping, Sort & Doctor
Finals Events: Team Roping, Sort & Doctor, 4-Head Ranch Steer Stopping
General Information: Top 10 teams from preliminaries will come back to the Finals. Finals is clean slate. If on multiple teams at least two team members must be different. Events subject to change. Any changes will be posted & reviewed at the judges meeting prior to event.
*Entries Open Monday, November 3rd, 2025
Breakaway
Presented by Kimes Ranch
Details: Two Full Rounds and a Short Round, Enter 1 Time
*Limited to 60 Ropers
Added Money: $TBA
Date: Friday, February 27, 12:00pm
*Subject to Change
General Information: Top 10 on 2-head back to the Short Round. Short Round will be held immediately following final long go Friday afternoon. 80% Payback.
*Entries Open Monday, November 3rd, 2025
Team Roping
Presented by Merck Animal Health
Details: This will be a #9.5 Roping, 4-Steer
Entry Fee: $600 per Team, Enter 2 Times
*Limited to 100 Teams
Date: Thursday, February 26, 9:00am
*Subject to Change
General Information: Limited to 100 teams. This will be a 4-Steer Roping, Progressive After 1, Top 20 to the Short Round. Ropers must have a current 2026 Global Handicap to Enter and Rope. Limited to 100 Teams. There will be no cap on this event. 80% Payback.
*Entries Open Monday, February 2, 2026
Daybreak Colt Starting Challenge
Presented by Merck Animal Health
Contestants: By Invitation
Date: February 24-28, See Schedule for Details
General Information: This three-day event will highlight the incredible skill, patience, and partnership of some of the West’s top horsewomen as they take on the challenge of starting unhandled colts in front of a live audience.
The Daybreak competition will feature three elite cowgirls, each paired with a 3-year-old colt. Over the course of three days, fans will witness the progression of these young horses as the competitors showcase their training methods and horsemanship.