Kendal Pierson of Wardlow, Alberta, became Canada’s undefeated breakaway roping champion after taking the title at the 2022 Canadian Finals Rodeo, held in Red Deer, Alberta, Nov. 2–6. Pierson also won the title in 2021, the inaugural year for breakaway roping’s inclusion in the rodeo.
Fight For the Crown
It was a three-way battle going into the CFR. Pierson lead with $17,779.79 in earnings, and Taylor Flewelling of Lacombe, Alberta, followed with $16,103.94. Behind her, Bradi Whiteside of Longview, Alberta, entered with $15,347.22.
During the first of the three rounds of competition, Pierson lost her lead to Whiteside’s 2.6-second run but recovered in the second and third rounds with two 2.0-second runs to regain her position at the top and win the average.
She earned $8,500 in round earnings and $7,500 in aggregate earnings, totaling $33,779.79 for the year, which secured her championship title and undefeated record.
Smoking Gun
Pierson rode Kendals Smokin Gun at the CFR, a 12-year-old gray gelding she calls “Smoke.”
“Being able to win my second Canadian title on the back of this horse means the world to me,” said Pierson in an Instagram post.
Our Time
“This is just the start for what’s to come in Breakaway roping and I couldn’t be more happy to have roped along Canada’s top 12 girls this year,” Pierson continued in the post. “Breakaway ropers, this is our time!”
