Get to know the top 15 breakaway ropers from the International Professional Rodeo Association’s regular season who will compete in International Finals Rodeo (IFR) 55 in Guthrie, Oklahoma, at the Lazy E Arena on Jan. 16-18, 2025.
For the 55th year, the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) will host the thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season at the International Finals Rodeo (IFR), set for Jan. 16-19, 2025, at the Fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., featuring the IPRA’s best athletes.
During this exciting 55th annual edition of the IFR, the top 15 of the association’s best will square off throughout four riveting performances of rodeo action. Accomplished Western sports athletes will compete for one of the most coveted titles in Western sports-the IPRA World Championship, and a piece of the impressive $500,000 total payout.
Meet the lineup (biography information courtesy IPRA)
Top 15 IPRA Breakaway Ropers:
1. Maelee Wade
Pre-IFR Earnings: $27,367
Hailing from White, Georgia, 19-year-old Maelee Wade began her journey in IPRA rodeos in 2020. She’s made her mark with back-to-back Reserve Champion titles in 2022 and 2023. Maelee combines her love of adventure with competition, traveling north during the summer for fair rodeos. Her success is bolstered by her trusted partner, “Queen,” a reliable 9-year-old red roan mare.
2. Grace Toberer
Pre-IFR Earnings: $24,566
Mount Ulla, North Carolina’s, Grace Toberer joined the IPRA in 2021 and quickly made waves, earning the prestigious IPRA Rookie of the Year title. Now 19, Toberer channels her creativity into her small business, “Customs By Grace,” designing shirts. With her main mount “Cricket” sidelined by injury, Grace will now be competing on “Penny,” her new mare.
3. Hadassah Mullet
Pre-IFR Earnings: $21,347
Hadassah Mullet of in Sugarcreek, Ohio, has been an IPRA member since 2023. Now 19, Muller is gearing up for her second consecutive IFR after gathering the 2023 Breakaway and All-Around Rookie of the Year. When she’s not competing, Hadassah trains breakaway horses and raises bottle-baby zebras.
4. Kyla Matthews
Pre-IFR Earnings: $19,500
Athen Tennessee’s Kyla Matthews is the reigning IRPA World Champion Breakaway Roper. The 24-year-old Agraduate of East Mississippi, she balances her career as an esthetician with her passion for working with young horses. An eight-time IFR qualifier, Kyla credits her family’s unwavering support for her achievements.
5. Oralee Madison
Pre-IFR Earnings: $18,904
16-year-old Oralee Madison, from Crofton, Kentucky, works part-time as a veterinary technician. She’s grateful for the opportunity to travel the country with her family, and her main mount, “Xena,” has been instrumental in her success as a two-time IFR qualifier.
6. Sierra Clement
Pre-IFR Earnings: $18,115
Sierra Clement of Hudson Falls, New York, is a dedicated nurse and proud mother. The 3-year-old is married to Colby, she balances her nursing career with her rodeo pursuits. A member since 2018, Sierra cherishes the memories of traveling with her husband and baby, Macy Roe.
7. Sage Dunlap
Pre-IFR Earnings: $15,663
23-year-old Sage Dunlap hails from Bear Creek, North Carolina. Her successful season and IFR55 qualification are thanks to her dependable mount, “Jack.”
8. Jessie Nooren
Pre-IFR Earnings: $15,491
Jessie Nooren of Mossley, Ontario, is a competitive breakaway roper and mother to Bryce and Shane. Despite overcoming significant injuries, she continues to excel in rodeo at the age of 32. Her career highlights include winning a go-round at IFR53, and she takes pride in her personal bests in Tipton and LaPorte, IN, with her consistent horse, Rex.
9. Cassie Chapman
Pre-IFR Earnings: $15,269
Cassie Chapman, 35, from LaFayette, GA, is a seasoned competitor and teacher. Married to fellow IFR55 qualifier Zeb Chapman, she has been an IPRA member since 2012 and has qualified for six IFRs. Her main mount, “Chex,” earned Horse of the Year honors in 2021.
10. Adrienne Trainor
Pre-IFR Earnings: $15,056
Adrienne Trainor from Buncombe, Illinois, teaches 6th-grade math and holds a degree in agricultural education from the University of Tennessee-Martin. At 37 years old, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Andrew, and their dog, exploring new states together since joining the IPRA in 2017.
11. Ryley Layton
Pre-IFR Earnings: $14,784
Ryley Layton, born April 30, 1994, from Copan, Oklahoma, manages a sale barn and ranches alongside her husband, IFR55 tie-down roper Tylen. At 30 years old, she’s a dedicated mother to Lawson, she balances family life with her passion for rodeo, looking forward to competing at IFR55 with her main mount, “Pockets.”
12. Cassidy Kelly (Rookie)
Pre-IFR Earnings: $14,508
Cassidy Kelly, the IPRA Rookie Breakaway Roper of the Year from Sulphur, Oklahoma, is a proud mom and radiology technician. She’s excited to make her IFR debut in her first year of membership.
13. Kimberly Comtois
Pre-IFR Earnings: $14,341
Kimberly Comtois, from Daveluyville, QU, is an Equine Sports Massage Therapist and has been with the IPRA since 2019. She shares a special bond with her gray gelding, a key factor in her IFR55 qualification.
14. Paige Pursel
Pre-IFR Earnings: $14,227
Paige Pursel from Fredonia, PA, is gearing up for her fourth IFR qualification. She attributes her success this season to her steadfast horse, “Woodrow,” and is eager to compete at IFR55.
15. Kolby Whitesell
Pre-IFR Earnings: $13,792
Kolby Whitesell, from Marietta, SC, has been part of the IPRA since 2017 and is now a three-time IFR qualifier. She treasures the memories of each qualification, supported by her family every step of the way.
