For the first time in WPRA history, the top two breakaway ropers in the World Standings Taylor Munsell and Shelby Boisjoli-Meged are on pace to shatter the $197,706 single-season earnings mark, currently boasting a combined $323,726 in earnings, separated by just $3,468.
With the close margins comes pressure, and both Munsell and Meged agree that the pressure is pushing them to compete at their best—not only for themselves, but the sport of breakaway roping.
With approximately seven full weeks left in the ProRodeo season, The Breakaway Roping Journal caught up with both ladies to hear how they were holding up and what’s in store for the top two in the world.
Taylor Munsell: Staying on Top of the Breakaway Roping Standings
Q: With the season earnings record likely to fall, what’s your perspective on where things stand?
Absolutely — the record will get broken this year, and probably by a wide margin. We’re still about seven weeks from the NFBR, and there’s a ton of big-money rodeos left. It’s just a matter of how quickly it happens.
Q: Which rodeos are you targeting down the stretch?
Puyallup, Sioux Falls, and the Mandan Rough Rider’s Cup are big ones for me. Caldwell, Burley, Kennewick, Bremerton, Coeur d’Alene, Ellensburg, Walla Walla, and Filer are all still ahead. If you have a hot week at any of them, you can win a big chunk — we’ve seen it before.
Q: This year’s standings seem tight beyond the top two. Has that changed your mindset?
Definitely. From about 15th down, there are a lot of girls who can make moves. The tour system adds extra opportunities, and with how entries shake out, you can’t count anyone out.
Q: What’s your travel schedule like right now?
I’ve had a couple of rare days off — jackpotting on my young horse “Goon” and enjoying cooler weather out here — but it’s ramping back up: Gooding slack, Caldwell perf, Burley slack, Tremonton slack, and hopefully Caldwell’s short round. The drives aren’t bad; we’ve done them plenty.
Q: Walk us through your current horse lineup.
“Colonel” is my A-string right now — he’s been outstanding. “Monster” is home until later in the year; I did ride him at Abilene and split the win, which was special. “Ray” is a solid option for certain setups, and “Goon” is seasoning at jackpots.
Q: Has your rodeo route been different this year?
Yes — there are so many viable routes now. I’ve done stretches where I went a completely different direction from most girls, and all those rodeos still drew strong entries.
Q: What’s been the biggest key to staying No. 1?
It hasn’t been about roping lights-out every time — it’s been about giving myself the go to win. Hitting the barrier, riding my horse right, and putting myself in position. When it works, it works.
Q: How do you manage the mental side, especially leading the world?
Faith has been my anchor. This is the talent God gave me, and I want to honor it by working hard and staying positive. I try to take something good from every run. Having Shelby right behind me has actually kept me motivated — it’s fun to have that push.
Q: Where do you see breakaway roping headed?
It’s getting bigger every year — more added money, more support from committees. I think we’ll see the record broken this year, and I hope it’s me.
Shelby Boisjoli-Meged: Chasing from Second
Q: How’s the summer been treating you?
Wet. This has been the rainiest rodeo stretch I’ve ever had. From Dodge City’s canceled short round to mud at Missoula and Chinook, it’s been a grind — but we’ve made it work.
Q: Who’s been your main mount?
Miss Onna is carrying the load. Rootbeer is in reserve, but Onna’s my go-to — even on her off days, she gives me a chance to win. My brother-in-law let me ride his horse at a couple of mudders, which saved me from turning out.
Q: Why stick almost exclusively with Onna instead of splitting runs?
Consistency. Both Onna and Rootbeer have strengths, but Onna’s style suits me. Even when conditions aren’t ideal, she’s a winner.
Q: Any challenges with maintaining your new style on the road?
Yes — without a practice pen, it’s easy to slip into old habits. I have to stay committed to getting to the front, because when I don’t, the run feels off and Onna tells on me right away.
Q: What’s your strategy for the playoff series?
I’ve been triple-checking my standings with the WPRA to make sure I’m on track. I’m focused on capitalizing at tour rodeos to secure Sioux Falls — I don’t want to rely on Puyallup as my only shot.
Q: You still hold the 2023 season earnings record. Do you think it’ll stand?
Not a chance. Calgary added breakaway this year, payouts are bigger, and more rodeos are on board. I expect records to fall for several years as the sport grows.
Q: What’s your upcoming schedule?
Caldwell, Moses Lake, Gooding, Burley, Baker — a mix of down days and all-night drives. Slower than it’s been, but still busy.
Q: You’re less than $4,000 behind Taylor. How does this position feel?
Familiar. I’ve chased the leader three out of my five years in the WPRA. I’d actually rather be in second than first — less pressure, more freedom to take risks late in the season.
Q: How does this year’s competition compare?
It’s tougher. More money, more rodeos, and girls splitting routes means I hardly see some competitors. Everyone’s figuring out their haul patterns, and the field is stacked.
Both Munsell and Meged’s strings are fueled by Equinety, and yours can be, too. Special thanks to Equinety for supporting our ProRodeo coverage all year long.
