Unbridled Spirit: Meet the Women Leading the Calgary Stampede into a New Era

Cherie Copithorne-Barnes

First vice-chair, Calgary Stampede Board of Directors

As the first woman to be the incoming president of the Stampede’s Board of Directors, Cherie Copithorne-Barnes sees her role as “both an honour and a privilege” in helping to drive the Calgary Stampede forward. “I am excited to make sure that my ranching roots are reflected, but also look forward to building a gathering space that means something to everyone,” she says. “The Calgary Stampede has maintained authentic Western hospitality that has made us world famous. This unique attribute is what separates us from the rest.”

She also reminds Calgarians that the Stampede is a not-for-profit organization. “We are here to serve the community.”

Raegan First Rider

2026 Stampede First Nations Princess

A jingle dress dancer from Kainai Nation, Raegan First Rider represents both the Stampede and her Kainai community as Stampede First Nations Princess. “The Blackfoot people have been here since time immemorial and it’s very important that we are able to share our knowledge and way of life,” she says. Her Blackfoot name, Isspiitaapoyi, which means Stands Tall, aligns with how she describes her royalty experience: “monumental and empowering. This opportunity has inspired me to lead by example and has been instrumental for me as a role model for Treaty 7.”

First Rider believes that Stampede royalty brings people together. “It’s very important to have female ambassadors who young girls can look up to and feel inspired.”

Sarah O’Brien

2026 Stampede Princess

Growing up in Calgary, Sarah O’Brien developed a diverse riding background — showing horses, trail riding and performing with the Calgary Stampede Showriders. For her, being a Stampede Princess means being a link to the community. “It’s so much more than a crown,” she says. “A huge part of this role is connection and sharing the values that the Stampede is built on: making people feel welcome, inclusivity and representing that sense of community.”

This year marks Stampede royalty’s 80th anniversary. “I’m very grateful to follow in the footsteps of so many remarkable women that have represented the Calgary Stampede before me. Their legacy of leadership and Western pride is something I hold close to my heart, and I am proud to help carry that forward.”

Bobbi Henderson

Breakaway-roping athlete

Hailing from Alix, Alta., Bobbi Henderson is a two-time Canadian Finals Rodeo qualifier and captured the Canadian Breakaway Roping Championship in 2021. In 2024, she won the Maple Leaf Circuit Finals. A timed catch-and-release event, breakaway roping involves the rider roping a calf, then quickly stopping their horse. This causes the rope to “breakaway” from the saddle horn, stopping the time. Henderson will debut at the Calgary Stampede in 2026, as her sport was officially added to the rodeo in 2025.

“Breakaway roping is one of the fastest and most exciting events in rodeo,” Henderson says. “As a little girl, I always dreamed of competing at the Calgary Stampede one day. Getting to compete there in breakaway roping makes it that much sweeter.”

Jennifer Neudorf

Barrel-racing athlete

A former competitor in reining, where riders are judged guiding horses through patterns, Jennifer Neudorf switched to barrel racing in 2019. In her new sport, where horse and rider race around preset barrels, she’s found great opportunities and success. “I love how much the horse gives you,” she says. “The feeling when everything you’ve worked toward aligns and falls into place is unmatchable.”

In 2025, she won the barrel-racing event at the Ponoka Stampede and competed in her first Calgary Stampede. She looks forward to competing at this year’s Stampede. “It’s special to me to be able to share my passion and talent with horses at an event as grand as the Calgary Stampede.”

Sophia Lowie

Extreme cowboy racing athlete

Growing up in Leduc, Alta., Sophia Lowie holds the distinction of being the youngest female competitor invited to the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge, an invitational limited to 10 elite riders from around the world. She was only 15 when she competed in 2021. Extreme cowboy racing is a multifaceted equestrian sport requiring riders to demonstrate both speed and horsemanship while navigating an obstacle course. Lowie captured the 2024 championship title and returned in 2025 to claim the reserve champion title.

“Competing at the Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up is a profound honour and an incredible experience, as it is one of the most coveted competitions in the extreme cowboy world,” she says. “What matters most is the time and effort you put into training, and exposing your horse to different experiences and building a strong foundation of trust.”

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