Langdon’s Shelby Boisjoli-Meged will return to the Calgary Stampede Rodeo this summer to defend a title she made history winning last year.
The Calgary Stampede has released its 2026 rodeo contestant list, saying 210 athletes from Canada, the United States, Mexico and Australia will compete for more than $2.1 million in prize money.
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Boisjoli-Meged became the first Calgary Stampede ladies breakaway roping champion when the event debuted at the Stampede in 2025.
According to the Stampede, she returns to GMC Stadium after giving birth to her son in May, setting up a title defence with added meaning.
The roster also includes Alberta competitors from nearby communities, including Carstairs, Okotoks and Wheatland County.
“This year’s lineup brings together proven champions, rising stars and athletes with powerful stories of grit, family legacy and incredible comebacks,” said Kristina Barnes, director of agriculture and western events at the Calgary Stampede.
“From lightning-fast rides to edge-of-your-seat competition, every afternoon at GMC Stadium will showcase the strength, precision and determination that make the Calgary Stampede Rodeo unforgettable. The energy at Stampede Park will be incredible.”
Alberta names on the roster
Several Alberta athletes are entered across the Stampede Rodeo events.
Kyle Lucas of Carstairs is entered in tie-down roping, while Audrey Butler of Wheatland County will compete in ladies breakaway roping, the same event Boisjoli-Meged won last year. Harley Cole of Okotoks is among the steer wrestling competitors.
Other Alberta competitors in tie-down roping include Logan Bird of Nanton, Beau Cooper of Stettler and Shane Smith of Wimborne.
Breakaway roping will also include Caitlyn Dahm of Duffield, Jenna Dallyn of Nanton, Bobbi Henderson of Alix, Mikenna Schauer of Halkirk and Bradi Whiteside of Longview.
Scott Guenthner of Provost returns in steer wrestling as the reigning Stampede champion after earning his second Calgary title in 2025. Clay Guthrie of Ponoka and Ryan Shuckburgh of Innisfail are also entered in the event.
Champions and contenders
Alberta’s returning champions include Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, who is back in saddle bronc riding as the reigning Calgary Stampede champion.
The Stampede described Thurston as a four-time world champion and four-time Calgary champion.
The saddle bronc field also includes Ben Andersen and Nicholas Patterson of Rocky Mountain House, Kole Ashbacher of Arrowwood, Dawson and Logan Hay of Wildwood, Quinten Taylor of Nanton and Kolby Wanchuk of Stettler.
Jordan Hansen of Amisk, the 2021 Calgary Stampede bull riding champion, is also returning to GMC Stadium, while Garrett Green of Meeting Creek is another Alberta competitor in the bull riding field.
Kody Lamb of Sherwood Park and Ty Taypotat of Nanton are among the Alberta competitors in bareback riding.
The Stampede list also includes bareback rider Ethan Mazurenko, whose hometown is listed as Alberta.
Alberta barrel racers on the roster include Taylor Manning of Ponoka, Blake Molle of Chauvin, Jennifer Neudorf of Bluffton and Jayden Wilson of Gleichen.
International field set for Calgary
The broader Stampede Rodeo field includes defending champions, former Calgary champions and world title holders.
Stetson Wright of Milford, Utah, is scheduled to compete in both bull riding and saddle bronc riding.
The Stampede identified Wright as a 10-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champion.
Cooper Cooke of Victor, Idaho, returns as the reigning Stampede bareback riding champion, while former Calgary champions R.C. Landingham and Tanner Aus are also part of the bareback field.
Anita Ellis of Blackfoot, Idaho, is back in ladies barrel racing after winning the Calgary title in 2025. The Stampede said Ellis is returning after a serious accident in November 2025.
Shad Mayfield returns as the 2025 Stampede champion in tie-down roping.
The Stampede said Mayfield is returning to competition after hip surgery this spring.
The saddle bronc roster also includes Rusty, Ryder, Statler and Stetson Wright.
Rodeo runs daily
Stampede Rodeo performances begin daily at 1:30 p.m. at GMC Stadium.
Rodeo tickets include admission to Stampede Park.
Fans across Canada can watch the action live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
Viewers in the United States can watch on The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel+.
The Calgary Stampede said daily results will be posted on its website.
The contestant list is subject to change.
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