Breakaway roping is a fast-paced and exciting rodeo event where a mounted cowgirl ropes a calf. The goal is to rope the calf around its neck cleanly and quickly. Once the rope is secure around the calf's neck, the cowgirl signals by "breaking away" a piece of string or a specially designed breakaway honda that connects her rope to the saddle horn. This breaking action stops the clock.

The primary goal is to achieve the fastest time while successfully roping the calf. There are penalties for various infractions, such as roping the calf incorrectly (e.g., catching a leg or head and a leg), or for the cowgilr's horse crossing the scoreline before the calf crosses it. The cowgirl starts in a box, and the calf is given a head start. Once the calf crosses the scoreline, the cowgirl can pursue and attempt her throw. It's a display of horsemanship, roping skill, and lightning-fast reflexes.