Rodeo News

Anita Ellis Forced to Turn Out of NFR Due to Injury, Julie Plourde to Replace Her

On November 15, 2025, Wrangler NFR qualifier Anita Ellis had a serious fall from her futurity horse and hit her head when she landed on the concrete at the arena in South Jordan, Utah. She was transported to the hospital in Salt Lake City where she remained until November 25 when she was released to go home to continue outpatient therapy.

Prior to the accident Ellis of Blackfoot, Idaho, was preparing for her first NFR. While her recovery is progressing her team of doctors have not released her to ride at this time, resulting in the difficult reality of having to turn out of the 2025 NFR.

With that decision Julie Plourde of Krum, Texas, who is ranked 16th, will now take Ellis’ place and have an opportunity to run at her first NFR. She will be awarded back number 119.

Anita Ellis and Julie Plourde

RODEOHOUSTON Sees Familiar Faces in Winner’s Circle

Mar 23, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEOHOUSTON RODEOHOUSTON Sees Familiar Faces in Winner’s Circle By Ann Bleiker RODEOHOUSTON is a bucket list rodeo that every WPRA member would love to win at least once in their career. The majority never have...

Women’s History Month feature ESPN Sports Center – Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi

Mar 21, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Women's History Month feature ESPN Sports Center - Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi By Ann Bleiker Women in Rodeo took center stage on March 18 as part of the Women’s History Month series on ESPN SportsCenter....

World Champions Visit Oval Office

Mar 13, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS World Champions Visit Oval Office By Ann Bleiker The 2025 WPRA and PRCA World Champions made a historic trip to the nation's capital Friday to meet with President Donald Trump. The event was a way to...

2026 WPRA Western Regional – Salina, UT

Mar 23, 2026

WPRA Western RegionWPRA Western RegionEntries open now through April 5th ENTER NOWEntries Are Open WPRA Western Regional - Salina, UT - April 10-12 The WPRA Board of Directors recently approved the WPRA Western Regional in Salina, UT, April 10-12 where contestants...

Lockhart Becomes First WPRA Member Reach $4 Million in Career Earnings

Mar 5, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Lockhart Becomes First WPRA Member Reach $4 Million in Career Earnings By Ann Bleiker Lisa Lockhart kicked off Women’s History Month by becoming the first WPRA member to surpass the $4 million mark in...

Anita Ellis Returns to Win San Antonio; Hammons Moves to No. 1 in World Breakaway Standings

Mar 4, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Anita Ellis Returns to Win San Antonio; Hammons Moves to No. 1 in World Breakaway Standings By Ann Bleiker Words really can’t fully describe the comeback of WPRA barrel racer Anita Ellis but rodeo fans...