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
2026 Committee Woman Nominations Now Open
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Now accepting nominations — 2026 Committee Woman of the Year Presented by Montana Silversmiths By Ann Bleiker In 1948, the Girls Rodeo Association, now Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, was built...
WPRA National Breakaway Finals | 2026
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS 2026 WPRA National Breakaway Finals Tickets Now On Sale By Ann Bleiker Tickets for the 2026 Wrangler WPRA National Breakaway Finals are now on sale at ticketmaster.com. The Wrangler WPRA National...
Champions Crowned at the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup Presented by Texas Precious Metals in Sioux Falls
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Champions Crowned at the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup Presented by Texas Precious Metals in Sioux Falls By Ann Bleiker SIOUX FALLS, SD (Sept. 27, 2026) – The final day of the Cinch Playoffs...
WPRA Names Contract Personnel for Wrangler WPRA National Breakaway Finals
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS WPRA Names Contract Personnel for Wrangler WPRA National Breakaway Finals By Ann Bleiker COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (September 24, 2026) – The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association has selected their...
ABI Attachments Named Official Arena Drag of the WPRA
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS ABI Attachments Named Official Arena Drag of the WPRA By Ann Bleiker COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – Safe and consistent rodeo ground is in everyone’s best interest as it makes for fair competition that is...
WPRA Announces 2026 Committee and Contract Awards
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS WPRA Announces 2026 Committee and Contract Awards By Ann Bleiker COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO – While most eyes are on the final world standings to see who will punch their ticket to the NFR, rodeo...
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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARREL RACING® and WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKAWAY ROPINGsm — Where the Elite Compete®
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
BARREL RACING®
and
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
BREAKAWAY ROPINGsm
Where the Elite Compete®
