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
Michelle Alley and Haiden Thompson Top Earners over the Fourth of July
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Michelle Alley and Haiden Thompson Top Earners over the Fourth of July By Ann Bleiker Michelle Alley had never been to Canada, but she made the most of her first time north of the border raking in a...
Special Wins in Reno for Beisel and Outhier
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Special Wins in Reno for Beisel and Outhier By Ann Bleiker If the short round of the 2026 Reno Rodeo was any indication of the level of competition expected within the WPRA over the next month of...
Calgary Stampede Field Finalized
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Calgary Stampede Field Finalized By Ann Bleiker The 2026 edition of the Calgary Stampede gets underway on July 3 and we now have an official list of those who have earned a spot in this prestigious...
Heidi Schmidt talks WPRA National Breakaway Finals
431 South Cascade Colorado Springs, CO 80903(719) 447-4627 (719) 447-4631 (fax)Privacy Policy Contact US431 South Cascade Colorado Springs, CO 80903 DIRECTIONS(719) 447-4627 | (719) 447-4631 (fax)Privacy...
New Home, New Name, New Dates—Still the Crowning Jewel for Professional Rodeo Breakaway Roping
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS New Home, New Name, New Dates—Still the Crowning Jewel for Professional Rodeo Breakaway Roping By Ann Bleiker COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (May 14, 2026) – The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and...
Unique Awards in ProRodeo
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Unique Awards in ProRodeo By Ann Bleiker While the traditional trophy buckle remains rodeo's most iconic award, many major ProRodeos now present unique, event-specific prizes that reflect their local...
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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARREL RACING® and WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKAWAY ROPINGsm — Where the Elite Compete®
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