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

WPRA National Breakaway Finals 2026-Live

Jul 31, 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...

Gold Medals Awarded in Salt Lake City

Jul 28, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Gold Medals Awarded in Salt Lake City By Ann Bleiker In front of the sold-out crowd gold medals were awarded to close out the 2026 edition of the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo presented by Zions Bank.Shelby...

Calgary Stampede – One for the Record Books in 2026

Jul 13, 2026

Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearRODEO NEWS Calgary Stampede – One for the Record Books in 2026 By Ann Bleiker If you weren’t a barrel racing fan before the 2026 edition of the Calgary Stampede, one could bet if you watched just one round of the...

Michelle Alley and Haiden Thompson Top Earners over the Fourth of July

Jul 7, 2026

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

Jul 7, 2026

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

Jun 30, 2026

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...