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
Heidi Schmidt talks WPRA National Breakaway Finals
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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...
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...
2026 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class Announced
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearWPRA NEWS 2026 ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class Announced By Ann Bleiker COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado – It seems only fitting as we close out Women’s History Month for 2026 that we announce two WPRA members who will be...
LaTonne Sewalt — January 23, 1939 – March 24, 2026
Nominations for Outstanding Committee Woman of the YearWPRA NEWS LaTonne Sewalt — January 23, 1939 - March 24, 2026 By Ann Bleiker The Women's Professional Rodeo Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Barrel Racing World Champion LaTonne Sewalt LaTonne was...
RODEOHOUSTON Sees Familiar Faces in Winner’s Circle
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...
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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARREL RACING® and WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKAWAY ROPINGsm — Where the Elite Compete®
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
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and
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
BREAKAWAY ROPINGsm
Where the Elite Compete®
