An untimely and serious injury sidelined one first-time qualifier just before her first trip to the big show, opening the gate for the next lady in line to make her debut under bittersweet circumstances.
The barrel racing world has felt a mix of emotions following the WPRA’s announcement that NFR qualifier Anita Ellis has officially turned out of the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo due to injuries sustained in a serious accident earlier this month.
Ellis was set to make her first career appearance at the NFR, but suffered a traumatic head injury on November 15th after falling from her futurity horse and striking the concrete at a Utah arena. She was rushed to a Salt Lake City hospital, where she remained in the ICU for several days before being released on November 25th to continue outpatient treatment.
While her recovery is moving in a positive direction, doctors have not cleared her to ride, leading to the sad but necessary decision to pull out of her first trip to Vegas.
Brandon Ellis, shared the emotional update on social media.
“Today was one of the hardest days yet… we made the decision to pull Anita from the NFR this year. It wasn’t a choice we wanted to make, but it was the only choice that protects her safety and long-term healing… Anita’s brain needs rest, structure, and time. This isn’t the end of anything. Her comeback story is still being written.”
For Ellis, this news is a crushing blow at the end of what was a breakout season. The Idaho cowgirl climbed rapidly into the top of the standings, winning major titles, including the renown Calgary Stampede. Her first NFR qualification was not just earned but it was very well deserved.
That makes this all the more difficult for everyone who has followed the journey and rallied around Ellis through prayers, fundraisers, and constant support since the accident. Her journey to recovery continues, and there is no doubt she will be welcomed back to the arena with the loudest of cheers. She will be back in that little yellow arena sometime down the road, but for this year, Anita has to focus on healing first.
A Bittersweet Opportunity
With Ellis turning out, the WPRA announced that Julie Plourde of Krum, Texas, the No. 16 ranked barrel racer, will now step into the field of 15 and make her NFR debut. She has been assigned back number 119. For Plourde, this is a dream come true, though not in the way she ever imagined.
Plourde was consistent and tough all year long, staying within striking distance of the Top 15 and proving she belonged among the best. Her qualification is not a technicality or a default, it is the product of a well earned, successful season.
Julie was in and out of the Top 15 all year long, battling through one of the toughest seasons in recent years. When the final barrel of the 2025 regular season was turned, she missed the finals by just one spot, securing $118,000 on the year. Katlyn Scott claimed the final No. 15 spot with just over $130,000, earning her own first trip to the NFR.
Julie addressed the situation on social media, sharing her gratitude and heartbreak all at the same time.
“This is not the way I was expecting to make my first appearance at the NFR… My thoughts and prayers go to my fellow competitor Anita Ellis and Brandon Ellis. I will think about her every time I run next week. My horses are feeling awesome and we are gonna enjoy every little moment of it.”
Plourde’s words reflect what the entire rodeo community is feeling. There is a lot of joy for one cowgirl finally getting her chance and heartbreak for another who fought so hard to earn hers. But she and the entire rodeo world understand the emotional weight behind this. It comes out of the heartbreak of a friend and fellow competitor’s difficult setback. Plourde is stepping into the biggest arena in rodeo with gratitude, humility, and a deep respect for what Ellis fought so hard for.
While one tough cowgirl is focusing on healing after one of the biggest challenges of her life, another is preparing to run down the Thomas & Mack alleyway for the very first time. But in true rodeo fashion, both are being lifted by a community that understands the highs and lows of this sport like no other.