Despite remaining inside the Top 15 and firmly in contention for her first National Finals Rodeo qualification, Canadian barrel racer Julie Plourde has chosen to end her summer run early.
With a really great shot of a National Finals Rodeo qualification, Canadian barrel racer Julie Plourde made a decision many competitors would struggle to make.
Rather than continue hauling across the country through the remainder of the summer run, Plourde announced she is returning home to Quebec, ending her 2026 season early to focus on her health, her family and the well-being of her horses.
The announcement came in a heartfelt social media post, where Plourde admitted releasing from upcoming rodeos was emotional, but also brought a sense of peace.
"I won't lie, I cried this morning when I released," she wrote. "I've been thinking about this since Reno."
Plourde said she wrestled with the decision for weeks. Some friends encouraged her to keep pushing toward an NFR qualification, while others advised her to trust her instincts. In the end, she chose the path that felt right, even if it meant stepping away while still ranked among the top 15 in the world.
The decision wasn't made because of poor runs.
Plourde has already earned approximately $65,000 this season and has secured qualifications for many of the winter building rodeos. Instead of continuing to haul until the end of September, she believes stepping away now will allow both her and her horses to recharge before returning on Oct. 1 to begin the 2027 season and prepare for the Texas Circuit Finals.
The choice also carries a deeply personal meaning.
Originally from Quebec, Plourde has spent nearly five years away from home while building her professional rodeo career. During that time, she has only been able to return a handful of times. She said she is looking forward to slowing down, sitting on the porch with a drink, and spending uninterrupted time with the people she has missed most.
Her horses are another major reason behind the decision.
Plourde has often spoken about putting her equine partners first, and after an intense first half of the season, she wants to keep them fresh for the winter rodeos that have become an important part of her schedule. Rather than asking them to continue through another demanding stretch of competition, she believes the break will benefit them physically while allowing everyone to return stronger.
The first half of 2026 has also brought its share of challenges. Much of the rodeo community closely followed the journey of her mare, Truly, and Plourde acknowledged the overwhelming support she has received from fans throughout the United States. She said the kindness shown to her has far outweighed the negativity.
Still, she admitted that public criticism, including comments about her English and misconceptions spread online can slowly drain a person's energy, even when they try not to let it affect them. In addition, Plourde revealed she has several health issues that need attention before the next season begins.
Although her summer run has come to an end, Plourde made it clear this is far from a retirement announcement.
Instead, she views the decision as a strategic reset.
She plans to return rested, motivated and ready to compete with healthy horses and renewed confidence when the 2027 season begins on Oct. 1.
For Plourde, success isn't measured solely by making the National Finals Rodeo. Sometimes, knowing when to pause is just as important as knowing when to keep chasing. By choosing family, health and horsemanship over another few months on the road, she hopes the step back today will position both her and her horses for an even stronger tomorrow.
