From alternate to Average Champion, Plourde’s unlikely Vegas run reshaped her season. Now a horse named Truly Epic may be the next piece of the puzzle.
Last December, Julie Plourde was not preparing for the National Finals Rodeo. She wasn't even supposed to be there.
She finished in the dreaded 16th spot in the world standings in 2025, just one spot shy of qualifying for her first NFR. When Anita Ellis was severely injured and unable to compete, Plourde got the call as the first alternate. It was a last minute opportunity that became one of the biggest moments of her career.
Plourde’s main mount, known as Epic, had suffered an injury at the beginning of the summer and required surgery following the regular season. With Epic still recovering, Plourde entered the Thomas & Mack Center aboard her backup horse, Rocky. The horse had primarily competed at outdoor rodeos and had not been tested on rodeo’s biggest stage.
The duo didn’t just hold their own in the Thomas and Mack, they won the NFR Average.
The average title is awarded to the barrel racer with the fastest combined time over all 10 rounds in Las Vegas. It is a test of consistency under the highest of pressure, and in a tricky set up. Plourde, who was not even initially qualified, walked away with one of the most respected and sought after titles in professional rodeo.
That was 2025, and now it’s a new season, and Julie is already having a great year. Although early on in the year, Plourde is giving her a real chance at another NFR trip again in 2026.
Earlier this year, Plourde and her husband announced they had purchased Truly Epic, a 2021 gray stallion by $6 million sire Epic Leader and out of Famous Silk Panties, a daughter of Dash Ta Fame. The horse earned more than $50,000 in barrel racing futurities in 2025 and was previously owned in partnership with 2025 NFR qualifier Tricia Aldridge.
When the purchase became all official, Plourde shared her excitement on social media.
“2026 is already starting with a bang for us! I am beyond excited for this new adventure and to be a co-owner with my wonderful husband of Truly Epic,” she wrote. “Was it in the plan to buy a stud? Absolutely not. But then again… it wasn’t in the plan to go to the NFR either, so imagine winning it! More news coming soon!”
With Epic still in recovery and Rocky proving himself capable under any and all pressure, Truly now enters the mix at a pivotal point in the 2026 season.
Plourde recently clocked a 13.1 second run at Northside in the Fort Worth Stockyards aboard Truly. This was a run that turned some heads. A mid 13 second run will routinely win that rodeo. A 13.1 is nearly unheard of in that pen. Obviously Julie and Truly are a good fit.
Now, Julie announced that Truly is getting the call for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. San Antonio is one of the richest and most competitive winter rodeos of the Texas Swing. With Epics background, this pen might really be his deal. The duo will run in bracket 2 starting in perf 4 on February 14th. The top 4 money earners from the 3 roudn brackets advance to the semi finals.
Plourde’s 2025 Cinderella season end did not include Truly Epic, however her 2026 season will.
From the alternate to the NFR Average Champion and now to owner of one of the sport’s most talked about young stallions. Plourde’s story continues to evolve, and this time, she is not waiting for a phone call to get in. She is arriving with great options.
This year for Plourde could be just as the beautiful grey stallion's name suggests,
Truly Epic.