A change-up in the 2025 NFR barrel racing roster took place when the WPRA sent word on November 28 that Anita Ellis is officially turning out of the Las Vegas event after injuries sustained from a horse riding accident, while Julie Plourde gets the call to run in her first National Finals Rodeo.
Anita Ellis entered the final weeks of the 2025 regular season poised to make her first appearance inside the Thomas and Mack Center. Instead, a serious injury sustained in mid-November has forced the Blackfoot, Idaho cowgirl to turn out of her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
With Ellis unable to compete, No. 16 ranked Julie Plourde of Krum, Texas will take her place in the 15-woman field and receive back number 119.
Accident and Recovery
On November 15, Ellis suffered a significant fall while working a futurity horse in South Jordan, Utah. She landed on concrete, sustaining a head injury that required immediate transport to a Salt Lake City hospital. She remained there under medical care until November 25, when she was released to continue outpatient therapy at home.
Ellis’ recovery has progressed steadily, and her family has continued to update the rodeo community throughout the week. Despite her improvements, her medical team has not cleared her to ride, leaving her unable to safely compete at the 2025 NFR.
Turning out of her debut Finals marks a difficult moment for Ellis, who earned her first NFR qualification after an impressive 2025 season. The WPRA announced the replacement per standard NFR procedures.
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Plourde Receives the Call
With Ellis officially unable to compete, Julie Plourde will move into the No. 15 position and step into the NFR arena for the first time in her career. The Krum, Texas cowgirl narrowly missed qualification during the regular season but will now enter the Finals with a full opportunity to run all ten rounds.
Ongoing Coverage
The entire rodeo community continues to rally behind Ellis as she focuses on recovery. BarrelRacing.com will continue monitoring updates on her condition and provide additional coverage as this story develops.