In the heart of Elko, Nevada, where the sagebrush meets the sky and cowboy culture runs as deep, a young Dakota Eldridge first dreamed of rodeo glory. Today, as a world champion steer wrestler positioned second in the world standings and heading into his eleventh National Finals Rodeo, his story stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West and the transformative power of unwavering determination.
“Elko’s more than a hometown; it’s a big part of who I am,” Dakota reflects, his eyes bright with nostalgia for the place that shaped his destiny. In this corner of Nevada, where being a cowboy isn’t just an occupation but a way of life, Dakota’s journey began under the watchful eyes of his father Mark, who worked at UPS but always ensured his son had access to great horses, and his mother, Veronica, who supported his rodeo dreams while working for a local lawyer.
Roots of a Champion
Dakota’s grandfather Tom played a pivotal role in shaping his future, running 400-500 head of cattle and teaching his grandson the value of hard work in any conditions. “My grandpa was a hard worker. He made us work long days, cold or hot. But I look back and it’s like, man, that’s what molded me… it made me who I am,” Dakota reflects. These long days on the ranch, which often started as “half days” but stretched into full days of riding, laid the foundation for his work ethic and character.
The vast ranches of Nevada provided an unparalleled training ground. “Those ranches are so big… any time you go out to move cattle, it’s not like you’re going to move from pasture to be a couple of hours. It’s days,” Dakota explains. “Sometimes there’s camping… That lifestyle just hardens you a little bit and gets you ready for life, no matter what.”
The Power of Community
The rodeo and roping community’s spirit of generosity left an indelible mark on Dakota’s development. “If you surround yourself with somebody, if you don’t got nothing and you’re hardworking, somebody is probably going to take you in and put you underneath their wings,” he reflects. His early exposure to great horsemen and ranchers provided invaluable learning opportunities, including chances to ride cutting horses with notable figures like Tom Marvel and Bill Zunino.
Dakota’s summers in Nampa, Idaho, at his uncle Marlow’s property marked a turning point in his development. Starting around age 12, these visits became intensive training grounds, where he would spend weeks to months practicing roping, breaking away, and developing his skills that would later prove valuable. “I’d either go to work with him during the day or do stuff around the house. And then we drove and roped calves.” Dakota remembers of those formative years.
The Evolution of a Champion
The path to becoming a professional steer wrestler wasn’t always clear for Dakota. “I always saw myself as a team roper or a calf roper at the NFR,” he admits. During his second and third years of college at Blue Mountain, Dakota earned $25,000 in amateur rodeos and another $25,000 competing in circuit rodeos throughout the Northwest. His versatility in high school rodeo, competing in steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, and cutting, laid the foundation for his future success. During his high school career, he dominated the all-around category for his last three years and consistently placed in multiple events.
Despite a tempting scholarship offer from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dakota chose to follow his passion to Blue Mountain in Pendleton, Oregon. At Blue Mountain, Dakota found invaluable mentorship from the coaching staff. The roughstock coaches proved to be exceptional teachers who played a pivotal role in his development, providing guidance and support that would help shape his future success.
The Rusty Factor: A Champion’s Partnership
Perhaps no single factor has influenced Dakota’s professional success more than his partnership with his remarkable horse, Rusty. Known officially as Mr. Lightning Poco, Rusty’s pedigree includes impressive bloodlines tracing back to Swedes Jet On by Jet Deck and Dobey’s Rockette, with maternal lines reaching to Poco Lighting Bar and Miss Quincy Rebel. This distinguished heritage is a standout and should be noted by rodeo horse enthusiasts.
“Suddenly, I saw what Rusty could really do,” Dakota recalls of the moment he realized the full potential of the horse his grandfather had raised. The partnership proved legendary, with Rusty competing in the National Finals Rodeo from 2013 to 2019, missing only one year due to Dakota’s knee injury. Their connection caught the attention of rodeo luminaries like Luke Branquinho, confirming both Rusty’s exceptional ability and Dakota’s rising star in the sport.
After Rusty’s impressive career, which included competing at numerous National Finals and playing a pivotal role in Luke’s 2014 world championship title, he was retired to a well-earned life on a 2000-acre cattle ranch. As is common in professional rodeo, Dakota continued his success mounted on exceptional horses like ‘Benz’ and ‘Tiger’ through arrangements with fellow competitors. Today, in a touching full-circle moment, Rusty enjoys teaching Dakota and Quincy’s daughters, Sally and Ruby, how to trot out barrel patterns.
Professional Ascent
Dakota’s transition from amateur to professional competition was marked by strategic decisions and pivotal moments. His rookie year began with a partnership with Seth Hopper, but a turning point came after Cheyenne when he joined forces with Jake Reinhardt, Wade Sumpter, Billy Bugenig, and Seth Brockman. The decision proved transformative, leading to his rookie of the year title in steer wrestling and the all-around championship.
The momentum continued into 2013, with Dakota making his first NFR qualification. His career reached new heights with average wins at the National Finals Rodeo in 2015 and 2017, establishing him as one of the sport’s elite competitors. His consistency has been remarkable, qualifying for the NFR eleven times.
The Modern Athlete
At 33, Dakota represents the evolution of the professional rodeo athlete. His approach combines traditional cowboy values with modern athletic discipline. “I’ve always tried to treat it like a business,” he explains. His commitment to physical preparation has intensified over the years, embracing healthy nutrition, regular gym sessions, and a focused approach to competition. The sport has changed significantly during his career, with increasing emphasis on athleticism and professionalism.
Family and Future
Dakota’s journey is enriched by his relationship with his wife Quincy, whom he met during his college years and reconnected with at college finals. They make their home in the beautiful Central Valley of California with their daughters, Sally and Ruby, now four and two years old, and respectively, they are what adds new purpose to his achievements. “It’s getting harder to leave them,” he admits with characteristic honesty.
Looking ahead, Dakota is exploring opportunities in real estate while maintaining his rodeo career, supported by partnerships with American Ag Credit, Hayden Outdoors, Boot Barn, Ariat, and Bailey’s House of Guns. His commitment to passing on rodeo traditions runs deep, particularly when it comes to his daughters. “I want them around that culture,” Dakota emphasizes.
Legacy and Gratitude
As Dakota continues to write his story in the annals of rodeo history, he remains true to the lessons learned under Elko’s open sky: success comes not just from talent, but from the unwavering support of family, the wisdom of mentors, and an unshakeable commitment to the cowboy way of life.
His appreciation for the sport and its community remains profound. “Can’t thank Rodeo and everything involved, Roping and Rodeo from all the committees to the committee men. We wouldn’t be here without them,” he emphasizes, acknowledging the countless volunteers and supporters who make the sport possible.
Dakota Eldridge stands as an example of the modern cowboy – one who honors tradition while embracing the evolution of the sport, who balances family life with professional achievement, and who never forgets the community that helped shape his success. His story continues to inspire the next generation of rodeo athletes, proving that with dedication, support, and an unwavering spirit, dreams born in heart of this Nevada-boy can lead to championship glory.
