Daniel Wilder said his journey into the world of rodeo was shaped by his family, his fierce competitiveness and his passion for the sport. As a member of Team Cavender’s for the past two years, Wilder said he has witnessed firsthand the value of being part of a team that emphasizes growth, camaraderie and success.
“Just growing up through junior rodeo, I looked up to people like Jordi Edens Mitchell and Riley Webb,” Daniel says. “Then my sister Anna got on Team Cavender’s, and she referred me when it was time for her to graduate. That’s how I got on the team.”
Wilder said being part of Team Cavender’s has allowed him to compete alongside some of the most driven and talented young athletes in the rodeo world.
“What I love most about Team Cavender’s is how tight-knit everyone is. It’s a group that really pushes you to be the best version of yourself,” Wilder said. “A lot of youth teams are competitive, but Cavender’s really takes it to another level.
“We have three people going to The American this year, which motivates me to stay on top of my game,” he added. “It’s not just about the competition; it’s about being around athletes who truly care about each other’s success.”
Photo by Jennings Photography
Wilder said one unique aspect of Team Cavender’s is that it is not only about rodeo. Team members also get exposure to the business side of the industry.
“We got to be around people who work at Cavender’s, not just the rodeo side,” he said. “I think that’s cool because we learned a lot about how the business operates as a whole. I think the relationships and connections we’ve made through Cavender’s will be valuable for us, whether we go professional in rodeo or take a business route.”
Wilder, who will attend University of Tenessee-Martin on a rodeo scholarship in the fall, said he is exploring both his athletic and academic future.
“I’m just taking it as it comes,” he said. “I want to rodeo for as long as I can, but I’m also leaning toward the business side, especially since I come from a farming background. After college, I’ll likely return to the family farm, but I’ll still be involved in rodeo, training horses and competing when I can.”
Wilder’s passion for horses is something he said runs deep in his family. His great-grandfather, Lowe McDaniel, introduced the family to Tennessee Walking Horses. Over time, his family transitioned into breeding and raising American Quarter Horses, which eventually led them into rodeo.
Wilder said his mother was a barrel racer, and his grandfather played a huge role in teaching him and his sisters how to ride and compete.
“My grandfather was a huge influence on me,” he said. “He’s the most competitive man I know, and he taught us the value of being the best at whatever we do.”
Wilder said he inherited his grandfather’s competitive spirit, which has served him well in the rodeo arena. He has excelled in several events, including team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and reined cow horse.
“Growing up with my sisters, we would practice together, and it was always a competition,” he recalls. “That helped me push myself and get better.”
As Wilder continues to build his future in both rodeo and business, his deep-rooted passion for the sport and his family’s legacy remains at the heart of his journey. Whether competing professionally or pursuing business ventures, Wilder’s commitment to excellence and his love for the sport will undoubtedly guide him toward success.
