“A large amount of people that rodeo come from a ranching or farming background,” said Dakota Eldridge, four time WNFR qualifier from Elko, Nevada “They appreciate and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle that includes hunting.” Dakota grew up hunting. “Elko has it all; hunting, fishing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, you name it… and I am active in all of it. When I was a kid, I had to stay busy, I still have to! Having so much to do right in my hometown really rounded out the person I am today… And going down the rodeo road is not only my career now, but has also become a passion of mine. I am blessed to get to do what I love for a living and live such an engaging life between rodeo and all of my outdoor hobbies.”
Once he is done going down the road from January through September, Dakota is ready for some quiet time. “You are gone from the home so much, always driving from town to town, and around so many people that when Fall hits – my passion is being outside with the peace and quiet of nature, hunting, getting to know yourself, and enjoying the outdoors.
It is neat to see how closely related outdoor enthusiasts are with rodeo in many different aspects – Just one example of many is when I recently went hunting with mules this Fall and it was amazing how the guides took
Dakota winning round 7 at the 2016 WNFR – Molly Morrow
care of their horses – it’s similar to me taking care of my horses on the rodeo road.” For Dakota, the best source of organic meat and a trophy on the wall is hunting. “I am excited to be partnering with Sportsman’s Choice and Record Rack Feed because I admire their dediation to the outdoor lifestyle and their commitment to providing quality feed for wildlife.”
His mom and dad (Mark and Veronica Eldridge) have supplied Dakota with horses to get down the road. “Ever since I was a little kid my parents have made sure I always have good horses to ride” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better support system than I have between my family, friends, sponsors and fans. I am so grateful to have such good people standing behind me”.
His goals for 2017 are simple ones. “Make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo again, win a gold buckle, and invest my money wisely so I can keep rodeoing for years to come!”
