From Ranch to Arena: Kolt Mendenhall Shares How Raising Cattle in South Dakota Shaped His Next Chapter

Son of a South Dakota Rancher, Kolt Mendenhall is turning his lifelong passion for riding into a collegiate career, committing to Southeastern Oklahoma State University next fall, bringing years of ranch experience to the collegiate arena.

DURANT, OKLAHOMA (RFD News) — High school senior Kolt Mendenhall has turned his passion into an opportunity to compete at the next level.

Mendenhall has signed with the Southeastern Oklahoma State University team as he looks to continue his career in saddle bronc riding. He says growing up on a cow-calf operation helped spark his interest in the sport.

“I grew up on a ranch in South Dakota with my dad. In 2020, we decided to move down here. It’s better cow country,” Mendenhall said. “I’ve been going to rodeos all my life and riding horses before I could walk. It’s been great.”

As he prepares for his next steps, Mendenhall says his early experiences with the team have been nothing but positive.

“It’s a great school. I’ve been going there and practicing every Tuesday,” he said. “I’ve been getting to know everyone. I have a great coach.”

Mendenhall says he’s eager to improve his performance and see how far he can go in the sport.

Related Stories
High school students are exploring agriculture, leadership and future careers through the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation program.
The training helps young riders build safe habits before getting behind the wheel.
2022 PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen previews the three-day event coming to Music City next month.
Tight cattle supplies and continued consumer demand for beef helped support one of the industry’s largest summer video auctions.
Head Coach Wyatt Clark discusses growing interest in collegiate rodeo, investments in the program and Nebraska’s role in hosting the 2026 National High School Finals Rodeo.
The Bureau of Land Management says the adoption event is part of a broader effort to manage herd populations and protect western rangelands.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Better access to patient data could improve care and reduce administrative burdens.
Supporters say mandatory country-of-origin labeling would improve transparency, while analysts say the proposal still faces hurdles.
Sam Walton says his family’s approach continues to evolve with each growing season.
According to the Minneapolis Fed, the U.S. economy has remained resilient as prices continue rising.
Industry leaders say domestic shrimp still has a place in the marketplace despite cheaper imports.
Input costs, labor shortages and trade concerns topped the discussion during a farm roundtable.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.