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.

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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.


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