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
During World War II, Augusta National Golf Club temporarily became a working farm, raising cattle and turkeys and harvesting pecans to support the war effort.
Organizers say the event helps bridge the gap between producers and consumers
Education efforts give visitors a closer look at dairy farming at the Rodeo Austin Livestock Show with the help of a cute cow named Lucy.
Texas Farm Bureau intern Jazmine Gutierrez-Davila uses her background and bilingual skills to connect kids to agriculture while attending Rodeo Austin’s Livestock Show.
The five-day auction drew up to 6,000 people and saw steady prices throughout the event
Rodeo Austin exhibitor Kash Morrison reflects on how FFA taught him the importance of hard work and time management while competing in livestock shows during the school year.

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:

Scouts say yields are landing close to USDA projections as they monitor drought pressure and abandonment concerns.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the recent hantavirus outbreak linked to a South American cruise ship and Nebraska’s monitoring efforts on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
The Unger family says the operation focuses on land stewardship and on keeping more Hawaii-raised beef on the islands.
Andy Tauer from the National Pork Board discusses efforts to boost pork demand and how the industry is responding to trade restrictions related to pseudorabies.
Sinagra Family Dairy is focused on expanding local milk production and supporting its rural community.
Hulse discusses leadership, college life and what members can expect at this year’s convention.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Ray’s Roadhouse is a weekly program featuring the music of Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Ray and his band Asleep at the Wheel has had a more than 50 year career in the music industry and over the years have earned nine Grammy Awards. The program also will feature guest performers such as Pat Green, Stoney LaRue and Kelly Willis.
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Circle Sessions offers a more personal look at country music’s leading artists, featuring intimate discussions and behind-the-scenes moments filmed in and around the Opry’s circle.