The more pressure and the more money just makes me crave it more. This rodeo you know you're backing in there for $50,000. Before my run I try to get my mind right, stretch and really think about it. – Dakota Eldridge
SALT LAKE CITY — Although one man is in the arena competing for rodeo glory, his support system can help the rider gain an extra edge.
Dakota Eldridge, a four-time World National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Elko, Nevada, has a support system he is proud to brag about.
During the Friday performance of the Days of ’47 rodeo Eldridge competed in the steer wrestling against top competitors from across the United States.
Eldridge made a 3.7-second run, the fastest run of the rodeo, which earned him a place in the short round on Monday.
Each night the top two riders qualify to compete in the short round on Monday. Each night competitors get the chance to win around $3,000. During the round on Monday, eight competitors in each event will compete to win the $50,000 and earn an Olympic-style medal.
“You’re going against eight of the best guys,” Eldridge said. “It’s tough to be in the top two. A chance to come back and win the medal… that’s a prize you don’t get to win every day.”
The $50,000 prize money means the most to Eldridge, but there's also the chance to advance in the world standings.
“That’s the kind of money you can invest and do something with,” he said. “That’s why it is so awesome to get this rodeo in Salt Lake City. I think it is going to build and other rodeos are going to want to add more money so they can start trying to compete with the Salt Lake City rodeo.”
Coming to a rodeo with one of the biggest payouts of the year could cause some competitors to get nervous, but Eldridge said he thrives on the pressure.
“I do better at these bigger setups,” he said. “The more pressure and the more money just makes me crave it more. This rodeo you know you're backing in there for $50,000. Before my run I try to get my mind right, stretch and really think about it.”
Although Eldridge is on the road the rest of this weekend he plans to mentally prepare himself as best he can for the short round on Monday by visualizing his run.
“You just have to compete against the animal,” he said. “You are not competing against anybody else besides yourself and the animal. For the short round I’ll just figure out what steer I got and try to go make the best run I can.”
With Eldridge sitting fourth in the WNFR standings, the $50,000 would secure his spot at the WNFR, and he said with a win here he could send his horse home to rest for the summer. The horse has become a part of Eldridge’s family.
“My grandpa raised that horse and I bought him as a 2-year-old,” Eldridge said. “We have had him forever. He is 18 this year. He is getting old, and being able to give him a summer off is going to make him last that much longer.”
His horse isn’t the only thing Eldridge’s family has passed on; they also passed on the cowboy lifestyle and all of their support.
“My dad and mom always kept me with good horses,” he said. “It is a great way to grow up; being in the Western industry and preserving this lifestyle.”
Eldridge’s father grew up on a ranch, his grandpa owned cattle and it has been in his family’s blood forever, he said.
“I have been pretty blessed,” Eldridge said. “I have stayed healthy and had great horses. There are always ups and downs but I’m just thankful I’m out here, healthy and I just have to keep a good attitude. It takes so many people to be involved in this sport, including friends and family.”