University of the Pacific junior Dakota McCurley wrangles a business major in the classroom while pursuing a career in rodeo.
Season 2 (2026)
Breakaway Star
I followed Dakota's journey to compete in the 44th Annual Coalinga College Rodeo.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Stockton to Coalinga
Dakota traveled 4 hours to Coalinga, CA after her classes wrapped up in Stockton.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Eat Like a Horse
First order of business: Setting up Skittles for the night at her pen. Then, dinner with friends.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Friends & Competitors
Dakota's childhood friends Tessa James and Luke Stamper also competed at the rodeo.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Growing Up Together
Luke, representing Allan Hancock College, has known Dakota since the 7th grade.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Coal + Station "A"
Located in Fresno County, Coalinga got its name from the coal mined in the area.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
A Rodeo Force
West Hills College has hosted a Spring Rodeo for over 45 years at its own rodeo arena.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Dog Mom
Dakota's chihuahua – rescued as a stray from Stockton – was her constant shadow.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Fueling Up
Access to forage and water during travel and at the event is key for competitive horses.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Look Good, Perform Good
Dakota's routine: Coffee first, then hair, makeup and putting on her Pacific-themed vest.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Next Horse Up
She almost didn't bring Skittles to compete. Her go-to horse got injured at a rodeo in AZ.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Skittles' Turn
Skittles got brushed, her mane and tail braided, her hooves trimmed, and then saddled up.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Armor Up
Leg wraps and boots are used to protect a horse's lower legs and prevent injury.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Warming Up
At West Hills, Dakota was slotted to compete in breakaway and team roping.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Rodeo's Fastest Event
Breakaway roping is a timed rodeo event where a mounted rider ropes a calf.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Heading & Heeling
Dakota's partner in team roping was Tessa. Together they'd work to rope a steer.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Need For Speed
Breakaway roping, "the fastest event in rodeo," is the sport's biggest growth event.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
On to the Next
Dakota's next competition: The Jim Glines Memorial College Rodeo in Santa Maria, CA.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Good Job, Girl
Skittles gets a kiss on the muzzle (and some feed and water) for a job well done.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)
Skittles
Out of her family's eight competition horses Dakota chose to bring eight-year-old Skittles.
MARCH 2026 3:4 (1080x1440)