Dakota Kirchenschlager steps into the practice pen on Smokin Stilettos, a six-year-old mare owned by Jordan Driver Land and Cattle Co. Dakota has had her in his program since she was four, and keeping her physically fit, sound, and mentally fresh is a priority he takes seriously.

After a good run, Dakota lets her stand and decompress, petting her and giving her a moment to settle. It's not just a nice gesture. That release builds confidence and lets the horse know she did her job right. His approach throughout is soft and patient, and he's deliberate about never taking frustration out on a horse, especially when the horse isn't the problem.

Dakota also speaks to the physical demands of the job and the athleticism it takes for a rope horse to stop hard and hold a steer. He works on giving his horses the confidence to go deep in the dirt and stay wide and balanced. Just as important as the physical side is knowing when to quit. Dakota makes a point of ending practice sessions on a good note, while the horse still wants more. Keeping a rope horse craving the run rather than dreading it is what keeps them performing at their best, run after run.