PRORODEO Sports News - January 10, 2025

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Kolt: My dad actually got me started when I was six. He rodeoed his whole life too and so did my grandpa. My grandpa actually started the first youth rodeo association in Wisconsin. I was on my first steer at six and it kind of took off from there. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Kolt: I didn’t even qualify for the high school finals. That gave me a chance to go to a bull riding and I was the only one to stay on and won $4,200 in one night. At 17 years old that was pretty big for me. Then my junior year of college I started becoming consistent and knew at that point this is what I wanted to do. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Kolt: I did just about every event you could growing up until I was a sophomore in high school. Then I finally decided it was time to focus on one event. Bull riding was always that one I was drawn to and put the most time and effort into. So, that was the one I decided I would stick with. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Kolt: I rode bareback ponies until I was probably 14 and then I gave that up. I also tie-down roped, team roped, steer wrestled and did the ribbon roping in junior high rodeo. The only one I didn’t try was saddle bronc riding. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this season? Kolt: In 2023, I had to have hip surgery, so I was out all year. I had my permit the year before in 2022 and then had that surgery. I knew I wanted to have a good permit year last year and establish myself. That way I could get my card this fall and be able to go rodeo. What do you hope to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Kolt: I’m excited to learn how to travel and enter rodeos efficiently. Then also having the chance to get out on the road and see some new country. I’m also excited to learn the ins and outs of what it takes to make it to the Wrangler NFR. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Kolt: Somebody I look up to a lot is Cory Check. He’s actually is the record holder at the National Circuit Finals in bull riding (with a 95-point ride). He lives about 20 minutes up the road from me. He’s been a crucial part of my career since I was about 10 years old. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Kolt: I definitely want to win Pendleton (Ore.) someday. I think it would be super cool to win that rodeo. What’s your favorite TV series? Kolt Achenbach, 24, hasn’t had the typical start to his PRORODEO career. He first jumped on the professional circuit in 2022, but an injury put that dream on hold before it got started. The Prairie Du Chien, Wis., bull rider has the train back on the tracks in 2025. Achenbach put together a strong start to the new season at the RAM Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo in Louisville, Ky., Nov. 14-16. He captured the average title and pocketed $7,693 in the process to sit 11th in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings as of Jan. 8.

KOLT ACHENBACH

Kolt: Right now, it would have to be Landman for sure. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo? Kolt: I like Waffle House quite a bit. I like the chocolate chip waffles and some bacon. Then I drown them both in syrup. What’s the first vehicle you drove? Kolt: The first vehicle I drove was a 2006 Saturn Ion. Do you have a favorite candy? Kolt: My favorite candy would have to be a Reese’s Take 5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Kolt: I really like to go deer hunting and fishing. I also do a lot of snowboarding in the wintertime. What’s your favorite holiday?

Kolt: I would say the Fourth of July because that’s when Cowboy Christmas is and all the best rodeos. Then obviously the Fourth of July celebration that comes with it too. What type of music do you like listening to? Kolt: I listen to a lot of rap and country. Zach Top is my favorite country artist and Young Dolph is probably my top rap artist.

12 ProRodeo Sports News 1/10/2025

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