We caught up with Dakota Thurmond, the exhibitor the Grand Champion Wether Dam at the 2024 EYO. Learn a little more about Dakota below!
What was the hardest thing for you to learn showing?
The hardest thing for me to learn was patience, and the failure that goes along with showing.
Who is your role model?
I have several role models, and without their help, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My mom and dad have always been by my side, working hard with me on every project and teaching me how to care for livestock, whether it’s our show animals, or our cattle. Alma Juanes and Elena Santiago are amazing mentors who provide expert showmanship coaching and guidance, not only with my animals, but with life in general. They have a unique way of calming my nerves and supporting me through everything, and pushing me out of my comfort zone, and over time, they’ve become like family. Alex Prickett and Kylar Lee have a real talent for recognizing potential in animals and ensuring they look their absolute best. They’ve taught me that no two animals show the same, and they’ve helped me learn how to present each one to reach its full potential. Their guidance has also inspired me to set and achieve big goals.
What do you do to calm your nerves?
I try to relax my breathing and focus on the goat, blocking out everything else happening around me, and sometimes I listen to music.
What is your favorite hobby?
My favorite hobbies, other than showing livestock, include participating in 4-H, dancing—specifically ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, and acro—playing the drums and piano, hunting, fishing, crafting, traveling, and pretty much anything that involves being outdoors.
Showing in Showmanship or Showing in the show
Showing in the showmanship
Working hair or Clipping
Clipping
