Dakota Kirchenschlager is an accomplished team roper and respected rope horse trainer from Whitesboro, Texas.

A three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and the 2011 Resistol Team Roping Rookie Heeler of the Year, Kirchenschlager made his first appearance at the NFR at age 21, in 2012.

Kirchenschlager, of DK Performance Horses, uses lessons learned from reiners, reined cow horse trainers and ropers alike, with an emphasis on the importance of keeping horses responsive and liking their job.