Simmes Returns As Bullfighter For 103rd Stampede

Dakoda Simmes of Sunburst returns to the arena for the 2026 Wild Horse Stampede rodeo as a bullfighter ready to jump between a cowboy and 1,500 pounds of danger.

This will be Simmes’ seventh appearance at the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede.

In the blink of an eye, a bull ride can go from good to catastrophic, and it’s the bullfighter’s job to keep their own nerves in check and be ready to save the day.

“Everyone is different. It never really leaves, you always get that sense of nervousness, but if you learn how to control that, then that’s what drives you to do better and go out there and use it as a tool,” Simmes said.

Simmes is a 2009 graduate of North Toole County High School in Sunburst.

“You just got a passion for it and I love what I do and want to do it for as long as I can,” Simmes added.

Simmes is sponsored by Blue Rock Co. and Macon Construction.