RODEO NEWS

Gunderson Gets Big Win in Denver

By Ann Bleiker

Heidi Gunderson is a regular name in the Futurity world standings but after a big win in Denver her name will be amongst the top in the early 2026 ProRodeo world standings.

Gunderson of Murdock, Minnesota, has won the WPRA Futurity World Title three times during her career but could a push for her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo be in the future for her in 2026? A strong start with the win in Denver, where she picked up over $9,000, might just have the northern cowgirl contemplating that option.

“This is his first rodeo,” stated Gunderson in the winner’s circle. “We are just really excited, and I think there is more to come.”

Gunderson won the 120^th National Western Stock Show and Rodeo aboard Wonder If Im Lucky owned by good friend Shannon Kulseth after stopping the clock in the final round in a time of 14.91 seconds. The duo was the only team to finish in a sub-15 second time on Sunday afternoon in Denver. Kulseth and Gunderson are a force to be reckoned with as Gunderson won the 2024 WPRA Futurity World Championship aboard Lucky Blaze, also owned by Kulseth.

Gunderson came in through the Denver qualifier at the end of December and the horse she calls Casey just kept showing up for her in a big way.

“That just defines that horse’s year. He was a futurity horse last year and had a phenomenal year and he just continued to do run after run,” Gunderson said about the young talent. “He has made dreams come true.”

Gunderson’s husband Mark, starts the horses and within a couple of months can usually tell if it’s a ride that she might find success on.

“We’ve loved him the entire time,” Gunderson said about Casey. “He was super easy to train and moved his feet right. He’s willing. He’s never been a horse that anything was difficult for him. It was easy to teach him.”

Casey finished third in the 2025 futurity world standings in the WPRA at the age of four. Time will tell if he can carry his jockey and owner to their first Wrangler NFR qualification at seasons end. Until then they are basking in their win in the Mile High City.

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