Burch Rodeo Company and Lunatic Fringe: What the Next Chapter Holds

By Teal Stoll

After the passing of superstar bucking horse Lunatic Fringe, we caught up with Anna Burch of Burch Rodeo Company to discuss what the future looks like for the Wyoming rough stock contractors. 

Lunatic Fringe, at home in Rozet, Wyoming. Photo by Chris Douglas.

In every industry, there are “greats” and while some may get the full focus of the spotlight, others can be easily overlooked. The bucking horses in the rough stock events of rodeo are one of the most misunderstood characters of any sport. Bred to buck, but with all the intelligence of a saddle horse, bucking stock are unique in every way. Although they buck fiercely in the arena, many are gentle and kind in disposition. Like any other equine athlete, they simply love their job and do it with fervor. The contractors who breed and raise these horses give them the best lives one could imagine, with impeccable care. 

As the generations pass, rodeo fans and athletes alike revere certain animals who set themselves apart from the rest. One of those special horses was Lunatic Fringe (2002-2025). The standout paint stallion was flashy in looks, massive in stature, and legendary in the arena. Not only did he alter the lives of everyone in the Burch Rodeo Company, he changed the lives of countless cowboys by taking them to the winner’s circle repeatedly. Not only did athletes know they could pull a check if they drew Lunatic Fringe, his offspring quickly followed in his footsteps.  

Lunatic Fringe was born and raised on the Burch Ranch in Rozet, Wyoming. Wearing the brand “299,” the tri-colored paint was initially that year’s second-string stallion pick for the Burchs. One of life’s many plot twists led to him taking the number one position as a stallion. Some of his most notable offspring, including Lunatic From Hell, proved his ability as a producer. Siring two World Champion bucking horses and multiple NFR qualifiers, his legacy is remarkable. 

Lunatic Fringe went to his first National Finals Rodeo as a four-year-old. That year, and the following year, he competed as a bareback horse. At age six, he transitioned to saddle bronc riding. After he officially retired from competition at the Buck ’n Ball in Gillette, Wyoming, in 2014, the stallion spent his final years at home on the ranch. In May 2025, he passed away at age 23. 

Anna Burch of Burch Rodeo Company gave the Rodeo Report some extra insight on what it was like to own the larger than life paint stallion who left his mark on the industry. 

Lunatic Fringe. Photo by Chris Douglas.

What set Lunatic Fringe apart from other bucking horses?

“Luni was human-like. He understood what was going on. There are so many examples. When we retired him, he took an extra lap around the arena looking behind the bucking chutes and nodding his head. I think he would have winked if he knew how! Burch Rodeo was awarded a plaque in his honor, so we took him to Deadwood just for the crowd. The bronc riders stayed next to the trailer before we let him out and Luni went into the arena, stopped, rolled, got up, shook, and walked back out. He was very kind, smart, and good looking. He was our quarterback.”

What impact did Lunatic Fringe have on your program?

“Burch Rodeo was known as Outa Line Equine with horses like the 2008 Saddle Bronc of the Year Blood Brother. When Lunatic Fringe went to a rodeo, you knew that you had the horse to win it. His offspring proved it too, like his son Lunatic From Hell, who was the 2018 Saddle Bronc of the Year. There are countless horses that have been selected to the National Finals Rodeo and won PRCA and Canadian Horse of the Year titles. Now his daughters are having another generation (of his bloodline). It would be interesting to total all of the money bronc riders have won on him and his offspring.”

What is your favorite memory or performance that encapsulates his legacy?

“My favorite memory would be when they won two go-rounds at the National Finals Rodeo in one year.”

In what ways is your program pivoting since his passing? What are your next steps?

“Years ago we took him to Timber Creek Veterinary Hospital where Dr. Gregg Veneklasen collected his semen and froze it for future generations to come. We also have a lot of daughters to breed to and cross with different outstanding bucking lines beyond the ‘Fringe’ bloodlines. We are excited every year to raise, buck, and hope to get one as good as he was. I am not holding my breath because he was one of a kind and we were so lucky to have him.”

While horses like Lunatic Fringe do not come along every day, we are eager to see what his descendants will accomplish inside the arena. Rest in peace, Lunatic Fringe, your legacy will live on in your bloodline.