C
Casey Allen
Guest
Few horses have defined the 2025 futurity season like Wonder If I’m Lucky beneath Heidi Gunderson, and he added to his undeniable record with a Young Guns League futurity title and strong Pink Buckle finish in Guthrie the first week of October 2025. The 2021 gelding by Lucky Wonder Horse out of T5 Sunnys Superstar (PC Mr Sun Peppy) has been a picture of precision and heart—earning his place among the year’s top futurity money earners with performances that showcase both speed and maturity beyond his age.
Coming off standout wins at the Young Guns League and Pink Buckle Futurities, Gunderson and “Lucky” continued their pattern of consistency that has made them one of the year’s most reliable—and rewarding—teams. Their combined efforts in Guthrie added nearly $70,000 to the gelding’s record, pushing his lifetime earnings to roughly $278,000 before sidepots, open payouts and additional money and reinforcing his standing as QData’s No. 5 futurity horse of 2025.
For Gunderson, who trains from her family’s Minnesota ranch, the week was another reminder that faith, patience, and a good horse can make all the difference. “He just gives it his all every time,” Gunderson said. “He’s only four, but he runs and handles like a seasoned horse. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
At just four years old, Wonder If I’m Lucky has already become one of the most reliable and consistent futurity horses in the country. “This was his sixth futurity win,” Gunderson said. “He just gives it his all every time. Both rounds here were so solid.”
Even with all the success, Lucky still shows his big personality. “He spooked all over the place before the first round — even knocked me in the shin — but once he goes down the alley, he’s all business,” Gunderson said. “He’s a little watchy, but that’s just him. If he wants to win, we’ll deal with the rest.”
“Lucky” is one of several high-caliber offspring by Lucky Wonder Horse, a stallion whose reputation for quick-footed, gritty, and confident horses has grown with every major event of the season. Gunderson says the bloodline’s consistency speaks for itself.
“They’re fast, they’re smart, and they’ve got a little look to them — but I think it gives them an edge,” she said. “I’ve had several, and they’ve all been incredibly talented.”
Gunderson trains for Kulseth, who purchased Wonder If I’m Lucky as a yearling after owning his dam from a young age. “Shannon just trusts us,” Gunderson said. “We’ve had him from the very beginning, and it’s been a blessing to develop him every step of the way.”
This season also marked Gunderson’s first full year training professionally after leaving her teaching career — a leap she said came after deep consideration. “I prayed about it a lot,” she said. “After I won the BFA, I literally heard God say, ‘Have I shown you this is your path?’ That moment told me everything I needed to know.”heidi_gunderson_1d_young_guns_l…
Back home in Minnesota, her husband, Mark, starts the colts while Gunderson handles the show string. “Our barn isn’t heated, so our horses grow winter coats and we just keep going,” she laughed. “It means a lot of miles to Oklahoma and Texas, but it’s worth it.”
She credits both Mark and Kulseth for the team’s continued success. “Shannon trusts me, Mark rides the colts, and this horse has made dreams come true,” Gunderson said. “Only God could write this story.”
Next up, Gunderson plans to keep Wonder If I’m Lucky in competition while developing the next generation of prospects for her program. “Shannon’s had plenty of offers, but I’m thankful she’s said no,” Gunderson said with a grin. “Because I get to keep riding him.”
As for Lucky himself, Gunderson says he’s still just as grounded as ever. “He doesn’t even know what he’s done for us this year. He’s special — the kind of horse that reminds you why you do it.”
The post Wonder If Im Lucky Futurity Title No. 6 of 2025 Season Beneath Heidi Gunderson in Guthrie appeared first on BarrelRacing.com.
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Coming off standout wins at the Young Guns League and Pink Buckle Futurities, Gunderson and “Lucky” continued their pattern of consistency that has made them one of the year’s most reliable—and rewarding—teams. Their combined efforts in Guthrie added nearly $70,000 to the gelding’s record, pushing his lifetime earnings to roughly $278,000 before sidepots, open payouts and additional money and reinforcing his standing as QData’s No. 5 futurity horse of 2025.
For Gunderson, who trains from her family’s Minnesota ranch, the week was another reminder that faith, patience, and a good horse can make all the difference. “He just gives it his all every time,” Gunderson said. “He’s only four, but he runs and handles like a seasoned horse. I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
A Year for the Record Books
At just four years old, Wonder If I’m Lucky has already become one of the most reliable and consistent futurity horses in the country. “This was his sixth futurity win,” Gunderson said. “He just gives it his all every time. Both rounds here were so solid.”
Even with all the success, Lucky still shows his big personality. “He spooked all over the place before the first round — even knocked me in the shin — but once he goes down the alley, he’s all business,” Gunderson said. “He’s a little watchy, but that’s just him. If he wants to win, we’ll deal with the rest.”
Lucky by Name and by Nature
“Lucky” is one of several high-caliber offspring by Lucky Wonder Horse, a stallion whose reputation for quick-footed, gritty, and confident horses has grown with every major event of the season. Gunderson says the bloodline’s consistency speaks for itself.
“They’re fast, they’re smart, and they’ve got a little look to them — but I think it gives them an edge,” she said. “I’ve had several, and they’ve all been incredibly talented.”
Gunderson trains for Kulseth, who purchased Wonder If I’m Lucky as a yearling after owning his dam from a young age. “Shannon just trusts us,” Gunderson said. “We’ve had him from the very beginning, and it’s been a blessing to develop him every step of the way.”
Faith, Family, and the Future
This season also marked Gunderson’s first full year training professionally after leaving her teaching career — a leap she said came after deep consideration. “I prayed about it a lot,” she said. “After I won the BFA, I literally heard God say, ‘Have I shown you this is your path?’ That moment told me everything I needed to know.”heidi_gunderson_1d_young_guns_l…
Back home in Minnesota, her husband, Mark, starts the colts while Gunderson handles the show string. “Our barn isn’t heated, so our horses grow winter coats and we just keep going,” she laughed. “It means a lot of miles to Oklahoma and Texas, but it’s worth it.”
She credits both Mark and Kulseth for the team’s continued success. “Shannon trusts me, Mark rides the colts, and this horse has made dreams come true,” Gunderson said. “Only God could write this story.”
Still Rolling
Next up, Gunderson plans to keep Wonder If I’m Lucky in competition while developing the next generation of prospects for her program. “Shannon’s had plenty of offers, but I’m thankful she’s said no,” Gunderson said with a grin. “Because I get to keep riding him.”
As for Lucky himself, Gunderson says he’s still just as grounded as ever. “He doesn’t even know what he’s done for us this year. He’s special — the kind of horse that reminds you why you do it.”
- Jacobson, Harris Take Titles: Young Guns League Race Results 2025
- Ward and GamblingSlick Top Futurity: Pink Buckle Results 2025
- Heidi Gunderson: Faith, Family, and a Breakout Year with “Wonder If I’m Lucky” on The Money Barrel
The post Wonder If Im Lucky Futurity Title No. 6 of 2025 Season Beneath Heidi Gunderson in Guthrie appeared first on BarrelRacing.com.
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