GILETTE, WY – Burch Rodeo’s “Lunatic From Hell,” the 2018 PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, passed away April 22. He was 16.
Chad Burch of Burch Rodeo told ProRodeo Sports News “Lunatic From Hell” passed away from colic on the way from the stock contractor’s ranch in Gillette, Wyo., to Clovis, Calif.
“We did everything we could and tried our hardest and he just ended up passing away,” Burch said. “This (him passing) dang sure makes a guy blue just because he was more like family than anything and not being able to do something for him was really tough.
“He was the second horse we ever had that won (PRCA) Bucking Horse of the Year and a guy doesn’t come across those kinds of horses but once in a lifetime,” Burch said. “He was fun to be around all the time and was just a great horse.”
Colic is a term used to describe a symptom of abdominal (belly) pain, which in horses is usually caused by problems in the gastrointestinal tract. There are over 70 different types of intestinal problems that cause colic symptoms, which range from mild to severe (life-threatening) in nature.
“Lunatic From Hell” competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from 2014-23. The horse they call a blonde bay made 10 trips to the NFR and was one you wanted under you when the money was on the line. Over the last two years, 21-of-22 qualified rides on Lunatic From Hell had been marked 85 points or more and 13 of those were worth 87.5 points or more.
“Lunatic from Hell” was a colt sired by “Lunatic Fringe” and began his career win the PRCA in 2013. By 2016, he had begun averaging a stock score of more than 43 points.
Toby Tooke from Tooke Bucking Horses shared, “Max Burch purchased a stud from my grandfather, Ernest, they called “Tooke,” but bucked as “Whiskey Talks.” He produced a mare they called “Wipe Out” who is the mom to “Lunatic Fringe” who is the sire to “Lunatic From Hell.” That is something Max, Matt, Chad and the Burch’s can be proud of…you hear the phrase ‘Lunatic horse’ you know what you are getting.”
The highlight of the horse’s Wrangler NFR appearances was Jake Watson winning Round 5 aboard “Lunatic From Hell” in 2019 with a 92-point ride.
Other riders who placed on Lunatic From Hell at the NFR were Tyler Corrington (86 points, placed second in Round 5) and Spencer Wright (79 points, fifth, Round 10) in 2014; Cody DeMoss (85.5 points, fourth, Round 5); and Isaac Diaz (84.5 points, fourth, Round 10) in 2015; Cody DeMoss (85.5 points, fifth, Round 5) in 2016; Layton Green (87.5 points, split second Round 5); and Clay Elliott (83.5 points, fifth, Round 10) in 2017; and Cody DeMoss (86.5 points, sixth place Round 4) in 2021.
