Coming into the First Frontier Circuit Finals in the No. 2 position is Poultney, Vermont’s Wendy Chesnut and Sun Frost Merridoc. “Lucky,” as she calls the mare, is a bit of a celebrity on the northeastern rodeo scene. The 11-year-old mare by RNJ Heckofafrenchman out of RNJ Ellen has captured an impressive array of championships since Chesnut started campaigning her on the rodeo trail in 2016.
Lucky has dominated both the amateur and professional rodeo ranks, starting with her first circuit finals average championship and trip to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in 2016. Since then, Lucky has been voted the First Frontier Circuit “Horse With The Most Heart,” multiple times, returned to the RNCFR numerous times, and captured the First Frontier Circuit championship as well. The superstar mare was purchased by Chesnut as a 2-year-old with about 20 rides, and Chesnut took her time making Lucky into the champion she is today. Lucky’s laid-back personality and businesslike attitude have made her rock solid on the rodeo trail. Chesnut notes that the mare doesn’t have many quirks but isn’t extremely affectionate unless you have treats on hand.
Chesnut echoes what many competitors in the northeast have witnessed, “Lucky does her job the same every time. She’s very quiet before she runs. She can hang out during the roughstock events or watch the guys that are roping, nothing really bothers her.”
On the amateur circuits, Lucky’s incredible consistency helped Chesnut become the first Vermont resident to qualify for the International Finals Rodeo despite limited hauling. She has been an unstoppable force in the American Professional Rodeo Association, dominating their finals and year-end championships during the past four years.
Lucky is all business inside and outside of the arena, and it is apparent that the mare is as passionate about running barrels as her owner. Chesnut credits the mare’s huge heart and athletic ability for their success as a team, and notes that she has been an incredible blessing to the Chesnut family.
