Howard Hunter Sr. in 1976. Hunter, known as Watogla Akan Yanka Wicasa, or Wild Horse Rider in the Lakota language, was inducted into the Indian National Finals Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2010. Photo from Anne Hunter via Native Sun News
‘Sunka Watogla Akan Yanka Wicas’ (Wild Horse Rider) Howard Hunter Sr. rides on
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer PINE RIDGE –– On April 4, the rodeo world and Oglala Lakota Nation lost one of their most decorated athletes in modern history, with the passing of Howard W. Hunter Sr. Born Feb. 4, 1951 in Pine Ridge to a family of ranchers in Kyle. Hunter was destined to become a fixture in the rodeo scene as his family was known for hosting rodeos on their land. While most ten year olds are learning to ride a horse, Hunter had already graduated on to saddle bronc riding and doing it commandingly. At the young age of 11, Hunter entered his first rodeo in Gordon, Neb. where he won his first buckle. Throughout high school, he continued to compete in the amateur circuit in bull riding and saddle bronc. By 1969, Hunter had become a master of his trade. He won the team trophy for the Oglala Community School single-handedly at the South Dakota High School Finals Rodeo. He placed first in bareback, first in bull riding and second in saddle bronc. This win earned him a spot in the National High School Rodeo. Hunter joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1970. In 1971, Hunter put his focus and energy into riding saddle bronc exclusively and in that year he won the South Dakota Rodeo Association Saddle Bronc Championship. It was through the guidance, support and mentorship of Charlie Colombe (Sicangu Lakota) which helped lead him to Shawn Davis. Davis was a three-time saddle bronc champ who later become president of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Davis was the one who initially took Hunter on the road with him and paid for his expenses and entry fees. This business relationship helped Hunter develop as a professional and make contacts necessary to further his career. In return, Davis received a percentage of winnings. Hunter became the Badlands Circuit Saddle Bronc Champ in 1976, 1978, and 1982. He rode saddle bronc in the National Finals Rodeo in 1976, 1979, and 1980. The Indian National Finals Rodeo began in 1976 after several champion organizers from both Canada and the United States came together to compete in the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah for the first ever INFR. Hunter qualified for the Indian National Finals Rodeo 14 times since it began. He won four Saddle Bronc Championships in 1980, 1987, 1988 and 1990. He was the Great Plains Indian Rodeo Association saddle bronc champion ten times. He was inducted in the South Dakota Rodeo Hall of Fame. A fall at the Crow Fair Rodeo at the Crow Agency in Montana on August 19, 1995 led to a traumatic brain stem injury and forced him into retirement. Hunter was inducted into the South Dakota Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2001 and in 2012 he was honored as an inductee into the Indian National Finals Rodeo Hall of Fame. Howard W. Hunter was laid to rest on April 10 on the Hunter burial plot at his home. (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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