Sarah Okamura & Sunka Wacan, her Palomino Buttes HMA horse

Cremello Gelding Foaled 1997  Adopted 1999

Sunka (pronounced “Shoon-kah”) was adopted as a long yearling from the Burns Holding Facility in Oregon.  He came from the Palomino Buttes Herd Management Area.  His color and size are not uncommon in horses from this herd.  He owes a debt of gratitude to Matt and Pam Fournier, horse trainers from Oregon, for helping select him from the holding pens.

His owner, Sarah Okumura, never owned a horse prior to Sunka.  His initial conditioning consisted of settling in for a few months.  During this time he was taught to accept a halter and lead.  Sarah spent the next few months getting him used to grooming procedures and doing simple round pen exercises.  He readily accepted a saddle and bridle. 

Since Sarah never had a horse before, she asked the trainer at the facility at which she boarded to supervise her and give her pointers from time to time.  The trainer also worked with Sunka for his first month under saddle. 

At that point, Sunka was suitable for Sarah to begin riding, although she still took lessons and asked for advice when needed.  At the age of three, less than two years after adoption, Sunka was ridden in his first parade, participated in a Pet Fair full of dogs, kids, and balloons and went on a camping trip. 

Soon after that, Sunka began his show career.  He was somewhat successful right off the bat, but Sarah knew that he could perform better.  She sought training assistance from Bob and Lori McBride, who have a lifetime of experience training and showing horses.  After a few months working with Bob, Sunka was competing successfully in open shows.  Since that time, Sarah has worked with Bob and Lori off and on but has done much of Sunka’s training herself, particularly in trail competition.  In 2004, Sunka performed successfully in the Gold’n’Grand, a large and highly competitive Western show.   He was also Super Horse at the Western States Wild Horse & Burro Expo. In 2005, he won English High Point Champion at the Expo, and they performed a freestyle act for the Friday Nite Showcase.