90 SIDELINES JULY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Harriet (standing) with former working student Melanie Newkirk,
on Harriet’s old grand prix horse O’Lady, owned by D & H
Partnership, at Hobby Horse Farms Fall Show.
Photo courtesy of Harriet Bunker
By Amy Herzog
Harriet Bunker is a horsewoman who believes in a positive
approach to teaching both horses and people.
She grew up riding and competing hunters and jumpers for
Colonel Robertson and at one point had the opportunity to ride for
Bernie Traurig, whom she credits as a big infuence on her riding
and training skills. Later in her career, after winning the National
Sports Festival, now known as the North American Young Riders
Championship, she was offered the opportunity to work for
Rodney Jenkins, another great infuence on her training methods.
It was during her time working for Rodney that the idea of
opening her own business was planted. Returning from a grueling
trip to Florida with Rodney, Harriet decided to take some time
off to attend The College William and Mary in Virginia, earning a
degree in economics. After graduation, Harriet decided that riding
and training horses was her calling. Leaving Virginia she headed
back to Colorado to offer her services to riders and at that time
there were very few people training young riders in Colorado so it
provided the perfect place to get started.
Harriet has owned and operated Bunker Stables in LaSalle,
Colorado, for 15 years, where she rides, trains and teaches
lessons. “I love what I do, and I would ride whether you paid me or
not. I think of myself as more of a horse trainer. I want to fnd out
what makes them work; I win at the horse shows, but I really think
of myself as a horse trainer. There are some people that are very
good show ring riders, but not necessarily good horse trainers,”
she said, adding that she really enjoys working with young horses.
Bunker Stables is a full service barn with about 20 stalls, an
outdoor ring and access to trails. Harriet teaches clients at all
levels and also teaches horsemanship. Her time with Bernie
Traurig and Rodney Jenkins allowed her to develop a positive
manner of teaching clients and horses.
“Talent is not born, it is grown,” said Harriet, referring to a
book called “The Talent Code.” “You talk about consistency and
practice, something to spark the kid that makes them really want
to do it. You can’t character assassinate people, I think that’s the
worst; some people believe that if they beat you up that is going
to make you better.”
Harriet’s horse training methods also revolve around positive
reinforcement, as she believes horses need to have clear
boundaries, discipline and positive reward. As each horse is
different and learns at their own speed,
Harriet takes the time needed to help the
horse reach their potential. She is currently
working with an eight-year-old who was
rescued from a kill pen several years ago
and has improved leaps and bounds from
the time she got him.
This summer is proving to be quite an
active show season for Harriet who has
Courtney Fredrick, and her friends and
professionals Allison Kroff and Ivy Rejent
and others coming to ride and show with
her. She is also working on her judge’s
promotion to get a large “R” and sitting in
with Julie Winkel in Upperville, Virginia as
Julie judges.
Harriet has trained and sold horses
to Hap Hansen, Richard Keller, John
McConnell, who went to the World Cup on
So Dark, and Danny Foster, who went to
the Olympics on It’s Casual. “I learn every
day, the horses teach you every day. and I
love what I do,” Harriet said.
About the writer: Amy Herzog is a freelance writer
and photographer who has been riding hunter/jumper’s
since second grade. She has a BA in Communication
from DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania.
The Positive Life of Harriet Bunker
Harriet competing in Arizona.
Photo by S. Sylvester Photography
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Rocky Mountains