Following in Mom’s Footsteps – Kathryn Bunting

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220 – May, 2016

by Susan Winslow

Sixteen-year-old Kathryn Bunting of Wichita, Kansas, is a relative newcomer to the world stage, but she’s off to an impressive start. In 2015, this talented young rider and her 15-year-old Quarter Horse, A New Dimension, took 4th place at the AQHYA Youth World Championship in Showmanship. She’s also earned a Superior in Showmanship and has already qualified for the 2016 AQHYA World Show in Showmanship, following in the footsteps of her mother, Rebecca Bunting, who achieved a Superior in Showmanship back in 1986 with her horse, Whizpering Gees.

“Its definitely all in the family,” Rebecca says, who points out that she grew up along the rail watching her own mother, Jeanne Tiller, compete before she received a pony and eventually moved up to AQHYA competition. She has fond memories of riding in the front of the saddle on morning trail rides as a preschooler back in the early 1970s.

She recalls, “My mom showed Quarter Horses, and I loved it from the start. My parents bought me a POA named Sassy. She was the perfect kid’s pony. She taught me how to ride, and how to land on the ground.” As her talent and ambition grew, Rebecca moved up to a Quarter Horse mare before starting to work with Karen Russell. When she was 14, Rebecca purchased Whizpering Gees aka “Whiz.” “We earned Superiors in Showmanship and Horsemanship, and in 1986, we won the Congress in both the NYATT and 15-18 Showmanship. Back in the ‘80s, one horse really could do it all, and we really did. Whiz actually ran barrels and poles at most shows, and I even roped with him, too. He was an amazing horse!” she says.

After a successful youth career, Rebecca’s life drifted away from horses while she focused on college, eventually earning a Master’s degree in Marketing before embarking on her career. She married Dr. Eric Bunting, an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, and built her consulting business while raising their children, 16- year-old Kathryn and 13-year-old, George.

When Kathryn reached fifth grade, the family horse gene showed up. Rebecca recalls with a laugh, “She took some riding lessons and loved it. I thought, ‘Uh-oh, I know where this could lead and it could be expensive.’ We took about six months away from it to gauge her true level of interest, and it was clear that it was a real passion for her.” They jumped back in with both feet. “It changed our life,” Rebecca says with a smile. “When we got back into it with Kathryn, I wasn’t sure where it would lead, but I knew from my own experience that competing at the top level is a huge family commitment. Kathryn loved it and as I spent time along the rail, I knew I wanted to get back into it, too. Now Kathryn, my Mom, and I are all training and competing with Barbie Evans, and we’re having so much fun.” Ironically, Rebecca and Barbie became friends when they were just 12 years-old and competing under the guidance of Karen Russell.

Click here to read the complete article
220 – May, 2016