Katja Hunsecker-(owner/trainer)
My name is Katja Hunsecker; I was born and raised in Germany. I always had a passion for animals, specifically for
Horses. Even in early childhood horses dominated my life. I was 6 years old when I got my first opportunity to learn about
horse care and horseback riding. I was tasked with a care pony that I was responsible for. I took great pleasure not only
with the riding, but with the general activities around the horse. My riding gear consisted of a couple of brushes and a halter.
Bareback was the way.
Even though we never had horses, my family was supportive of my decision to own a horse. Over time I had proven that it is
not just a phase. They recognized my passion, and in 1991, on my 13th birthday, my dream came true. I saved my money
and we went to look at a potential addition to our family. While everybody says you should not buy the first horse you take a
look at, it didn’t matter. With that young colt it seemed to be an instant connection. I never would have dreamt of the journey
that was beginning. Though at this point I didn’t realize it was happening. Herkules and I just seemed to enjoy spending
time together. We took walks, played and just enjoyed life. A deep connection had developed. Time learning for school was
spent on the pasture. We grew together, not only in our relationship, but also in our way of communication and
understanding. I learned about him and he learned about me. I knew his strength and weaknesses as he knew mine. Even
years later, people approached me about the noticeable bond they witnessed. I like to refer to Herkules as my biggest
mentor.
A few years later a Shetland pony named Pepsi joined us. Pepsi had a hard life before he found us; to say that he was
neglected would have been an understatement. He was skin and bones. Over the time he showed us with his width and
cleverness how he survived. Pepsi recovered well and we found that he really enjoyed pulling a carriage. With Pepsi my
teaching started. As a small pony, he was a kid magnet and his temperament was excellent for beginners. I started out
teaching children how to care for and ride a pony. Later on other peers and adults came to me for advice or Riding lessons.
It was so normal for me that at first I didn’t recognize how important it would become in my life.
While still in school/ high school I got my first certificates through the FN (Federation Equestre Nationale). I started out with
“Grosses Hufeisen”, one of the first riding tests within the organization. Then I got my Driving Certificate (Deutsches
Fahrabzeichen) and my Certificate for Lounging (Longierabzeichen). As I enjoyed the outdoors it was natural that I soon got
my Trail ride certificate (Gelaendereiter Abzeichen) through the VFD (Vereinigung der Freizeitreiter und -fahrer in
Deutschland e.V.) Throughout this whole time I was successfully competing in Pony games, Mounted Games and Trail
Rallies. I prefer these events over Dressage or Western riding competitions because it seems to be challenging in a
different way. Though these events are not as formal and more of a fun event for Horses and riders; the skills necessary to
be successful in these events aren’t to be underestimated. Trust and communication in unfamiliar environments were the
baseline. Mainly outside a typical arena you encountered obstacles that involved not just skill but also a fair amount of
confidence from both you and your horse. The common competition world, at this point, seemed to me more about placing
and ribbons then about actually enjoying riding.
After high school I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to go to college for. After two years studying forestry, I figured out my path
lied in a different direction and switched my emphasis to an education in Special Ed. My college time included work in Youth
Shelter that was using therapy horses, and my final exam was about therapeutic use of horseback riding for speech and
language development. Soon after, I attended specialized training and received my Certificate for Riding Instructor for Motor
therapeutic Riding.
During the end of 1999, I met my husband Chris. He is in the Army and was stationed in Germany. As he is also into
animals, we began looking around for another horse. That is when we found Colored Mountain. Mounty, a Paint Arabian
mix, had been mistreated and was deemed dangerous. The breeder had gotten him back from the previous owner after
she noticed a pattern of abuse to him. She informed us we were his last chance for rehabilitation. Mounty had lost all trust
and confidence in riders/people. One wrong move and he would panic. Bolting, rearing, brushing people off were all in his
repertoire. He did this not because he was ill-tempered, but because he was in a sheer panic. We were able to gain back
his trust in riders and he transformed into a very nice relaxed riding partner.
In 2002 Chris and I finally got married, and a 10month old German Shepherd Dog “Kessy” soon joined our home. Kessy
was supposed to be a pet dog - a riding companion. But soon I found out there was much more potential for her than just a
companion dog. Training her was hard; she often got me close to my breaking point. I wanted to give up and just return her
to the breeder. But by the time these thoughts crossed my mind, it was too late, she had become part of the family and it
was my responsibility to become the leader she needed. I look back now to the people that helped me along. They
encouraged me and proved to me that even the hardest dog can be trained in a positive way - Without crushing the
personality. It was a learning experience for both of us. It wasn’t always easy , but these ups and downs had sent me on a
whole new adventure. With having this hard of a training partner I was required to pick up skills very fast. Within a short time
of beginning training I was assisting in Puppy classes, giving group classes, 1-0-1 training and started in behavior
modification. I went to a multitude of Seminars about Tracking, Clicker training and Play/Feisty Fido groups.
In 2005, my husband got stationed in Oklahoma and we left Germany. In trying to pursue some additional training with
Kessy, I found Texoma K-9, a training Center for Police and Narcotics Detector Canines. After a few months as a customer
for bite work, I was asked to join the Staff. I enjoyed this greatly, not only was I in charge of the Obedience and Behavior
Modification Program, but I learned the skills to train good Service Dogs. Due to my positive and relaxed training method
several dogs came to my kennel for special handling. During this busy time we established our kennels, and Kessy had
two litters of puppies. My A litter, including Anka and Aika; plus my B litter Brisa. While still in Oklahoma I began to learn
Agility at Twister Agility. But unfortunately soon after, we got transferred to a different duty station so I had to leave my
teachers behind.
In the last two years I have enjoyed working with my own dogs and training with friends. I took some of my dogs
successfully to a few competitions from AKC, UKC and the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. My horses were tagging
along and enjoying the times in the new pastures and occasional rides. We have recently moved to Western South Dakota
and are becoming more active in Search and Rescue, as this is a natural expansion for our dog personalities.
My name is Katja Hunsecker; I was born and raised in Germany. I always had a passion for animals, specifically for
Horses. Even in early childhood horses dominated my life. I was 6 years old when I got my first opportunity to learn about
horse care and horseback riding. I was tasked with a care pony that I was responsible for. I took great pleasure not only
with the riding, but with the general activities around the horse. My riding gear consisted of a couple of brushes and a halter.
Bareback was the way.
Even though we never had horses, my family was supportive of my decision to own a horse. Over time I had proven that it is
not just a phase. They recognized my passion, and in 1991, on my 13th birthday, my dream came true. I saved my money
and we went to look at a potential addition to our family. While everybody says you should not buy the first horse you take a
look at, it didn’t matter. With that young colt it seemed to be an instant connection. I never would have dreamt of the journey
that was beginning. Though at this point I didn’t realize it was happening. Herkules and I just seemed to enjoy spending
time together. We took walks, played and just enjoyed life. A deep connection had developed. Time learning for school was
spent on the pasture. We grew together, not only in our relationship, but also in our way of communication and
understanding. I learned about him and he learned about me. I knew his strength and weaknesses as he knew mine. Even
years later, people approached me about the noticeable bond they witnessed. I like to refer to Herkules as my biggest
mentor.
A few years later a Shetland pony named Pepsi joined us. Pepsi had a hard life before he found us; to say that he was
neglected would have been an understatement. He was skin and bones. Over the time he showed us with his width and
cleverness how he survived. Pepsi recovered well and we found that he really enjoyed pulling a carriage. With Pepsi my
teaching started. As a small pony, he was a kid magnet and his temperament was excellent for beginners. I started out
teaching children how to care for and ride a pony. Later on other peers and adults came to me for advice or Riding lessons.
It was so normal for me that at first I didn’t recognize how important it would become in my life.
While still in school/ high school I got my first certificates through the FN (Federation Equestre Nationale). I started out with
“Grosses Hufeisen”, one of the first riding tests within the organization. Then I got my Driving Certificate (Deutsches
Fahrabzeichen) and my Certificate for Lounging (Longierabzeichen). As I enjoyed the outdoors it was natural that I soon got
my Trail ride certificate (Gelaendereiter Abzeichen) through the VFD (Vereinigung der Freizeitreiter und -fahrer in
Deutschland e.V.) Throughout this whole time I was successfully competing in Pony games, Mounted Games and Trail
Rallies. I prefer these events over Dressage or Western riding competitions because it seems to be challenging in a
different way. Though these events are not as formal and more of a fun event for Horses and riders; the skills necessary to
be successful in these events aren’t to be underestimated. Trust and communication in unfamiliar environments were the
baseline. Mainly outside a typical arena you encountered obstacles that involved not just skill but also a fair amount of
confidence from both you and your horse. The common competition world, at this point, seemed to me more about placing
and ribbons then about actually enjoying riding.
After high school I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to go to college for. After two years studying forestry, I figured out my path
lied in a different direction and switched my emphasis to an education in Special Ed. My college time included work in Youth
Shelter that was using therapy horses, and my final exam was about therapeutic use of horseback riding for speech and
language development. Soon after, I attended specialized training and received my Certificate for Riding Instructor for Motor
therapeutic Riding.
During the end of 1999, I met my husband Chris. He is in the Army and was stationed in Germany. As he is also into
animals, we began looking around for another horse. That is when we found Colored Mountain. Mounty, a Paint Arabian
mix, had been mistreated and was deemed dangerous. The breeder had gotten him back from the previous owner after
she noticed a pattern of abuse to him. She informed us we were his last chance for rehabilitation. Mounty had lost all trust
and confidence in riders/people. One wrong move and he would panic. Bolting, rearing, brushing people off were all in his
repertoire. He did this not because he was ill-tempered, but because he was in a sheer panic. We were able to gain back
his trust in riders and he transformed into a very nice relaxed riding partner.
In 2002 Chris and I finally got married, and a 10month old German Shepherd Dog “Kessy” soon joined our home. Kessy
was supposed to be a pet dog - a riding companion. But soon I found out there was much more potential for her than just a
companion dog. Training her was hard; she often got me close to my breaking point. I wanted to give up and just return her
to the breeder. But by the time these thoughts crossed my mind, it was too late, she had become part of the family and it
was my responsibility to become the leader she needed. I look back now to the people that helped me along. They
encouraged me and proved to me that even the hardest dog can be trained in a positive way - Without crushing the
personality. It was a learning experience for both of us. It wasn’t always easy , but these ups and downs had sent me on a
whole new adventure. With having this hard of a training partner I was required to pick up skills very fast. Within a short time
of beginning training I was assisting in Puppy classes, giving group classes, 1-0-1 training and started in behavior
modification. I went to a multitude of Seminars about Tracking, Clicker training and Play/Feisty Fido groups.
In 2005, my husband got stationed in Oklahoma and we left Germany. In trying to pursue some additional training with
Kessy, I found Texoma K-9, a training Center for Police and Narcotics Detector Canines. After a few months as a customer
for bite work, I was asked to join the Staff. I enjoyed this greatly, not only was I in charge of the Obedience and Behavior
Modification Program, but I learned the skills to train good Service Dogs. Due to my positive and relaxed training method
several dogs came to my kennel for special handling. During this busy time we established our kennels, and Kessy had
two litters of puppies. My A litter, including Anka and Aika; plus my B litter Brisa. While still in Oklahoma I began to learn
Agility at Twister Agility. But unfortunately soon after, we got transferred to a different duty station so I had to leave my
teachers behind.
In the last two years I have enjoyed working with my own dogs and training with friends. I took some of my dogs
successfully to a few competitions from AKC, UKC and the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. My horses were tagging
along and enjoying the times in the new pastures and occasional rides. We have recently moved to Western South Dakota
and are becoming more active in Search and Rescue, as this is a natural expansion for our dog personalities.
About Us
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Huns Ecker K-9
Our Location-
We just recently arrived in Sturgis, South Dakota. We are in the midst of making
new plans.
Currently we are in the process of completing all appropriate steps. We hope to
be able to offer our services Spring 2010.
We just recently arrived in Sturgis, South Dakota. We are in the midst of making
new plans.
Currently we are in the process of completing all appropriate steps. We hope to
be able to offer our services Spring 2010.
Chris ,born and raised in Kansas, enjoyed dogs since he was a kid. His family were
devoted breeders for Pomeranians. In his late Teen ages he made his first
business venture with owning a restaurant. With age 21 he joined the armed forces
and took on his service in the U.S. Army. In 1999 he was sent to Germany, where he
fell in love with the German Shepherd Breed. Fascinated by the strength and
versatility of these dogs, it wasn't surprising that a German Shepherd Dog got
introduced into his home.
Needless to say, that more dogs have found the way into his life. Enjoying all
aspects of the working dog, it was just naturally that he began to decoy and work the
dogs in the areas of Obedience and Narcotics Detection.
His service for his country, including multiple deployments,often keeps him away
from home, but not away from his devotion to his dogs.
devoted breeders for Pomeranians. In his late Teen ages he made his first
business venture with owning a restaurant. With age 21 he joined the armed forces
and took on his service in the U.S. Army. In 1999 he was sent to Germany, where he
fell in love with the German Shepherd Breed. Fascinated by the strength and
versatility of these dogs, it wasn't surprising that a German Shepherd Dog got
introduced into his home.
Needless to say, that more dogs have found the way into his life. Enjoying all
aspects of the working dog, it was just naturally that he began to decoy and work the
dogs in the areas of Obedience and Narcotics Detection.
His service for his country, including multiple deployments,often keeps him away
from home, but not away from his devotion to his dogs.
Chris Hunsecker-(owner/trainer)