Bunkhouse Saddle & Tack Shop
Owner: Jerry Donahue (pictured right)
Manager: Laurie Flickinger (pictured left)
Location: Center Ridge, Ark.
History: In 1996 Jerry Donahue and his wife, Roberta, opened Bunkhouse Saddle & Tack Shop. They started with a small building, and it grew from there adding a 150’ barn. They started with a few horses for training and selling. The barn has an indoor arena. Outside there is a training area for riding and barrel racing. In March of 2012 Roberta passed away, Jerry said she was a major part of the business. For many years they would travel to rodeos around the country with a motorhome and travel trailer selling tack and supplies. Jerry is recuperating from a serious illness. His daughter, Laurie Flickinger took over management seven years ago and has helped to keep the business successful.
Products and Services: Today the shop carries all U.S. made leather goods, Little Britches rodeo supplies, all types of rodeo awards, hats, purses, gloves, blankets, trail riding equipment, a limited amount of home furnishings and gifts – just about anything to do with horses. Services available to their customers include custom saddles, bronco halters and buckles, to the specifications of the customer. Laurie gives riding lessons and beginning barrel racing lessons. They like to keep their prices low for their customers, as they know the economy has been hard on everyone.
What now?
Jerry said Laurie has brought the business current by going online with a website. Laurie said she has learned a lot about the business from her dad because she “learned to listen.” Laurie’s son, Dakota, is a senior in high school and is active in helping out. Who knows, he may be the next generation to operate Bunkhouse Saddle & Tack. “Anything is possible,” said Jerry.
Story and Photo by Alice Chambers
