Background & philosophy
Jonathan Bardun
Jonathan Bardun is a licensed harness racing trainer and driver based at Mantorp Travbana in Östergötland. The sport has been part of his life since his early teens, and his fascination with the power, intelligence and competitive spirit of horses is as strong today as when it all began.
Jonathan's journey into harness racing began at the age of 14. His interest led him to Wången Travgymnasium, Sweden's leading school for aspiring harness-racing professionals, where he spent three years laying the foundation of his craft. After his studies he gained practical experience with some of the country's most accomplished names — Mattias Djuse and Claes Svensson — before the journey took him across the Atlantic. In the US Jonathan worked with the internationally successful trainer Marcus Melander, a period that gave him deep knowledge of breaking in and developing young horses at the highest level. That combination — Swedish schooling, experience alongside top trainers, and an American approach to young-horse training — shapes the way he works today.
Jonathan has worked with horses through every stage of his career — from young horses that have never seen a starting gate to competition horses that have lost their form and need a new path forward. His philosophy is simple: every horse has its own story, and it is the trainer's job to listen. For Jonathan, the relationship with the owner is one of the most important parts of the job — he wants every owner to always know how the horse is doing, what is being trained and what they are aiming for. Trust is not earned with fine words, but with honesty, clarity and consistent work over time.
Philosophy
Jonathan's training philosophy
The horse at the centre
No two horses are alike. Every programme starts with Jonathan getting to know your horse — temperament, strengths and history — and building from there.
Honesty with the owner
As an owner you should never have to wonder how your horse is doing. Jonathan reaches out regularly — not just when things go well, but also when training runs into challenges.
Long-term thinking
Pushing for a quick result at the expense of the horse's health is not Jonathan's style. The right foundation takes time — but delivers a safer and longer career.
The team
Jonathan doesn't work alone.
Stable manager Darja Sumenkova — with background from Timo Nurmos, Robert Bergh, Per Nordström and Marcus Melander in the US — runs the daily work in the stable together with Jonathan.
Home track
Mantorp Travbana.
Six decades of Swedish trotting history — home of Ina Scot, host of V75 and one of Sweden's most tactically distinct tracks. This is where Jonathan is based.
FAQ
Questions & answers
- Where is Jonathan Bardun based?
- Jonathan Bardun is based at Mantorp Travbana in Östergötland — one of Sweden's leading harness racing tracks with over 60 years of history.
- Does Jonathan take horses in training?
- Yes, Jonathan offers training for young horses (1–2 years) and racehorses (3 years and older). Contact Jonathan via the form on the contact page to discuss a place in the stable.
- How much does training with Jonathan cost?
- The price varies depending on the horse's age and which training program suits best. See the training page for an overview or contact Jonathan directly for a quote.
- Does the stable have international experience?
- The stable has strong ties to the international harness racing environment. Stable manager Darja Sumenkova has worked with leading trainers in the US, including Timo Nurmos, Robert Bergh and Marcus Melander — bringing that expertise to the daily work.
Ready to put your horse in the right hands?
Whether you have a young horse that needs the right start or an experienced competition horse that needs to find its form again — get in touch and we will talk about your horse and what we can achieve together.
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