MY STORY
Bringing it Full Circle
Being raised in Minnesota, I had the character building experience of growing up in the country with horses, farming, conservation, and wildlife. I participated in the local 4H Chapter horse program and competed in 4H horse shows, I also competed in the local saddle club shows and later joined FFA. I moved west to complete my bachelor's degrees in Montana, through college I had aspirations of owning a riding academy. I knew I wasn't quite ready to be in the horse world for a full time career so I worked for a decade in finance and equine nutrition. Now, years later, I have come full circle with a lovely barn to operate from and lesson horses worth their weight in gold. I know I won't have all of my students forever, because life changes and all coaches have limits, so while I have them in my program I try to give them a safe and beneficial experience.
MEET MY TEAM OF HORSES!
I have four lovely mares who help me teach my lessons. It can take years to find the right horses, and just like teachers in our school system, it takes the right individual to do the job. These horses all have different strengths and really enjoy the attention they get from students. Keep scrolling to hear about the Johnson Girls!
THE GOLDEN GIRLS
Cinnamon and Frosty
Cinnamon and Frosty came into my life 20 years ago as feral horses adopted from a horse rescue in Wisconsin. My parents traded a trailer full of hay for the rascally ponies. Because they were from a rescue, they needed time to adjust and gain weight, when they were ready I trained them to be ridden. Cinnamon was my mom's personal riding horse and pet for most of her life, and Frosty was a very fancy pasture pet. Now, in their golden years, Frosty and Cinn help me teach young students how to safely handle horses and begin to ride.
THE WILD ONE
Blanca
I first met Blanca when she was just BLM neck tag number 1713, she was my draw for the Extreme Mustang Makeover in 2016. Named after the only feminine 14er in Colorado, Blanca has been with me on a journey from Wild to Mild and has been a pillar in developing my advanced horsemanship skills. Although I started her as a reining horse, she told me she enjoys jumping, pattern work, and negotiating obstacles so her future will be working with my groundwork students, advanced riding students, and competing in Working Equitation. Blanca's very sweet and food motivated like a big dog, however, she reminds everyone she meets that horses are a mirror of our energy and actions, and that to find your balance with horses you must first find it in yourself.
THE FOUNDATION
CUSTOM OF CIMA, aka Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin Spice is a thick built foundation bred Quarter Horse that came to us from a very loving home that was going through a change. She has a new barn name every month, and is our most recent herd mate. She has become our 'Barbie Horse' with her sparkling personality and flaxen mane and tail. As a finished western performance horse, she shows her versatility by also being a brave little jumper. Her skills make her an excellent teacher for beginner riders, intermediate riders who want to level up, and advanced riders polishing their form and technique.
