The Dream Time Celebrates the Arrival of its Newest Member
Bourdon Herald, 24 March 2006

SPRING has sprung for the Johnson family, Oakhanger's "dream team" of horse trainers.

A special gift arrived time for Mother's Day when their mare, Mercedes, gave birth to Versace a filly foal in the early hours of last Thursday.

Owner of the show horses Kuchina Johnson said: "For a Mother's Day present it was wonderful.

"Our cat told us something was happening. It came to the back door and was doing a Lassie thing, and then took us up there, where we saw the little ears of the foal.

"The baby is up and about and so we're not getting much work done at the moment.

"Mother and baby are doing very well. Versace has bonded very well with her mum.

'We have been inundated with offers, even before foal was even born, from people wanting to buy it, but she will be staying in the family I'm afraid.

"People came to the pub on Sunday and popped to they could see her."

One of Kuchina's other horses Eclipse was named by Herald readers in a competition three years ago and is said to be doing well.

"Everyone calls her The Herald horse," said Kuchina.

Kuchina and her family perform with their horses and dogs at national events and often do television work.