A Tremendous Show
Horse Buyer, December 2007

Kuchina Johnson gives us a glimpse into a very special family business.

I am a fully-registered equine and canine trainer, and from an early age set out to share my love of horses with as many people as possible. This vision gradually turned into the spectacular horse show which I now run. But team-work is essential... my husband, Sam is responsible for overseeing all the maintenance of the yard and keeping the vehicles of 'Team Johnson' on the move.

Old Brassy

Frank, 20, is the stunt rider of the family, and Kuchina Jr. (13) is an up-and-coming display rider, and (along with nine-year-old sister, Phoebe) is sponsored by Equilibra 500. The most senior member of the team is Grandpa, "Old Brassy" who is 79-years-young and the only member to not share the surname of Johnson.

Chardonnay

We have many breeds of horse - Spanish, Portuguese, French - and the dogs which are also used in the displays are all related. My day's work really begins with Nico, a young stallion who is three-quarters of the way through his training. Next up is Chardonnay, a young palomino mare who will carry Queen Boadicea in our show! And let's not forget Mucho Denerio - quite a vain horse who is fond of pulling a chariot, along with Eclipse - a four-year-old breed mare. Of course, I have to devote some time to taking the children to and from school!

But I think you will agree - our show, with its beautiful horses and historical themes, says something about team spirit, patient training and the power of imagination.