Helping Riders of All Ages and Levels
Name: Colleen Johnson of Johnson Equine Market
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
What disciplines are you involved with?
Johnson Equine is a member of the Certified Horsemanship Association and is certified in English and Western disciplines. Currently, I’m teaching western due to some horse changes in my program. I have a diverse group of students ranging from 4-year-old children to adults who are doctors and business professionals. Although I have competition and mustang training in my background, I focus on the basic elements of riding position and communication with the horse. I competed in speed events as a child in 4H and the local saddle club. As an adult, I competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in 2016 while juggling a position in corporate agriculture. My previous training is rooted in reining and stock horse training and I’m learning the tiny nuances in training an English horse.
What breeds do you specialize in? I see horses as individuals and have a hard time choosing one breed over another, although I have a fondness for the Morgan horse and Spanish Mustang.
Years in business: Three
Goals for business: In the next year I hope to begin hosting quarterly workshops so my students and their parents continue to learn about the horse industry, where they fit in, and how being an equestrian can lead them to a career in the horse world. I’m currently working on acquiring my 4H judges card so I can participate and contribute to the 4H clubs in my local county.
My five-year goal is centered around relocating to a more horse-centric part of the country. Once relocated, I will continue to focus on expanding my lesson herd and have a stronger presence in the world of saddle fitting. Saddle fit is so important to the success of any rider, I see contributions in that field tremendously important for future equestrians.
Accomplishments/Titles: B.S. Animal Science, Equine focus, B.S Agriculture Business, American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists in the Horse Species, Certified Horsemanship Association certified instructor of English and Western riding, Red Cross Certified First Responder.
Memberships/Organizations/Affiliations/Clubs: American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, Certified Horsemanship Association, Equine Science Society
Philosophy of Training: To instruct and collaborate.
Everyone can learn and enjoy equestrian sports. My focus is on the riding disciplines, and I think it’s important for riders to understand the basic riding cues and function. Each horse is an individual and as a rider, knowing when to make adjustments to communicate better with the horse is a key to success.
Goals in training your own horses
My horses are trained so at this stage in my career I try to keep them happy by doing things they enjoy. My Quarter horse and Paint pony are happy with the kind attention they get from my students, and my mustang could never see enough new trails, or trail patterns, to satiate her enjoyment of life so she is the one that keeps me on my toes.
Contact:
Email: johnsonequinemarketsllc@gmail.com
Web: www.johnsonequinemarket.com
Phone: (970) 818-1348
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnsonequinemarkets

The Colorado Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in Colorado and surrounding area. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.