Like Wayne Clark, for whom this award is named, this recipient is a complete horseman, a professional in every sense of the word. John Johnson began his service to the American Saddlebred under the tutelage of Hall of Fame trainer Marvin Conaster at age 15. He perfected his skills on such well known champions as World's Champion BELLE SUPREME, World's Champion LAD O'SHEA and World's Champion LILLI O'LEE. While at Windermere Farm, Franklin, Tennessee, Johnson broke the future World's Champion, SHAMAN.

When Marvin Conaster retired, John Johnson continued to work in the Conaster tradition with Marvin's son, John. Together they went to Bent Tree Farm in Virginia and put such World's Champions as A TOUCH OF CHAMPAGNE, BENT TREE'S STETSON, STORM WIND and TIJUANA PRINCESS in the show ring.

When Conaster moved to Kentucky, so did John Johnson. At Carriage Lane, his masterful touch has benefited World's Champion POLO TOWN, World's Champion STYLE POINTS, World's Grand Champion CITY SIGHTS, World's Champion HOCUS POCUS DOMINOCUS, Reserve World's Champion MY SUNDAY SHOES, RANGE ROVER and SEE THE SIGHTS.

With all these great horses to his credit, he remains a special friend to the many younger caretakers he has helped get started. He has given confidence to some of the best amateur riders in the ring today.These same riders are quick to note that John Johnson has been a major part of their success.

So it is not just John Johnson's loyalty that makes him an invaluable asset. It is his unwavering commitment to his job, his unchanging good humor and his ceaseless pursuit of perfection that makes John Johnson the epitome of a professional!

(Editor's note: The above presentation was made to John Johnson for receiving the annual Wayne Clark Caretakers Award.)

Article published in The Saddle Horse Report c. 1990