Edited Press Release
Tonya Johnston has built a stellar partnership with her horse of a lifetime, Galactic. During week two of Desert Circuit, the San Rafael, CA, native took home championship honors in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunters, as well as the win in the Marshall & Sterling 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic, further solidifying their partnership.
“I have had him for five years, since he was 5, coming 6,” Johnston said of the now 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “He is absolutely my horse of a lifetime. I’m so lucky to get to ride him and be his person. He’s super spoiled and gets lots of carrots, bananas, and cookies.”
Clouds fell upon DIHP Saturday morning as the competitors grabbed their coats and braced for potential rain, but Johnston welcomed the change in climate. “The weather was actually helpful because he can get a bit quiet on the last day. I loved the canter [we established] and he was really with me and following me. It was super fun. The teamwork felt really good,” she remarked.
Johnston is not only an accomplished amateur rider, but also a well-known Mental Skills Coach for equestrians and athletes of all kinds, as well as a renowned author.
“It’s so nice to be able to look forward to this,” she said of her return for Desert Circuit. “I’m from the Bay Area and we’ve had so much rain, so it’s amazing to look forward to coming to the desert. They’ve done such nice things. To come down and have such good footing [is amazing]. As a horse show, the consistency of the competition and the way they put the days together is all great, and the special classes are amazing. I really appreciate all they do to make it special and include highlight classes to look forward to.”
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