Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to ClaudeLee Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi ClaudeLee, thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

Kindness doesn’t come from a solitary dramatic gesture in my life. Kindness is a gift given over a period of time. It shows up as quiet encouragement and honest conversations with the people who wholeheartedly care about me. It’s a gift of encouragement and affirmation when I’ve needed it, especially when things were difficult or not as they seemed.
My breeding program has been built on the knowledge base and skills developed over decades of hard work, dedication, and personal investment; not by chance or luck or gift. I am committed to breeding with integrity and a have a profound love for the horses, the sport, and the legacy I am creating. It’s the quiet kindness of good friends that has helped me hold steady on this path. I am sincerely grateful to them.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up on the east coast and began riding at the age of 10. I rode with some of the legends in this business and I always took the opportunity to clinic with other world class professionals. My passion was horses and I always embraced any opportunity to learn. To this day I still embrace the opportunity to learn and have found that some of my best teachers are the horses themselves.

When I was 16 I traveled to England with my father to go horse hunting. Guided by a friend of my father, we picked up Horse and Hound (the go to equestrian magazine in the UK) and began scouring the English countryside trying sales horses. It was the most amazing experience and today that adventure remains one of my most cherished memories.

I did find an incredible horse. He was 4 years old and originally from Ireland. It wasn’t always easy. Actually, it was incredibly difficult for some time because he was young and I was inexperienced with young horses. But I stuck with it, and with him, and we went on to have the most wonderful partnership. He was my greatest teacher and I consider myself very lucky to have been the steward of such a remarkable horse. I feel the same way about the horses I own now, that I am their steward and I have a duty to do what’s right by these amazing athletes.

What propelled me into breeding sport horses? Simplified, it’s my love for the animal, my admiration for their beauty and the honor of their trust…but right now my breeding is about their future. What I noticed, with the rise of online advertising, many amateurs were buying horses from online videos. Many were buying and importing from Europe but they were not traveling to Europe to try these horses for themselves and, therefore, not determining compatibility between horse and rider. Much of the time this did not work out well for both the horse or buyer.

Historically Europe has maintained a reputation for excellence in sport horse breeding, consistently outperforming the U.S. in both quality and competitive success. Most individuals that import European sport horses do so with the primary goal of developing them as performance athletes. Rarely, if at all, do these horses go on to carry their top tier genetics to any offspring. My intention is to produce world class sport horses here in the US.

Breeding begins with the mare line and I have been graced with the stewardship of several world class mares. My intent is to continue a legacy rooted in quality, elegance, athleticism and character. Proper breeding is about aligning the exceptional quality of these mares with bloodlines that not only match their caliber, but strengthen the next generation. I currently stand 3 phenomenal stallions. Each one unique in what he offers, from pedigree and performance to temperament and type. I look forward to the years ahead, watching these offspring grow, develop, and carry forward the vision behind each careful pairing.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting is a constant theme in my life. I truly believe that pivoting is the key to evolution, not just in business, but in life. It’s all about adaptation, change, and growth. I don’t let myself stay stuck. I might give myself space for a good cry, but before long, I pull up my big girl pants, figure it out, and keep moving forward.

Right now, I’m in the midst of another pivot. My Santa Ynez facility is on the market and I’m planning to move all my horses back East. I believe it would be better for my program to be closer to the heart of the biggest competition venues in US – Wellington and Ocala. The Santa Ynez farm has been my dream and for the past six years and I have worked tirelessly to build a world-class equestrian space. But incentives change, and it’s never too late to adapt and do what’s best for my program especially when relocating creates a better opportunities my horses.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Being a single woman in business can be overwhelming and, at times, disheartening. I navigate challenges that test not just my skills, but my resilience and self-worth. I don’t have a cofounder or a business partner, I have allies. We all need such people. Friends who see our potential, challenge us to rise, and walk beside us with integrity and heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: F3Mstud.com. (new website for a new LLC)
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fairfieldfarm_syv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fairfield Farm SYV

Image Credits

Bethany P. Photograpy – images: tatiana.jpeg
marlene1.png

All other images – ClaudeLee Johnson