Riding Instructors
Kay Johnson
Born and raised in Chester, England, Kay Johnson has been passionate about horses since the age of three. Kay earned her degree in Equine Studies and Veterinary Science from Warwickshire College, England and holds teaching certification from the prestigious British Horse Society.
Following a successful career on the show circuit, Kay’s passion for teaching and sharing her expertise led to the creation of Kay Johnson Performance Horses—a full-service equestrian center that has been in operation for 24 years. Her training philosophy focuses on crafting personalized lessons and training plans tailored to the unique needs of both horse and rider, helping to build confidence
Now based in Orlando, Florida, Kay continues to specialize in the training of thoroughbreds, and help inspire all levels of riders to reach their full potential.
Jess Wofford
Jess Wofford is a highly skilled and dedicated equestrian professional with extensive experience in horse training, lesson instruction, and barn management. She has cultivated a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and an exceptional ability to develop both horses and riders to their highest potential. With a passion for equine education and a lifelong dedication to training, she has established herself as a trusted expert in her field.
Jess pursued higher education at Salem-Teikyo University in West Virginia, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Science & Industry Management in 2000.
For 13 years, Jess owned and operated Green Tree Horse Farm, a successful training and show barn where she instructed students from beginner to advanced levels and trained horses in various disciplines. She developed customized training programs tailored to the needs of each horse and rider, ensuring their success in both schooling and competitive settings. Her dedication to producing well-rounded equestrians and high-quality horses earned her a respected reputation in the industry.
In the early 2000s, Jess managed and trained at the Lake Lanier Islands Equestrian Center, where she was responsible for running the entire program. She oversaw financial operations, scheduled and conducted lessons, managed trail rides, and ensured the smooth day-to-day functioning of the facility. She always imparted her knowledge to her staff and enabled them to take on more responsibility, allowing her to focus on business operations and overall program development.
Jess's expertise has also been recognized in the equestrian community through her judging roles at various competitions, including the Blue Jeans & Chaps Horse Shows, Hunter Jumper shows in Athens, GA, Rivermont Farms Horse Shows, and Rolling Hills Saddle Club events. She has continued judging throughout her career, further contributing to the equestrian world with her experience and keen eye for excellence. In addition, Jess has maintained her passion for showing horses, actively competing on the Arabian circuit and showcasing her skills as both a trainer and rider.
With a deep-seated passion for equestrian education and training, Jess Wofford continues to be a leader and dedicated professional in her industry. Her unwavering dedication to excellence and compassionate approach make her an invaluable asset to the equestrian world.
When she's not teaching lessons, Jess enjoys spending time with her 9-year-old, 16.3-hand Thoroughbred gelding, Banks. She has also been volunteering at HART several times a week for almost a year, continuing to support the rescue and rehabilitation of Thoroughbreds.