Past Horses

Orient Express

Stable name: Blue
Owner: Rob & Jean Johnstone
Grade: 4*
Breeding: NZ Thoroughbred by Blues Traveller

Blue was brought by Clarke’s parents as a 6 year old from Paul O’Brien and together they went on to achieve many top results at 3 and 4 star around the world. With Blue, Clarke achieved his first Championship team selection where they won team bronze at Kentucky WEG 2010. Together they also placed 6th individually at the Aachen World Equestrian Festival 2011 and was best of the NZ team which Clarke rates as one of his best results to date. Another highlight was winning Sydney World Cup 2011 and going on to win the 2011 World Cup Series. Unfortunately, injury at the final selection trial ruled Clarke and Blue out of London 2012. A wonderfully generous, as well as talented horse, Clarke could not have had a better partner to experience the top of the sport.

Oakley Vision

Stable name: Oakley
Owner: Johnstone Family
Grade: 4*
Breeding: NZ Thoroughbred by Young Indian

Oakley was Clarke’s first horse when he came off ponies and together they went from Pony Club to 4 star and NZ senior team representation. Although not an easy horse, he was hugely talented and really kick started Clarke’s career. Together they also won the NZ Young Rider Show Jumping Nationals in 2006, the same year they won Kihikihi World Cup Qualifier with Clarke becoming the youngest winner. He is retired on Clarke’s parent’s farm, babysitting the young stock.

KS Secrets

Stable name: Gilbert
Owner: Johnstone Family
Grade: 3*
Breeding: Australian Thoroughbred by Nayrizi

Gilbert was purchased from Clarke’s friend Christopher Burton in Australia in 2009. They were prolific winners in NZ with the highlights being the Advanced National Three Day Eventing title in 2011. Shortly after Clarke moved his base to England to prepare for London Olympics and Gilbert sustained a career ending injury.

Incognito

Stable name: Ollie
Owner: Rob & Jean Johnstone
Grade: 4*
Breeding: NZ Thoroughbred by Sporting Show out of Flow Gate.

Ollie was brought from Lauren Enright as a 6 year old with the intention of selling him on. But with his exceptionally careful and scopey jump and trainable brain Clarke decided to keep him and take him through the grades and he just continued to improve. In 2011 they completed Clarke’s first Burghley 4 star where they produced a fantastic double clear finishing in 17th place. They also represented New Zealand on the senior team at the Aachen World Equestrian Festival in 2013.

Regal Romar

Stable name: Ronnie
Owner: Richard & Natacha Otto and Rob & Jean Johnstone
Grade: 2*
Breeding: NZ Thoroughbred by Grosvenor

Ronnie had an unusual start to his Eventing career having spent his first 4 or 5 years after racing competing as a Show Hack with part owner Natasha Otto. With Tash they swept all before them, winning the ‘Horse of the Year’ title four years in succession and 10 ‘Horse of the Year’ titles in total! Deciding that Ronnie was ready for a new challenge, Tash’s husband Richard then rekindled his eventing career with Ronnie and competed him at Pre-Novice level in the spring of 2010. Clarke was lucky to take over the ride and they went on to compete up to 3star level in England with some creditable results before Ronnie returned to NZ where he represented New Zealand on the Young Rider Oceania Team with Sarah Young.

In Disguise

Stable name: Zac
Owner: Janene Maxwell
Born: 2010
Height: 16.1hh
Grade: 1* & 1.35 SJ
Success: National 1 star One Day Champion 2017
Breeding: by EuroSport Centavos (Escudo) out of Flow Gate (dam of Incognito)

The most prolific winner on the team by far! Zac had his first big wins as a 5yr old winning both the 5yr old Show Jumping Horse of the Year and the Pre Novice National Eventing Championships. He has won four CIC* classes including the National Championships this year and was 2nd in the National Three Day Eventing Championships in May. Zac also jumps up to 1.35m and 7yr old show jumping classes with lots of wins and places. Clarke is aiming to step Zac up to 2star at the beginning of the coming season and to jumping smaller Grand Prix although he is unfortunately for sale.