Hello Jennifer,
I wanted to write you and give you an update on Malcolm. First of all we renamed him Maxx. As you know we live in Norco and there is over 120 miles of street trails and back trails to ride not counting the Santa Ana river trails. Additionally, we are in a very large riding club here in Norco and we frequently ride with large groups of 40-150 horses. We have to do street trails, back trails, river crossings, hills, etc.. My primary concern was how Maxx would handle the back trails with dogs charging the fences, sheep, cows, emus, etc. I found out my first ride they don't bother him at all. He is not afraid of cars roaring by him on the front trails or the trash bins on trash day. Another major concern I had is would he cross the river. We went our two weeks ago with about six other horses to the river. He crossed deep water 4 times without hesitation. Additionally, that was the first time I had to trailer him. He jumped into the trail like a seasoned pro and unloaded easily. Last weekend we trailed him across town and went riding in the hills with about twelve friends. We rode for about 4-1/2 hours in the hills and he did a fantastic job. He is very sure footed and goes up hill slowly and down slowly. Based on the smaller groups I have been riding with I am positive he will do a great job in the large club rides.

Jennifer, You always said when I was ready for a new horse you could find exactly what I wanted. When you found Maxx you told me "OMG... he's everything you are looking for!" Well Jennifer, OMG... he's everything I was looking for! I cannot thank you enough for finding me my Maxx. I truly LOVE Maxx and I know he loves me. I look forward to a long, fun life together with Maxx.
Thank you so much!!
Mike

Norco, CA
P.S. I will send you some pictures of Maxx and me ASAP.

To my friend Jen Johnson:  The Definition of J. Walker Ranch

J = Jen Johnson A woman who was “Born to Ride” and exudes enthusiasm for horses, especially the beautiful, gaited TWH/SSH!
W =Wisdom Jen’s lifetime of riding, training, breeding and loving horses factors into all the decisions made at J Walker Ranch.
A =Accountability J Walker stands behind their business policies and will provide support throughout the relationship between the rider and horse.
L =Love From the minute you arrive at the ranch and meet Jen and Steve Johnson and their horses, it’s evident that theirs is truly a “love story” between people and their animals.
K =Kindness Kindly treating others as you would like to be treated is a value at the ranch that extends not only to the people, but also to the animals.
E =Enthusiasm This word defines Jen’s lifelong love of the horse, she is one of the most enthusiastic, energetic women you will ever meet!
R =Respect Whether you’re a person, a horse, a dog (there is a Chihuahua herd living there as well!), a chicken, a cat, a pig or any other species of animal living at J Walker Ranch you can expect to be treated with respect, and the feeling is mutual!
R =Ride It’s “all about the ride” at J Walker Ranch, all you have to do is ride a gaited horse and you are hooked on the breed forever!
A =Ability A more natural rider you will be hard pressed to find than Jen Johnson. Her ability to sit a horse and encourage it’s best performance is phenomenal, as is her ability to teach others what she has learned..
N =Neatness The first thing that strikes you when driving up to the property is how neat, clean and organized everything is. Cleanliness is next to Godliness they always say!
C =Commitment Jen has a commitment to her friends, family, animals, business and ranch that truly inspires loyalty in her customers, many of whom become lifelong friends!
H =Honesty Selling the right horse to the right owner is a goal for Jen and if there is a problem she will do everything in her power to make things right.
Live the Life You Love, Girl!
From Juanita
The Temecula Eq-”Wine” Riders
Club President

Hey Jen Jen,
Wanted to give you a quick update on my experiences in finding my ‘dream horse’.
I first visited J Walker Ranch about a year before I actually ended up buying my new baby. From the get-go, Jen impressed me with her enthusiasm for the breed and her PATIENCE with the potential owners. First coming to the ranch I was interested in a beautiful sorrel and white gelding named Leonnesse. I also had the privilege to ride a lovely black & white mare named Callaway. I was however, unable to ‘cough up the bucks’ (lol) to buy either horse at the time, but knew unequivocably in my heart that I would definitely be buying a gaited horse from Jen and J Walker Ranch.

During the next 12 months, I gained more insight and riding experience into gaited horses, and decided (for me) that the Tennessee Walker was my first choice. I was however, the typical Orange County addicted-to-beauty buyer. I was more interested in the looks of a horse than his temperament or personality. God is gracious however, and He took me on a journey of understanding what I truly desired in my ‘dream horse’. There is of course nothing wrong with a pretty horse, but if you buy on that basis at the expense of character and gentleness, you really do yourself a disservice.

I eventually found myself in a financial position to ‘pick and choose’, and Jen (very magnanimously) allowed me to shortlist a number of horses and try them out until I found my true partner. One of the horses she suggested was Henry Wineheart. Henry was a real youngster, still gawky and lanky in his body (because he was so young – 2 years old), and so of course my initial reaction was that he was not ‘pretty’ enough. Jen really insisted that I consider him and so reluctantly I put him ‘on the list’. After riding him in the arena, I was really interested to take him on trail. I joined a group of riders who were taking a wine-ride, and had a truly wonderful time. Not only was Henry willing, he was wonderfully smooth in his gaits, fast when I wanted him to be, and relaxed when asked also, but he was incredibly patient with me. I had suffered a riding accident some months before and was still having difficulty with mounting and dismounting. At the wineries we visited, Henry was so completely generous with me (in terms of patience as I mounted etc), that I started to truly fall in love. I don’t think I could have found a better horse for me than Henry.

Now called Baily, or Baily Bear, he is the consummate love of my life. Jen truly understood how to make me ‘see through’ my initial ideas, and appreciate the true value of a horse. Baily is young and enthusiastic, patient and loving, and will grow with me as I re-learn my riding confidence. Oh, and by the way, he is gonna be knockout when he gets his ‘man body’!! I’ve learned a lot, gained a forever friend in Jen, and found my true trail buddy.

Mel

Lake Elsinore, Ca.

It was 1 year ago this week that I persuaded my husband, Thom, to take a side trip while visiting family in San Diego and check out J Walker Ranch. Now, in our 50’s, we were indulging our lifelong dream to own horses but had not yet found the “right” horses.
We arrived and were immediately impressed by Jen and her staff. They gave us a tour, telling us about the horses, and finding out about our experience level and situation. They got us up on some Walkers and we both were hooked. We all had the most fun watching my husband ride. I have seldom seen him so giddy. He was falling in love with the gaited horse.
Although I was immediately drawn to Bodie (as most everyone is). We rode lots of horses, leaving him for last. We had only come to look, but we left with a paid receipt for the beautiful spotted buckskin.
Over the next 2 weeks back home, it became apparent that when we retuned to J Walker Ranch to pickup my Bodie, we would need to try to find a second gaited horse for my husband.
Again, we rode so many more horses, (a new shipment had arrived in our absence), and at the last second we discovered Style (renamed Dude), who had just come available that afternoon. That was it. My husband loved him and we left with 2 gaited beauties.
 

I cannot say enough about Jen, Rachell and the rest of the staff at J Walker Ranch. They were so honest and caring through the entire process. They are truly dedicated to introducing and educating potential owners about these wonderful horses and do all they can to insure a good match. Making the sale seemed secondary. Everyone I have told is amazed with Jen’s trade-in policy and willingness to work with clients to get the best possible outcome.
I have to say, after a few weeks riding at home, we came to the realization that, although we had the most awesome horses, we were on the wrong horses! Dude was supposed to be my husband's horse and Bodie was supposed to be mine, but we switched and have never looked back. Bodie definitely prefers a man’s touch and he and Thom are perfect together. On the other hand, I love Dude; he has SO much personality. He takes such good care of me as on the trail and I try to return the favor. He is young and we are learning together. He is truly my buddy.
I think Jen knew right away that I was blinded by Bodie’s beauty, and that he and Thom would end up together. And Dude, what can I say, anyone would fall in love with him; he is so cute and willing to please.
We cannot thank Jen enough for helping us realize our dream.

Bev and Thom
Madera, CA

Hey Jen!

I feel so blessed to have met you, especially after my long search to find my perfect horse.  I looked for so long and I almost gave up because there just didn't seem to be anyone who understood what I was looking for.  I never imagined that I would buy a horse from someone in California!  There were some Tennessee Walkers here locally (I live in Las Vegas!), but after talking with the people who were selling them I didn't feel comfortable in their knowledge of horses in general let alone gaited horses.  Then my friend told me about your website.  After speaking with you on the phone I knew that I was in good hands.  When I arrived at your beautiful ranch I was amazed at how comfortable and welcoming everything and everyone was.  The best part was that you understood what I wanted and didn't try to sell me a horse that wasn't right for me.  In fact you didn't try to sell me a horse at all.  After watching me ride, you made the most generous offer I've ever heard of.  You said that what I needed wasn't in your barn at the moment, but that you were going to Tennessee the following week and would I like to join you!  We became instant friends and the trip to Tennessee was a life changing experience for me.  You found me the most perfect mare and she is everything I wanted and more.  Mya is my soul mate and I would have never found her if it wasn't for you, Jen.   Now all of my friends and some of my family are also buying horses from you and I couldn't be happier for them.  There isn't any place out there like yours and the rest pale in comparison.  Your horses are truly special just like you.   Thank you.

Your friend,

Susan

Las Vegas Nevada

Dear Jen

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  What an amazing trip we had!  I feel like I've known you my whole life and we only met in August when my friend and I drove from Vegas to meet you and your horses.  I know my list was a long one and I realized that I may never find exactly what I wanted after looking all over the state of Nevada.  When I drove out to see your horses, you told me not to settle unless it was exactly what I wanted.  I was stunned because everyone else tried to sell me whatever horse they had at the time.  You told me that it may take a little while to find a horse that was 16.2 and solid black, under 5 years old, Pusher bred, smooth gaits and a loveable spirit, but as it turned out, your 'scouts' as you call them had several candidates lined up for me to try.  Shaq is truly my dream boy! He's 16.3 solid black, Pusher bred, 4 years old, smooth as anything and a giant lover.  We had to use a ladder to get on him!  I love big horses and I love that he is so very tall and broad.  But most of all I am so happy to call you my friend.  You are one of a kind and anyone who buys a horse from you is a very lucky person and has access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Your grateful friend,

Nancy

Henderson, Nevada