Meet the Team
Lauren Johnson
Graveney Equine is the brainchild of myself, Lauren Johnson, who started to investigate and utilise track systems in 2010 to help solve hoof problems with my horse.
I have been involved with horses from a young age. I started riding at four years old after a donkey ride on the beach got me hooked. I spent years paying my dues at the local riding stables where I completed my stable management levels as I continued my riding development.
At nine years old I was lucky enough to have my own pony (we were gymkhana enthusiasts through and through!) and from then on as I grew up, I loaned and owned a motley crew of equines.
When I was old enough, I started working at a local farm. My grandad was a farmer, so the outdoors and animals are in my blood, while all my friends had nice clean jobs, I was always covered in some questionable smell!
In my late teens, I decided to study for an animal-based BSc honours degree as opposed to just equine as although I loved horses, I hadn’t considered them as more than a hobby at this point.
After my degree, I worked in a variety of animal and non-animal based jobs and because they were all such different roles, I learnt a huge amount. About myself, about other people and life in general.
I spent four years working in a management role in the pet trade and during that time I qualified with AMTRA (Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Association) to be able to prescribe and sell SQP animal medications.
I moved to Kent in 2008 and began working with horses, that is where I met my (now) husband Thomas. I’d had a break from horses before my move as I felt very stifled by traditional horse keeping methods and not at ease with many training methods that were used. I bought one of my current horses, Wilma, in 2011 and decided that I was going to do things my way. It turns out Wilma had other ideas, and she started me on a journey that led us to where we are today.
Meanwhile, a big development in my career brought me into teaching, I gained my teaching qualification and spent 8 years lecturing at one of the country’s leading agricultural colleges with my specialisms being animal welfare, behaviour and nutrition.
While I was teaching, at home we were also setting up and developing our track system and I was training to become a barefoot trimmer. I have been trimming for over 10 years now and am classed as an independent trimmer although I am registered with the PHCP for CPD, training and support.
Eventually, I decided that I wanted to concentrate fully on horses and I left my job as a lecturer to continue trimming and running the track system livery which has grown from strength to strength.
I am an avid writer and blogger and have written several times for some of the most popular equine publications. I work as a track system consultant and have also been involved in some high profile welfare projects in an advisory capacity. For several years I have been working on collating my experience and knowledge in a book all about track systems, due for release soon!
In 2023, I completed an Equine Training Instructor qualification which is the first of its kind to focus on LIFE (which superseded LIMA) training protocols, super excited to have achieved that. I was also voted in as a board member for the ABTC (the Animal Behaviour & Training Council) which is a real honour.
I am passionate about equine welfare and excited about the future of horse-keeping and how we can bring about lasting change to the way we keep our horses.
I am also enthusiastic about land management, ‘re-wilding’ and giving back more than you take away from the fauna and flora.
Really, at the end of the day though, my desire is to ‘do better’ for our animals and I will continue working on that.
Thomas Johnson
Thomas grew up in farming and surrounded by heavy horses. For many years he helped clean feathers and plait manes and tails for shows and promotional jobs. Endless hours of harness and equipment cleaning and checking. For several years he was a part of the team who manned the Lord Mayor’s Carriage in London parades.
University took Thomas into engineering and those skills are now put to use in all aspects of the farm and maintaining the track. Although the farm is his main focus, Graveney Equine is his side hustle. During the last 14 years, Thomas has been taken along for the ride as his skills in farming, land management, engineering and mending electric fence in the rain at 9pm are second to none!
With a calm, capable presence and a deep respect for the horses and the land, he plays a key supporting role in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From maintaining the infrastructure of the track system and fencing, to helping with field management, emergency repairs and bringing to life the ideas Lauren imagines up in the wee small hours, Thomas ensures that the foundations of the operation remain solid.
He understands the philosophy behind the natural livery model and quietly upholds the values that matter most. His contributions might not always be visible to visitors at first glance, but they are integral to the calm and well-organised environment that horses and humans alike benefit from here. He’s also the first to lend a hand when things get hectic, and the last to ask for credit which is exactly why he deserves a special mention.
Our Staff – We’re incredibly lucky to have a small, dedicated team who help keep Graveney Equine running day in and day out. Their continued commitment, come rain, shine, or sideways wind, is something we’re deeply grateful for.
Every member of the team brings their own strengths, whether it’s a quiet understanding of horse behaviour, a keen eye for detail, incredible work ethic and simply the kind of steady presence that makes the horses feel safe and settled. They work hard behind the scenes to ensure the yard stays clean, calm, and well-managed, always putting the welfare of the horses first.
We couldn’t do what we do without them.