At Hawk’s Rest Ranch, it’s all about the horses.
Julie Johnston began building her dream here in 2004, creating a ranch devoted to the care, comfort and joy of horses. She loves sharing her knowledge and working with horses and riders alike. Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains of western Wyoming, Hawk’s Rest Ranch in Etna is a peaceful place to call home.
Meet Julie – Owner, Hawk’s Rest Ranch
A Life Devoted to Horses
Julie Johnston grew up in an equestrian family and was riding ponies by age 3. Her father and grandfather founded the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and by 15, she had started over 400 racehorses on her family’s farm.
She competed across the country in 4-H, RCA, WPRCA, and PRCA events, earning top honors in barrels, poles, and western pleasure—including first place in the Iowa Barrel Racing Association and the Ohio Valley Regional. The American Quarter Horse Association awarded her a Register of Merit in both barrels and poles—an honor reserved for top performers.
Julie earned her degree from the University of Kentucky and continued her horsemanship in the heart of Bluegrass country. She’s placed at Cheyenne Frontier Days, ridden with the Licking River Hounds, and trained polo horses in Wyoming—sometimes riding up to 20 a day.
She still returns to Kentucky to manage barns at Keeneland sales and train with world-class horsemen like Mindy Cook and Nori Scheffell.
Most recently, she worked alongside renowned trainer Clinton Anderson, Charmayne James, Sharon Camarillo and Buck Mendenhall.
In 2004, Julie brought her lifelong dream to life by founding Hawk’s Rest Ranch—a Wyoming haven dedicated to the care and joy of horses. She loves sharing her knowledge and offers training for horses, riders, or both.
Tricia O’Connor - Instructor
Tricia began riding at a young age, quickly advancing from Pony Jumpers to Junior Jumpers and Equitation. She trained with top professionals like Mark Jungherk and competed at elite events including Devon, Washington International, Harrisburg, and the Maclay Finals at the Meadowlands N.E.H.C. finals.
While in Juniors she also competed at North American Young Riders, twice, taking team silver at Bromont, Canada, and team bronze at Wadsworth, Illinois.
Her training and competition continued with the Olympic Festival in Burbank, CA with an individual 7th and a team Silver Medal. She won individual Silver at prestigious Prix de States in Harrisburg, with placings at Washington and Devon
Turning professional in 1994, Tricia trained and competed in Germany, showing young horses and riding in Grand Prix events across the U.S. and Europe —including HITS Ocala, New York HITS, Kentucky Horse Park, Lamplight, and the Devon Gold Cup. She placed 9th at the Kiel International and nationally placed with young horses (m/130–140) and Grand Prix level meter 150.
While running Clover Leaf Farm in Massachusetts, Tricia trained riders of all ages, many of whom qualified and competed nationally.
Though her time at Hawk’s Rest is limited, Tricia is currently accepting students of all levels, and we’re thrilled to have such a talented and experienced instructor on our team.
