In the 20 years she has been involved with the U.S. Equestrian Team and then the U.S. Equestrian Federation, Laureen Johnson has been involved with a variety of disciplines–from show jumping to eventing, reining and endurance; just about everything except able-bodied dressage.
Currently, she’s in charge of two disciplines, ParaDressage and Vaulting. Could they be more different? But Laureen is up to the task and was saluted by her co-workers in Gladstone yesterday for two decades of dedication.
Of course, she got a watch–what else would be appropriate for such a milestone–and a chance to reminisce about her years serving horse sports.
Laureen Johnson and the watch she received for 20 years of service. (Photo ©2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
Those she has worked with when she was an assistant discipline director included show jumping with Sally Ike, who’s now managing director of licensed officials, and Jim Wolf for eventing, Jeff Fox and Jamie Saults for reining, Mary Lutz and Pam Lee.
The Allamuchy resident became a director herself in 2015. She noted how important the work of team trainer Michel Assouline has been for the Para riders.
Laureen also is very proud of helping those athletes recognize their issues through a video on-line judging program, because they don’t get a lot of competition opportunities. The videos are sent to 5-star judges for critiques.
The 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games was Laureen’s first WEG and very exciting, because Para and Reining brought home a treasure trove of medals.
.”I love everything that I do,” said Laureen as we chatted during her.celebration.
“I love working with the para athletes, I find it so uplifting working with them. And I love vaulting, it’s creative artistic. But what I like best about my job is helping the athletes achieve their goals.”