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FEATURE: TRAINERS PROFILE- HOLLY SCOPE
AQHA TRAINERS PROFILE
Holly Skopp
PHOTO BY: EV LAGOON PHOTOGRAPHY
1. Tell us briefly about yourself. I reside in Haigslea QLD with my husband Kane Skopp. We specialize in training AQHA Pleasure, Hunter, and All- Around horses alongside my mum, Carolyn Johnson at Rockin Horse Ranch.
2. When did you begin training and what made you want to be a trainer? After my youth, I spent seven years training under the guidance of my mum,‘ Carolyn Johnson Show Horses’, which laid a strong foundation for my career. Horses have always been my focus, and I was fortunate from a young age to gain experience riding a wide range of horses across various ages and stages of development. This exposure ultimately inspired me to pursue the goal of running my own business. I’ ve always preferred working outdoors and enjoy the process of teaching a horse to progress and reach its potential.
3. Which horse riding discipline do you enjoy? My favourite is possibly the Western Riding, it’ s a challenge and when it’ s executed correctly it’ s a beautiful event to watch. I believe finding the event that your horse is most suited to your horse always makes it more enjoyable.
4. How long have you been involved in Quarter horses? My entire life, my parents Carolyn and Fred Johnson are both Quarter Horse trainers and breeders.
5. What and who has inspired you the most as a trainer / rider? My mum, Carolyn, and my husband, Kane. My mum began training horses in the early 80s when western horses were truly allrounders, some showing in the cutting and the pleasure in the same day. With her extensive knowledge, she continues to train today with the same dedication and commitment to her clients in making their dreams come true. She’ s constantly inspiring me to grow not only in the show pen but also in the care we provide for our horses and the pride we take in our business. Kane, my biggest supporter, is always pushing toward the next goal. His determination to become a better horseman and evolving have played a huge role in our success. He challenges me to continually improve my training and is constantly forward thinking in our breeding program.
6. How long have you been competing / training? I began showing Cutting Horses when I was 7. I showed NCHA Hall of Fame horse‘ Freckles Fancy Oak’ and later moved on to showing AQHA all round horses when I was
7. Best advice you could give to someone starting out? Find some show buddies and learn all you can. As you progress, find what events are best suited to your horse and build on those strengths. Many frustrations can come from asking your horse to do something it’ s not capable of doing. Try sourcing out a local respected trainer and invest in some lessons.
8. Who are the people who have helped you the most and influenced you? Aside from my Kane and my parents, Mary and Bill Gale. The most generous and caring people who did everything to help us, not just in the horse world but everyday life. They treated us like we were family and Mary in particular, had a deep passion for spreading her love of the Quarter Horse and the Western industry. She welcomed so many AQHA members into the community, often gifting horses and tack to help them get started. This past Q Nationals she was there to watch her Son and great grandchild compete.
9. What is your proudest moment showing Quarter Horses so far? I would say winning the 2yo LTD Western Pleasure at the 2024 All American Congress aboard‘ Just Stoppin By’, selected by my mum as a yearling in the NSBA Sale and purchased through the All4onePartnership with Kane, myself and Bruce and Kath Hegan. Although I have many moments I am grateful for in the show pen, I really enjoy teaching others and watching them achieve goals with their horse. One of my proudest moments was coaching the 2024 Youth WorldCup Team to Reserve Championship in the USA.
10. What are your future plans or goals with training & showing? I strive to become a better horseman each year. With every season I learn something new, and the work becomes a little easier— thanks in large part to the continued improvement of our stock. My hope is that we can keep breeding horses that find it easy and enjoy doing their job.
11. What other interests / hobbies do you enjoy or have? There isn’ t a lot of spare time but when we can I love going to the beach and a favourite café!
12. Any items in your tack room you just can’ t do without? A lungeline, spurs and a snaffle!
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au