team
Johnson horses
Desiree Johnson
Founder & CEO
Born in New Westminster, Canada, Desiree Johnson has dedicated her life to the sport of showjumping. She began competing as a junior and made her international debut at just 16. Alongside her parents, she ran a successful breeding and sales operation in Pine Meadows, Canada, managing a stable of around 30 horses.
In 1998, Desiree moved to the Netherlands with three of her top horses. There, she began competing and selling, and formed a pivotal partnership with Jan Broek, who introduced her to Europe’s unparalleled horse market. By combining this high-caliber European talent with a growing client base in North America, Desiree built a strong international presence in the sport.
In 2008, she founded Johnsonhorses GmbH in Germany, which has since become a respected name in the hunter and jumper world. Her program has placed top-quality horses with riders across the USA, Canada, and beyond.
In 2020, Desiree found and purchased her dream location in Ysselsteyn, a boutique property nestled in the woods with forest trails and expansive fields—ideal for both young horses and sport horses. The peaceful setting feels more like a holiday retreat than a working yard, and it reflects the care and quality at the heart of her program.
A respected “R” judge in hunter and equitation, Desiree brings not only competitive experience but also expert insight to every aspect of her business. Most recently, she served as Chef d’Équipe for Team New Zealand, leading the squad to victory at the 5* Abu Dhabi Nations Cup. The highlight of the win was Daniel Meech’s double clear aboard Cinca—a mare bred and owned by Johnsonhorses.
With decades of experience, a sharp eye for talent, and a lifelong passion for horses, Desiree continues to lead Johnsonhorses with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Filippo Tabarini
Showjumping Rider
We are proud to have Filippo as a rider on our team. His calm, patient nature with the horses, paired with an elegant, classical riding style, brings both harmony and results to our program. With an impressive clear-round record at national and international shows, Filippo continues to present our horses at the highest level. His professionalism, refined manners, and quiet strength make him an outstanding ambassador for Johnsonhorses.
About Filippo
Filippo grew up surrounded by horses in northern Italy, where his family runs a stable. He began riding at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, competing in pony, junior, young rider, and senior championships across both eventing and show jumping.
Over time, Filippo chose to focus exclusively on show jumping, competing internationally from 2* to 5* levels. He has proudly represented Italy in multiple Nations Cup events, including most recently in Vejer, Spain, at the end of 2024. Now based in Belgium, Filippo runs his own stable, where he produces and competes with horses at top-level competitions.
Achievements
- Gold Medal – Italian Junior Championship (Eventing)
- Bronze Medal – Italian Junior Championship (Show Jumping)
- Gold Medal – European Junior Championship (Eventing)
- Bronze Medal – Italian Senior Championship (Show Jumping)
- Numerous placements and wins in Longines World Ranking classes
- Member of the Italian National Team – Nations Cup competitions
Rebecca Lindberg
Assitant manager
Rebecca brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Johnsonhorses. Raised in Sweden on a successful breeding farm, she made her mark early by competing at the 2009 European Junior Championships with her own homebred and licensed stallion. Her passion for developing young horses led her to the Netherlands, where she launched her own business focused on producing talented prospects for the sport.
Since joining Johnsonhorses in August 2020, Rebecca has become a highly valued member of the team. Her international background, keen eye for quality, and deep understanding of horse care and development enrich every aspect of our daily operations.
Alongside Desiree, Rebecca has also co-founded a successful pony venture. Together, they carefully select high-quality young ponies—primarily stallions—with the aim of preparing them for the American hunter market. Their shared dedication to quality, temperament, and presentation has already begun to make an impact in this growing niche.
“The one thing that really drew me toward working at Johnsonhorses was Desiree’s passion for the wellbeing of the horses.” – Rebecca Lindberg
José Fortes Rodrigues
Faciliy and Stable manager
José has been an indispensable part of the Johnsonhorses team for the past nine years. His dedication and hard work are evident in every corner of our stables—from impeccable grounds maintenance and infrastructure projects to logistics and shipping. His care, attention to detail, and commitment make our facilities not only functional but also truly beautiful. We’re incredibly fortunate to have him.
Hermenegildo Tomas
Showgroom
Originating from Caldas Novas, Brazil, Gildo moved to Europe in 2016, speaking only Portuguese. Through hard work and hands-on experience, he steadily deepened his knowledge of the sport and the care of competition horses. Nearly a decade later, his expertise and passion are felt in every corner of the stable.
We are proud to have Gildo as a key member of our team. With years of experience in the equestrian world, he brings a deep, intuitive understanding of true horsemanship. His calm, steady presence fosters a quiet confidence and connection that’s reflected in the horses.
Gildo shares a strong bond with Filippo and the horses, contributing to the close-knit, supportive spirit of our team. Always generous with his time and knowledge, he’s quick to support younger members and working students.
A true gentleman and horseman through and through, Gildo’s passion for the sport shines in the way our horses thrive—radiating health, happiness, and trust.
Sander and Peter Sauve
Peter Sauvé was born in 1958 and lives in Asten, where he proudly raises two children. With a lifelong passion for horses, Peter competed up to the national level before pursuing formal farrier training at the Equestrian Center in Deurne. During his education, he completed internships with leading farriers in the region, laying the foundation for a career that now spans more than 40 years.
For over 20 of those years, Peter has been working alongside his son Sander, forming a strong and trusted farrier team. Their expertise and dedication have contributed to remarkable successes, with their clients winning both individual and team medals at various championships.
Daniel Meech
Former Showjumping Rider for Johnsonhorses
We shared many incredible years with Daniel, and we are deeply grateful for the unforgettable journey together. Highlights include a Nations Cup victory in Abu Dhabi and representing at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020—memories that will always be part of our story. As Daniel embarks on a new chapter in life, embracing parenthood and building his own business, we send him our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for continued success.
