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Press About Us
Who Said It Couldn't Be Done?
The Rockin' LJ Arena is completed! Lorne Johnson Makes It Happen!
By Sharon DeCarlo
From Horse Tales, September 10-October 10Washoe Valley Ranch is located on the east side of Washoe Lake in Washoe Valley, Nevada. This location has always had one of the Northern Nevada's largest concentrations of domestic horses and a few wild horses too. It makes perfect sense that this is also the home to great horsemen and their equally great dreams.
It would seem that Lorne Johnson's dream is an undertaking for which no one else has had the drive and dedication. "For years I have heard horseman use our winters as an excuse for not having their horses ready early in the spring (for competition). Because there was no place to keep their horses tuned and in shape." says Johnson. "NO MORE EXCUSES! Now there is a place you can ride year-round!"
Just completed in the last few weeks (of the writing of this article) is one of the most beautiful sights a horseman would ever want to see. Emerging from the valley floor, the largest indoor arena in Northern Nevada measuring 150'x350'. The Rockin' LJ Arena will be home to many western events throughout the year including sorting, team roping, barrel races, ranch hand rodeos, 4-H horse activities, high school rodeo and bymkhanas. Yes, this arena will have everything needed to put on a first class event including cattle and bucking chutes. And when it is not being used for an event, it is the place to school your horse and practice your western event....whatever that might be.
This facility has been designed with western events in mind. Lorne left nothing out in providing a perfect place for all this activity. Cattle are readily available as Lorne has over 150 head of mother cows, and 60 heads of calves.
This all comes second nature for this native Nevada cowboy. Lorne was raised in Carson City and worked all his young life on various cattle ranches in and around the Carson Valley and Carson City. His experience includes roping Mustangs, breaking and gentling them for public and ranch horses. Lorne's background also includes years as a competitor and trainer. He spent three years with cutting horse trainer Wilson Thomas, and two years training bridle horses with Pat Heavern. He is a NRCHA Champion 2 years in a row (250 Novice Cutting horse). Lorne has years of timed events under his belt. Most recently he added a 2003 National Finals Champion Team Roper ans State Championship 40/40 team roping to his long list of wins.
How did he help finance his dream? About 21 years ago Lorne got out of the cowboy business and into the excavating construction business. Just like everything else Lorne has done, he did it up right! Now it's a thriving business. This allows him to fulfill his dream to provide a complex to serve the horsemen of Northern Nevada in a way that has eluded most until now.Lorne is especially interested in the YOUTH and is excited to host High School Rodeo's 4-H and other clinics. The clinics allow the Nevada kids a better chance in the arena when competing against year-round states with more favorable weather. He has made it clear this is a top priority for his new facility.
There are many more features to this 15 acre horse boarding facility. Among it's impressive amenities are a full size outdoor lighted riding arena measuring 140' x 280', closed-in round pen, hot walker, large tack room, turn outs, shelters with runs and barn stalls. As a bonus, there is access to many miles of trails and big Washoe Lake. Horses are fed twice daily and there is a full time manager on the premises. Boarders get free use of the facility when available. Training and Lessons are also offered. There is ample parking for horse trailers. Additionally, the Comstock Veterinary Clinic is just minutes away.
The other half of this successful endeavor is Helen Brickner, Ranch Manager who is in charge of scheduling and bookings. If you think this facility is too good to be true, then GO SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Lorne and Helen welcome you for your next western event. Please call 775-849-3232. Washoe Valley Ranch Full Service Horse Boarding Facility is located at 3185 Lakeshore Drive, Washoe Valley Nevada.
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