Team HEC

Team Riders

How my small halter brand works with top riders to move horsemanship forward

Horse Education: For How a Horse Learns

I have been lucky enough to spend my entire career in all facets of the horse industry and have had an up close and personal view of the best and worst of what has happened in the evolution of horsemanship in the last twenty years. The number of barns I have been in, the legendary masters I've gotten to meet and all the times I have gotten to be a fly on the wall while someone was training their horses has gone together to inform what HEC stands for. It is a true blessing to get to collaborate with the incredible caliber of trainers and athletes we do. My clients all share a desire to put the horse above the sport and we are so proud to cheer for their many successes and be part of the third wave of ethical horsemanship.

Sara Johnson - HEC OWNER & FOUNDER

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi

Barrel Racing

When the words grit, determination and work ethic come to mind in the sport of barrel racing, Brittany is in an absolute class of her own, succeeding across decades with a wide number of horses, a successful breeder, competitor and all around force within the sport of barrel racing.

Andrew Hoy

EVENTING

A true gentleman and a horseman through and through, Andrew Hoy is an icon of the sport of eventing with 8 Olympic appearances. A lifelong learner who has himself sought out the best mentors, we are truly honored with our long association with a horseman of Andrew's caliber and it is our sincere pleasure to dress his horses, and now, his children's mounts as well.

Niki CLARKE

Dressage

At the intersection of elite sport and nuanced horsemanship, you’ll find Niki Clarke. Her horsemanship and dressage journey is marked by significant achievements, including as a recipient of the 2023 Debbie McDonald Grant and a qualified contender in the 2023 National USEF Grand Prix Championship with Sir Amour, her story is one of relentless dedication and passion.

Andrea Busby

Barrel Racing

Andrea's name is no stranger to the winner's circle as a long acclaimed breeder of some of the industry's best barrel horses, but in 2024 she added to her resume by winning the NFR average with her gelding Jets Top Gun (Benny). They were the only pair to have 10 clean runs and set a new average record finishing in a time of 136.16 seconds on 10 runs. We love cheering for them.

Freddy Steele

Horsemanship

Horse trainer, horseman, performer - his aptitude at pivoting his own skills and those of the horses he works with to just about any undertaking is a never-ending source of inspiration for how to get a horse to trust our leadership.

Jackie Ganter

Barrel Racer

A longtime HEC customer, Jackie has made it to the NFR twice, amongst many other wins and accomplishments. The longevity of her partnerships with her horses is a true testament to her skill as a horsewoman.

WARWICK SCHILLER

Horse trainer, author, and podcaster who was born in Young, New South Wales, Australia. After moving to the United States to begin training horses, he became an NRHA Reserve World Champion. He also represented Australia at the 2010 & 2018 World Equestrian Games and has been using the HEC range of collapsing ground work tools in his training since 2012.

Your Horsemanship

Jason Webb is a UK-based Australian horse trainer, who has built an outstanding reputation for starting young horses and solving behavioural and ridden issues at his yard in South East England.

Working with international riders of all disciplines and world renowned studs, as well as recreational riders desiring a safe, confident riding horse, Jason’s skill, patience and deep understanding of horse behaviour has made him a highly sought after horse trainer/educator.

NIHI SUMBA

On the other side of the world, in Indonesia, our halters help guests connect with the island's horses and play a vital role in communication at the resort's mindfulness retreats and beach rides. Their dedication to horsemanship, like everything they do, is world leading, making it easy to understand why they have been named one of the best 50 resorts in the world on multiple occasions.

Between the Reins

We are professional admirers of the work that Joy Wargo, Ashley Schafer and Jolene Montgomery are doing to encourage and educate barrel racers. Their online hub allows riders of all levels to access unfiltered training, world-class expertise, and a supportive community— and thereby empowers them to excel both in and out of the arena. These ladies are a force for moving horsemanship forward.