Bio
Johnny Trotter’s story begins in the horse country of West Texas, where he spent his earliest years in the saddle rather than on the ground. In Abilene, one of his father’s friends kept a horse that young Johnny was allowed to ride, sparking a fascination that never left him. His father, a Methodist minister, eventually moved the family to Dumas, Texas, and it was there—gathering cattle and working alongside real cowboys—that Johnny found the life that fit him best.
He went on to become president and general manager of Bar G Feedyard in Hereford, Texas, while building a reputation as a skilled horseman. A competitive team roper, Johnny has qualified numerous times for the World Series of Team Roping finals. But his path took a new turn in 1998 during a trip to Ruidoso with his fiancée, Jana, when he became captivated by the world of racehorses.
In 2005, Johnny bred One Famous Eagle, a son of Mr Jess Perry. Raced in partnership with Burnett Ranches, the colt earned nearly $1.4 million and went on to become a highly influential sire. One Famous Eagle’s offspring have earned more than $29 million and include champions One Dashing Eagle and Bodacious Eagle. Johnny’s success in racing and breeding led to his recognition as the 2018 AQHA Champion Owner.
Johnny’s business interests stretch across the livestock world. He holds partnerships in cattle operations throughout Texas and near Hattiesburg, Mississippi. With Pete Scarmardo, he owns El Camino Real Ranch near Bryan, Texas, along with Granada Farms, home to stallions such as Dealagame, Down N Dash, EC Jet One, Tempting Dash, and others.
His community involvement is equally far-reaching. Johnny owns Whiteface Ford in Hereford and has served on bank boards in Hereford, Lubbock, and Abilene. He is active on the Spicer Gripp Memorial Roping Committee, which awards scholarships to students at West Texas A&M University. His service was recognized when he was named Deaf Smith County Citizen of the Year in 2004 and received the Tri-State Fair Western Heritage Award in 2006.
In 2018, Johnny joined Stan Sigman, Chicho Flores, and John Andreini in purchasing Ruidoso Downs—the same place where his fascination with racehorses began.
“It’s been a heckuva ride through the horse business for me,” Johnny says. “I’ve seen things with horses that would break your heart, and I’ve seen things so gratifying you can’t explain it to somebody who doesn’t have a passion for the horse. I thank God every day for the friends he has given me that are horses.”
Johnny has also dedicated years to the American Quarter Horse Association. First appointed to the AQHA Racing Committee in 2000, he later served on the AQHA board of directors, committees, and councils. In 2010, after encouragement from four AQHA Past Presidents, he joined the Executive Committee and became AQHA president in 2014.
“Being AQHA president wasn’t an ego thing for me,” he says. “I’m at the point in my life where I don’t have to try to impress anybody.” Then he laughs. “Well, except Jana.”
In 2020, Johnny Trotter was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame—an honor befitting a life spent devoted to horses, ranching, and the Western way of life.
