Phoebe Johnson

Founder, Owner & Trainer

A lifelong love of horses and the hunter jumper sport inspires Phoebe Johnson to provide exceptional training for Switch Willo riders and horses. After she started riding at age 12 at local barn Hobby Horse, her father bought two horses for Phoebe and her sister and purchased the first seven acre parcel of Switch Willo land.

With few instructors available in Austin, Phoebe’s father brought in his former instructor from West Point to teach the girls. In addition, they attended clinics and sought training from leading professionals, including George Morris. Excelling in all three rings--hunter, jumper, and equitation--

Phoebe earned multiple year-end THJA Champion honors on her mare Cha Cha. She also rode The Deputy and Frogs Have Wings to many wins in the Junior and Jumper rings, respectively. One of the highlights of her show career was traveling to Gladstone, New Jersey to try out for the Olympic team and being named an alternate to the team.

Phoebe manages the business at Switch Willo and is involved with training, buying and selling horses, and overseeing the lesson program. She has judged local shows and given clinics and particularly enjoys developing green horses.