The Johnson Family and Appaloosa Culture
JMB Ranch (Jack, Margaret, Bill) with standing sire Simcoe’s Chinook, became a hotspot in Appaloosa promotion with Chinook’s offspring winning competitions nationwide. The Johnson family worked hard to develop a selective breeding program and became well known for their knowledge and love of the horses. In 1960 they hosted their first annual Registered Appaloosa Production and Consignment Sale. Thus Jack’s next business venture began. For 25 years, every other week the JMB Ranch was host to one of the largest consignment auctions around. People would flock to the sale bringing all types of horses, tack, and just about anything to sell. This too was a family affair with Jack as ringman, Bill showing the sale horses and acting as backup auctioneer, and Margaret as secretary.
Many “Appaloosans” were “branded” for life at JMB ranch. A former Baylor student recalls Jack leading her and her friends on trail rides while he recounted the story of the Appaloosa, Chief Joseph, and the Nez Perce Indians. She was so inspired she journeyed to the historic Chief Joseph Trail several times to make the 1,300 mile ride that the Nez Perce made so many years ago.
Appaloosa culture was a way of life and left a definite mark on the family. The Johnson life was filled with horses, rodeos, competitions, auctions, and trail rides. Bill’s daughters Sherri and Shawn warmly remember the visitors that would flock to the ranch for trail rides every weekend. The little girls would lead the rides themselves, one in the front of the pack and one at the rear, shouting out instructions and having a great time. The girls went to on to show Appaloosas and compete in events even today.
The legacy of Jack & Margaret Johnson and Simcoe’s Chinook lives on in their descendents and in the vibrant Johnson Family of Businesses that have survived and thrived over the years. Johnson Roofing, Inc. is well known by their logo that proudly displays a pack of horses—with an Appaloosa at the front. The company and the family give away several Appaloosa colts every year to charitable auctions in their community. Bill has long given his auctioning skills as a gift to charities, as well.
Today the Johnsons are proud to open the doors of their newest venture, Appaloosa Trading Post, a testament to the great and noble horses that have left their spots on the family forever.