About Us

The Western Australian racing, breeding and equestrian industries were shocked and saddened by the passing of Kent Johnston in May 2019.

Kent, 64, had been hospitalised for brain surgery in Perth late last year.

A third-generation horseman at Taunton Vale in the south-west at Dardanup, Kent is survived by his wife Nina, children Drew (10) & Anya (6) and adult children Pia & Zoe and Oliver & Elliot from previous marriages.

The Dardanup property was purchased by Kent’s grandfather Harold Johnston in the 1950s and covered 640 acres (258 ha).  His sons Ian & Jock split the original block – Ian subdivided his land and Jock dairy-farmed his share from 1953 to 1978.

Jock and Marion pictured for a newspaper story in
the Daily News circa 1950s

Jock, his wife Marion and their children Kent, Harley, Tracey and Cynda were also heavily involved in equestrian pursuits. He was part of a group that founded the Bunbury Horseman’s Club and was also a committeeman of the Bunbury Race Club.  Both organisations would later make him a Life Member.

Jock’s horsemanship had him in demand judging at rural shows and pony clubs all over the State.  Horses were a major focus and the family were involved in polo, polocrosse, hunting, judging, hacking, racing and breeding.

Like his father, Kent was heavily involved with the horse community at the Dardanup Equestrian Centre which is home to the Henty Riding Club, Dardanup Horse & Pony Club, Dardanup Campdraft Association, Australian Stockhorse Society (South-West Branch) and Commonwealth Clydesdales Society (WA Branch).

His eldest daughter Pia Steers is a fourth-generation Johnston working in the equestrian industry.  She travels the country with her husband Dan and they return to Dardanup every year to share their skills as part of the Double Dan Horsemanship Team.