A tribute to Paul Johnston
The equestrian community has lost a dedicated and loyal servant
Paul Johnston was a familiar face in many different areas of the equestrian world. Whether judging at show jumping, eventing or riding club competitions or helping to organise shows on a grander scale, Paul always had a kind word and a smile for all. He was a dedicated and loyal servant of the horse community for many years.
Paul bought his first horse when he was just 14 years old and this started a lifetime of passion for anything equestrian-related. Paul would spend countless hours helping to plan local shows and events and helping to guide amateur riders onto a pathway to success. Paul was from a family of well-known equestrian personalities, but he was not one to seek the limelight. In fact, he was happiest staying in the background, helping to ensure success from behind the scenes.
In recent times, Paul was involved in regular judging at unregistered show jumping at Knockagh View, Greenisland, but through the years he was associated with events in Ards and North Down; as well as being heavily involved in Lurgan and Saintfield Shows and helping at events including the Northern Ireland International Horse Show; Tattersalls; Tyrella and a number of international events including Burghley.
Such was the depth of gratitude from the industry that, in 2023, Paul was recognised at the Equine Awards NI with the Special Contribution award, an award he was immensely proud of and which came as a complete surprise.
Paul would endeavour to judge and support young riders, even throughout his courageous fight against cancer, to the extent that he even collapsed one night whilst judging and had to be conveyed straight to hospital!
Paul had a passion for building confidence in riders. Many international riders recall how Paul gave them reassuring words of guidance in their younger days and many would also say Paul encouraged them to stay in the equestrian arena on days when they felt they had no future in the industry. Paul would regularly encourage those riders who felt challenged or not good enough and, through regular words of advice and encouragement, he would show them that he had faith in them.
A fair and transparent judge, only a few people ever saw the level of preparation Paul put into judging at shows. He would arrive with his silver briefcase, full of the current rules and many implements including measuring tapes, to ensure everything was fair in competition and that any decision he had to make was in line with the many rules.
Paul spent many years assisting Eventing Ireland (NR) and local riding clubs; and is widely known throughout Ireland; the UK and beyond for his efforts and knowledge.
Paul would often joke that he was the first person to ride a horse along the M1 motorway in Portadown, due to it being built through family land in his childhood… A mischievous Paul decided to hack down the motorway one night before it was opened!
A service celebrating the life of Paul Johnston was held in Bangor on Friday, January 3, 2025. Paul died, at home, surrounded by family on Thursday, December 26, 2024, having spent Christmas opening presents with his family and grandchildren.
At the celebration of his life, many learned there was much more to Paul than they had known... His son, Philip, recollected how Zara Tindall had a great chat with Paul during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2024; having recognised him from his involvement in Events she had competed at. This led to a lengthy conversation, much to the disappointment of the other guests, who didn’t share the same interest in horses!
The selfless actions taken by Paul in many years of charity work for those much less fortunate was a common theme. From flights of fantasy for underprivileged children to meet Santa at 30,000 feet; to representing the Variety Club of Great Britain in Belfast and beyond; supporting adoption services and families; through to being the main man behind the Volunteer Bikers’ Group – a group of 200 or so volunteer motorcyclists, who helped deliver pharmacy and medical goods to the NHS and those in need within all communities across Northern Ireland and beyond. In excess of 10,000 items were delivered, covering over 150,000 miles – a phenomenal effort, which many never even knew about, such was Paul’s humble nature and lack of self-praise.
Paul is survived by his wife, Monica, and children Philip; Andrew; Paula and Katie, as well as his grandchildren; Lewis, Isla, Ben, Alfie, Joel and Harry, who welcome any memories of your experience with Paul to be shared with them.
To honour Paul’s memory, and his time spent judging at Knockagh View, his family have worked with Ruth Logan to provide a perpetual trophy that will be presented at the final of the Paul Johnston Memorial League at the centre. This special award will not go to the winner of the league, but instead it is for determination and resilience throughout the league - a fitting tribute to this much-loved man.
