*SERAFIX CHICKEN STORY

On April 24th 1999 at the end of a video and book fair day, I video taped a "A Conversation with Johnny Johnston and Maggie, Janet, Melissa, Sharon, and myself Ferman Ansel". 

We got together for a rap session with Johnny Johnston.   Johnny was there to sign his new book "THE ARABIAN" and begin to tell stories about Serafix's Chicken, Bask's Ugly Mare, Guns, The day the Bear was born, The Whippet that Lunched the Truck, The Exorcist, Stanley White & the Egyptian Filly Pow, Johnny at the Lope, Lights out in Montana, etc.  Plus photography tips, comments about Johnny's favorite horses and people, what he was paid for his first photo, etc.

Left to right are

Janet Stevenson, Melissa Paul, Johnny Johnston, Sharon Byford, Ferman Ansel

at the WK Kellogg Arabian Horse Library in Pomona California.

Johnny explained who John Rogers was and how big, hard and tough he was known to be. Johnny went on to say, Mr. Rogers had a policy that  no pictures could be taken by visitors to his ranch.  Johnny continued, one day a  buyer who had paid  $35,000.00 for a horse begin taking snapshots of the horses, John Rogers approached him, explained his policy again and  took the camera and promptly smashed it on the ground. The astonished buyer remarked to John Rogers that he wasn't sure if he wanted the horse now, Mr. Rogers fired back that if you are smart enough you will.

John Rogers was an astute businessman and employed only  the best.

Mr. Rogers imported *Serafix from England and he  had gone through three trainers by the time Murrel Lacey caught his attention.

Well  Murrel had  a  reputation of his own, He was a no nonsense, world class horseman. Many people perceived this 180 pound man of steel, who used  rigid training and conditioning methods to be a lot like John Rogers. In reality he was a kind and gentle man with good work ethics and superior skill with horses. This athletically fit trainer had such leg strength that he would apply enough pressure to an uncooperative horse, even in a western saddle that could bring the horse to his knees. 

                                                        Murrel Lacey with Fixeyn (Serafix & Chloeyn)

Now that you understand the background of these two powerful strong willed men,   let Johnny Johnston tell you about Murrel Laceys first day on the Job in the year 1965 at the Rogers Arabian Ranch. Click for the *Serafix Chicken story    (recommend right click and save to disk as)  the file is a 9.67 mb  wav file 1.55 minutes long.

Johnny Johnston is a world class photographer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. He set new photographic standards and invented a technique he call verticality. His work is truly an art form.

His photography enhanced the presentation of Arabian Horses and stirred emotions worldwide. His breath taking images spurred new interest in the Arabian horse and their popularity grew as he captured the finest qualities of the Arabian horse in a whole new light.

His book "THE ARABIAN". published by Boldheart Publications is devoted exclusively to Johnny's magnificent career and is a showcase of nearly fifty years photographing the Arabian Horse.

To learn more about his book and  purchase  your copy click here: Boldheart Publications