THE equestrian community in Northern Ireland lost one of its dedicated and loyal stalwarts recently, when Paul Johnston lost his battle with cancer.

Paul bought his first horse at 14 years of age, commencing a lifetime of passion for anything equestrian-related. Paul would spend multiple hours helping to plan local events and shows and helping to guide amateur riders to a pathway of success. From a family of well-known equestrian personalities, Paul was not one to seek the limelight – he was happiest staying in the background, ensuring success.

In recent times, Paul was involved in regular judging at Knockagh View Equestrian Centre, Greenisland, but over the years he was an integral part of events in Ards and North Down; he was also heavily involved in Lurgan and Saintfield shows, and helped at the Northern Ireland International Horse Show and events such as Tattersalls, Tyrella and a number of others, including Burghley.

In 2023, Paul was recognised at the Equine Awards NI with a Special Contribution award, an award he was immensely proud of and which came as a complete surprise.

Paul would endeavour to judge or 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 Johnston and his wife Monica, pictured at Buckingham Palace last May, after she received her BEM award

Guidance

Paul was passionate about 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 that Paul encouraged them to stay in the equestrian arena on the days when they felt they had no future in such competition.

Paul would regularly encourage those riders who felt challenged or not good enough and, through regular words of advice and encouragement, he would show he had faith in them.

A fair and transparent judge, only a few ever saw Paul’s level of preparedness for 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, 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, and a mischievous Paul decided to hack down the motorway one night before it was opened!

Service of celebration

Paul died, at home, surrounded by family on Thursday, December 26th 2024, having spent Christmas opening presents with his family and grandchildren. A service celebrating the life of Paul Johnston was held in Bangor on Friday, January 3rd 2025.

At the celebration of his life, many learned there was much more to Paul than they knew.

His son, Philip, recollected how Zara Tindall recognised Paul during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2024, having seen him at events she competed at and this led to a lengthy conversation - much to the disappointment of the other guests, who didn’t have 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.

He was also known as 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 covering over 150,000 miles – a phenomenal effort, which many never 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.

May he rest in peace.

PJ