John Conatser, along with his wife, Tammie, is the owner of Carriage Lane Farm, an American Saddlebred and Hackney Pony training and breeding operation located in Nicholasville, Kentucky. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Aerospace Administration, John also holds a private pilot’s license. He has been involved in Saddlebreds since his youth, having learned under his father, Hall of Fame Trainer Marvin Conatser.

During his professional career, John has trained over 75 World and National Champion American Saddlebreds and Hackney Ponies. He is a licensed horse show judge and has officiated at some of the nation’s top shows. He twice served at the State Chairman of the United Professional Horseman’s Association and as Chairman of the organization’s horse show held annually at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Prior to opening his own facility, John served as Manager/Trainer for some of the country’s top Saddlebred and Hackney Pony farms including: Seymour Farm, Bent Tree Farm and Man O’ War Farm - Saddlebred Division. Through the years John has specialized in preparing amateur and youth riders for the show ring and presently has over 10 riders and drivers competing on the national level in various divisions. Some of his notable amateur champions include:
WCC CH Callaway’s Criterion, WCC CH Range Rover, WCC Supreme Attraction, WCC Zeberdee, WCC CH The Phoenix, WCC Bongo, WC CH A Touch of Champagne, WC Net Worth, WC Golden Deliverance, WC Natural Rights, Etc.

When John relocated to Nicholasville he was joined by his wife, Tammie, in the daily farm and training operations. Tammie is a graduate of Centre College and the University of Kentucky College of Law. She was a practicing attorney for ten years. A lifelong Saddlebred enthusiast and exhibitor, Tammie was a World Champion equitation and juvenile rider. Tammie has been responsible for expanding the farm’s breeding operations.

John is well-known for his selection and presentation of top young horses, having selected and sold such stars as WGC CH Memories Citation, WGC One for the Road, among others. His list of champion show ring young stars include: WC Shaman, WC Belle Supreme, WCC Bent Tree’s Stetson, WC Polo Town, WC CH In My Heart, WC CH A Magic Spell, WC CH Just Special, WC New York’s Perfect Gift. In 2004 John showed two top three-year-olds he had selected for their owners. WC Marching Orders and WC Coco Loco won both of their respective World Championship titles and were named UPHA Classic National Champions. WC Marching Orders was sold and John sold Coco Loco to another undefeated season and the title of WCC Junior Fine Harness.

John’s career was highlighted by his selection as the 2004 Richard E. Lavery UPHA Professional Horseman of the Year. Never one to rest on his laurels, he and Tammie continue to strive for perfection and performance.