06/06/2026
Some stories are too special not to share.
Many years ago, there was a stallion named DJ and a mare named Dusty. DJ belonged to Michael's brother, Allen, and Dusty belonged to Michael. Together, they produced several beautiful foals over the years. But one day, everything changed.
After an accident involving a fence, DJ suffered a devastating injury. Michael and Allen didn't know if he would survive, much less ever sire another foal again. The swelling was severe, and the outlook wasn't good. Over time, he recovered, but when breeding season came around, mare after mare failed to conceive. It seemed his days of producing foals were over.
One day, Michael was standing in the pasture with Dusty. She was older by then, and DJ's future as a breeding stallion seemed long behind him.
He put his hand on Dusty's back and prayed.
"God, if it's Your will, let them have one more baby."
Not long after, Dusty became pregnant. That foal was Lacey.
For the next 24 years, Lacey became far more than just another horse. She became family. She became part of daily life, part of countless memories, and part of the Johnson family story.
Years later, Michael hoped to continue that story. He tried repeatedly to breed Lacey, but year after year brought disappointment. Sometimes it seemed like she had conceived, only to lose the foal later. Other times, nothing happened at all. Eventually, it became easier to believe that chapter of her life had simply come to an end.
But God wasn't finished writing the story.
Several years ago, Michael began working with Dr. Matty May of Southern Equine Service. Through advanced reproductive care and breeding services, another opportunity presented itself. Using genetics from the legendary Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, they decided to try one more time.
Lacey conceived. For the first time in years, there was hope.
The pregnancy wasn't easy. Weekly hormone treatments were required to help support the pregnancy, and Michael prayed every step of the way. After so many disappointments, it was hard to believe everything would work out.
Then came the day everyone had been waiting for. Lacey delivered her foal.
At first, everything seemed fine. The baby was standing, walking, and nursing. But within hours, something felt wrong.
Michael noticed the foal searching for milk but not eating. Trusting his instincts, he contacted Dr. Matty May immediately.
Tests revealed that Lacey had developed an infection, and the foal had it too. The baby began to decline rapidly. A decision had to be made.
With the support of Gail and Bryson, Michael arranged for both mare and foal to be transported to the University of Georgia's Equine Intensive Care Unit.
For a week, they waited.
They prayed.
Veterinarians administered IV fluids and intensive treatment. Thankfully, the foal responded quickly and began improving. Day by day, the miracle unfolded.
Today, that tiny foal is healthy, strong, and full of life.
In fact, she's become quite attached to Michael.
He laughs that he can't do anything around the farm without her following him. If he's feeding horses, she's there. If he's working around the pasture, she's there. If he sits down, she'd practically climb into his lap if given the chance.
Looking back, it's hard not to see God's hand throughout the entire story.
Getting Lacey was a miracle.
Having this baby is a miracle.
Stories like this are why farming is more than livestock, feed, fences, and barns.
It's faith, family, perseverance and it’s caring for God's creation through the highs and the heartbreaks.
And sometimes, if you're blessed, it's watching a miracle run through the pasture.
❤️ Special thanks to Dr. Matty May and Southern Equine Service for the care, dedication, and expertise that helped make this story possible.
