In Aiken, South Carolina, where horse culture runs deep, a new business is raising the bar for pasture management. Juniper Equiland isn’t just another service provider; it’s a mission-driven, forage-focused enterprise born from personal experience, scientific partnerships and a deep understanding of horse-first land care.
Chris and Nicole Johnson moved to Aiken from Florida with a dream: more land, more peace and more space to give their horse the life he deserved. But the story behind Juniper Equiland starts well before they crossed state lines; it begins in Florida with a horse named Archie.
While still living in Florida, Archie suffered a full founder episode, a devastating case of laminitis that could have ended his life. Instead, it changed theirs. Over the course of a grueling year, they worked side by side with the University of Florida’s equine hospital, top farriers, nutritionists and movement specialists. Archie’s recovery wasn’t just a win; it was a wake-up call. The Johnsons saw firsthand how interconnected every aspect of equine care really is. That journey taught them that metabolic horse care is a puzzle. Every piece, pasture management, nutrition, farriery and exercise must work together. And the pasture? That’s where safety begins.
This understanding became the foundation for Juniper Equiland. The Johnsons don’t claim to be scientists, but they do something just as valuable; they collaborate with them. Juniper Equiland partners with soil experts and agronomy professionals to bring cutting-edge, research-backed solutions to local horse properties. They translate complex science into smart, practical strategies that work for real horse owners right here in Aiken County.
Their approach to pasture care starts from the ground up…literally. Every plan begins with the soil, using research-informed practices to build fertility, restore balance and encourage resilient forage growth over time. It’s not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all programs. Instead, they develop long-term strategies tailored to Aiken’s unique climate, creating conditions where healthy, sustainable grasses can thrive. Weed control is never cosmetic; it’s used strategically to reduce stress on forage plants, a major contributor to sugar accumulation and a hidden risk for sensitive horses. Juniper Equiland stays closely attuned to emerging soil research and product innovation, always looking for ways to improve outcomes without compromising safety.
Shortly after moving to Aiken, they began working with their first local client, Maxine Emerich-Jaquish, owner of Engineered Equine Performance LLC. Much like Juniper Equiland, her business is cutting edge, focused on enhanced preventative and rehabilitative care through innovative practices in equine sports medicine. She understood the importance of a land management approach that matched her high standards for horse care. The Johnsons spent time listening, walking her property and talking about her vision for how her land should support the well-being of the horses in her program. Together, they developed a customized plan that blended Emerich-Jaquish’s wants and needs with a treatment strategy that made sense for the soil, the forage and her horses. That partnership set the tone for what Juniper Equiland represents: thoughtful, horse-focused precision care for every pasture.
Aiken is home to many different soil types, and each one demands a tailored approach. Juniper Equiland begins every client relationship with soil analysis to understand nutrient levels, pH and deficiencies. Then they evaluate the land on-site by mapping conditions, plant health and drainage patterns. Only once that data is collected do they develop a customized pasture plan that aligns with the specific needs of the property and the horses who live there.
Archie, once crippled by laminitis, is now back in the show ring– sound, strong and winning. His comeback is more than a personal victory. It’s a reminder that with intentional land management and a connected care plan, managed recovery is possible and so is a return to a full, active life.
The name “Juniper Equiland” itself is rooted in the land they call home. When the Johnsons first stepped onto their Aiken property, they were immediately drawn to a towering juniper tree. It stood alone, strong and enduring, a symbol of resilience and rootedness. That tree became their logo and their emblem. It represents not just the property, but the spirit of the work they do: grounded, deliberate and built to last.
Juniper Equiland wasn’t built to follow tradition; it was built to re-think it. Instead of relying on how things have always been done, they bring fresh eyes, clear strategy and a deeper understanding of how horses and forage work together. In a place like Aiken, where land is part of daily life, that shift matters. Because sustainable pasture care isn’t just about better grass, it’s about smarter decisions, healthier systems and long-term results. Every pasture tells a story. Juniper Equiland is here to help change the ending, one pasture at a time.