The Harris Staff has exceptional credentials and have worked as a team for many years.
John C. Harris-President and Chairman of the Board
John has been involved in the Agribusiness and Thoroughbred business all of his life. Harris Ranch has been in continual family operation since the turn of the century and is now one of the largest Agribusiness in the nation.
In addition to the various Harris Ranch Companies cattle and agribusiness operations, the Harris Farms Horse Division ranks as one of the country’s leading racing stables and is one of the thoroughbred industry’s most influential owners/breeder operations.
Harris has bred and raced numerous outstanding horses including 1994 Cal-Bred Horse of the Year, Soviet Problem, a filly who came within inches of winning the ’94 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Harris has served five terms as President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and is currently serving on the Executive Committee as past President. John also is a member of both the Jockey Club, California Horse Racing Board and the Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors. John and his wife Carole live at the River Ranch in Sanger California.
Jonny Hilvers-General Manager Horse Division
Jonny grew up at Old English Rancho and has a great background for thoroughbred ranch management. He worked alongside his grandfather and racing Hall of Fame member, Buddy Johnston, as a youth. Jonny was groomed for leadership prior to Buddy’s unexpected passing in early 2015. He has performed every farm job from breeding, foaling, and vet technician to nutritionist, training, racing, etc.
“Jonny Hilvers will be a key ingredient to all of the mutual success I envision,” said John Harris. “He brings us solid leadership and practical excellence and represents a new generation to help lead California forward.”
Harris Horse Division Office Staff
L-R Franki Jo Perez (Office Manager)
Dr. Courtney Stammerjohan-Resident Veterinarian
Virginia Hernandez
Dr. Virginia Hernandez is a graduate of the University: Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnic’s , University of Zacatecas El Cordovel, Enrique Estrada Zacatecas Mexico. She has been an integral part of our operation for the past 11 years with her main focus revolving around Neonatal and foal care. She has also assisted on multiple research projects over the years and has spayed many feral cats. Her hobbies are taking walks with her children and dogs, biking, playing games (soccer and baseball) and swimming. She enjoys cooking, baking, watching movies and dancing. She also likes to write poetry.
Dan Morgan-Trainer
Dan Morgan is a third-generation horse trainer born and raised in Pleasanton, California with over 40 years of experience. He has had the honor of training for Harris Farms in Arizona and California since 1995. Dan is proud to be part of the team in Coalinga, where he monitors and tracks racehorses’ progress and performance through regular observation, training, and race results analysis.
Raul Rosas-Stallion Manager
An invaluable employee of the Harris Farms Horse Division since 1983, Raul has worked his way up from a general laborer to stallion manager. Raul is responsible for the care and well being of the many stallions standing at the Harris Farms. Raul is available, by appointment, for clients and prospective clients to view the Harris Farms stallions.
Pam Piek – River Ranch Manager
Pam is a veteran veterinary technician with over 30 years experience. She has had the good fortune of working with several cutting edge veterinarians and legendary horsemen. Pam has a passion for herd health and a special interest in training, especially weanlings and yearlings. “I am excited to join the Harris Farms team as the manager of the River Ranch. I bring experience in medicine to keep the herd healthy and horsemanship to condition their minds and bodies for a successful race training experience.”
In her spare time, she enjoys all things outdoors with her family. Camping, fishing, horseback riding and training Border Collies keep her busy.
Harris Horse Division Foaling Staff
L-R L-R Patricia Lagden (Foaling Manager), Macie Kulikov, Nicole Brummet, Lucinda Gillespie
Canine support staff – Brandy Lagden
Feline support staff – Cholo
Harris Horse Division Broodmare Staff
L-R Jesus Salazar, Jose Miguel Juarez, Benito Rodriguez Villegas, Ignacio Vasquez Sanchez, Flavio Nieto Sanchez, front row L-R Jorge Juarez Jr., Tomas Salvador, Martin Zendajas Sanbrano, Jorge Juarez, Santiago Reyes.
Not pictured, Jose Ayala, Jose Ayala Negrete, Fernando Hernandez.
River Ranch Staff
L-R Ruben Sanchez, Leonard Barrera, Gustavo Palacios (supervisor), Luis Espinoza, Jose Alvarez, Eliazar Martinez, Pam Piek. Chula. front row – Chula