About us
Why Chose us?
This service was not created with the intention of making millions, but in response to a clear and recurring need within the breeding industry. Many people have a genuine interest in breeding but lack the guidance needed to know where to begin.
Breeding can be both overwhelming and expensive, and sourcing clear, unbiased advice is often a challenge. Requests for stallion recommendations are frequently met with unsuitable suggestions from those promoting their own stallions, rather than considering what is truly best for the mare. The same issues arise across areas such as colour genetics, foaling, and youngstock management, where those seeking advice on social media is often inconsistent, confusing, or unhelpful.
This service was designed to offer something different. A space where breeders can access straightforward, honest guidance without judgment, unnecessary noise or conflicting agendas
By combining lifelong practical experience within the industry with academic credentials, and a commitment to ongoing learning, the aim is to provide clear, realistic, and accessible support throughout every stage of the breeding process.
No matter how big or small the enquiry, all are welcome to get in touch.
Georgia Johnson BSc - Genetic & Pedigree Analyst
If a passion for horse breeding could be considered a heritable trait, I would be a clear example. I was lucky enough to be born into world of horse breeding and it has been the one constant focus in my life since before I could walk.
I grew up immersed in the industry, travelling to major international events including the World Equestrian Games in and the Olympic Games on multiple occasions, and visiting leading studs such as Paul Schockemöhle, Landgestüt Celle, Zuchthof Klatte, and Ferienhof Stücker. Alongside this, I have lived in Australia, Germany, and now the United Kingdom, with horses forming a central part of life in each country.
My breeding journey started with, and continues to primarily be through The Overflow Farm, founded by my mother in Australia in 2003, which I re-launched in the UK in 2020. Our breeding program took a pause when we moved to Germany in 2014, but there we remained hands-on with horses, owning and running a livery yard in the Harz Mountains.
Whilst growing up in Germany, at around age twelve, I already knew I wanted to relaunch our breeding program in the future. Therefore, when I was searching for my first 148cm pony to ride, I approached the decision with that long-term goal in mind, prioritising conformation, temperament, ability, and pedigree. After an extensive search, I found Orchid’s Dixie, aka 'Vanilla' who went on to become the foundation broodmare of my sport pony breeding program.
This lifelong focus on breeding has shaped my academic path. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and I am currently completing a Master of Research in Equine Science, due for completion in September 2026. My studies have centred on breeding, including Animal Genetics and Equine Reproduction, with my thesis focused on sport pony genetics.
I am also a DEFRA certified Equine and Bovine Artificial Insemination Technician, and alongside my reproduction experience, I have a strong interest in mapping pedigrees and genetics. Whether it is colour genetics or concerns around heritable diseases, I aim to provide clear, up-to-date advice based on the latest available scientific research.
Melissa Johnson
MPH, BA - Conformation & Reproduction Specialist
Around a decade later, after completing both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Western Australia, she and my father purchased their first farm, which they named 'The Overflow Farm', a nod to not only the famous Australian poem 'Clancy of the Overflow' , but also because of the overflowing dam on the property. This marked the beginning of her breeding program. Her first horse, Kalgan Grenachie, aka Matilda, a Cleveland Bay x Thoroughbred filly, became the foundation mare of The Overflow Farm in Australia.
During the 1990s and early 2000s in rural Western Australia, access to warmblood mares was extremely limited. For those wanting to breed sport horses, off-the-track Thoroughbred mares were often the only viable option. While Melissa did incorporate some thoroughbred mares into her program, her foundation mare offered greater substance through her Cleveland Bay blood. This proved to be a valuable cross with modern sport horse stallions of a lighter, blood-type build, allowing for greater flexibility in stallion selection.
Melissa was among the early adopters in the region to use imported frozen semen from Europe, using stallions such as Brentano II, Wolkenstein II, Hohenstein, (breeding the first direct Hohenstein foal born in Australia) Rhythm and Blues (by Ferro), Don Cavallo (Donnerhall x Weltmeyer), and Rosario (by Rubinstein I). Notably, she also used stallions such as 00 Seven and Stedinger well before they were later imported into Australia.
As her breeding program developed, she expanded into jumping lines, ponies, and some Thoroughbred breeding. She was also one of the first breeders in Australia to use imported German Riding Pony semen, including Hilkens Black Delight, FS Don’t Worry, and Der Feine Lord AT.
In the late 2000s, Melissa completed qualifications in artificial insemination, mare scanning, and stallion collection in Australia. However, due to DEFRA regulations, these qualifications are not currently recognised in the UK.
Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge in bloodlines, but her particular strength lies in conformation assessment and equine reproduction. With years of experience and formal qualifications in reproduction, she has developed an exceptional eye for detail, able to identify both strengths and weaknesses in a horse with remarkable accuracy.
She remains a key part of the consultancy, providing invaluable insight and support.