Andrew Johnson - Horseshoer

As told by student producer Tachi Vickers

Andrew Johnson has been living in Compton since he was five. Now, at 51, he is the resident Horseshoer working also with Mayisha Akbar of Compton's Jr. Posse. What began as a punishment, has now become a way of life for Johnson. The horses he rides and loves steered him away from gang influences, and working with them has led to a full-time occupation. Andrew remembers chasing rabbits, hunting crawdad and racing horses on the dirt roads. He has seen the community change yet at the same time remain the same.

About Richland Farms
Most people in Richland Farms own an acre or an acre and a half.

On Horses
Horses were an alternative to joining a gang for many young men in the area.