I'm 26 and was given a stake in a racehorse to promote it on social media. I made $25,000 — and it introduced me to some of the world's most powerful people.

Griffin Johnson owns multiple racehorses.

Courtesy of Griffin Johnson

• Griffin Johnson owns shares in multiple racehorses.
• He got involved after growing his social media following.
• He says being part of the ownership team gives him access to successful business people.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Griffin Johnson. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I grew up on a farm in the Midwest. Like a lot of farm kids, I was around horses...