Here are what Rowe Stables students have to say about:
Tracy Rowe McEwan
- I found Tracy and Rowe stables in a USLR magazine while simultaneously searching for a trainer for my 7 year old Lipizzan Gelding. While looking at the ad I realized that I recognized the name from quite a few years ago and was pleased to learn that their reputation in the area was still just as good as ever. I had been extremely hesitant to send my gelding for training in the past because he is extremely sensitive and requires a patient and knowledgeable rider. After visiting Rowe stables I decided that Tracy fit that part. I was frustrated when my gelding arrived for training and decided to take on a "scared of everything persona". He has always had some elements of this personality, but I have always accommodated him and over the years he has become quite comfortable in his quiet home. I knew that if I ever wanted a show horse, or even a more manageable horse, that he would have to be exposed to a lot more and worked through this period of immaturity. Tracy was extremely patient with my horse but also exhaustive in her search to find the best solution for him. She helped develop a consistent training plan, and one that I could follow once he came home. In the two months that he was with her his skills under saddle improved, but more importantly he has begun to mature. He came home more confident and easier to handle. This has in turn made me a more confident rider. I am extremely optimistic about his future progress and am thrilled with the progress that he has already made. It's extremely difficult to find a skilled trainer that I trust, and it's even harder to find one that's so adaptable to various horses, especially ones that can be challenging. I am lucky to have found Tracy to help me start my horse out on the right path and I look forward to continuing his training with her." Lydia Knurek
- Almost a year ago I asked if you could help us find a horse to buy. "Sure. I love finding horses!" you said. "Write down EVERYTHING you would want in a dream horse." Not that I thought it was possible, but we came up with quite a dream horse. First, this horse needed to suit the Mom in her sixties and the daughter in her thirties, safe but challenging, educated but not beyond our skills, and of couse a great personality. Tracy, your patience was unbelievable. You took your time assessing our abilities and syle of riding and gave us numerous contacts to pursue. We felt no pressure whatsover. After much looking you suggested a horse you had trained yourself and was returning to your stable. Again, we felt no pressure to purchase. You gave us time to get acquainted and take some lessons, and Tyler became a member of our family. It has been over two months now since we purchased Tyler. He is EXACTLY as you portrayed him. Most trainers are interested in the sale. You on the other hand were most interested in finding Tyler a good home and in finding us a horse that was suitable. You hit the mark! Your HONESTY is outstanding. You trained, or more exactly retrained, Tyler. The sound foundation of classical dressage you imparted to Tyler is evident. He has been asked to adjust to not one, but two, new riders, and then to be patient while we catch up to his level of training. His solid foundation has served him well. He is now a patient trainer for us. To sum it all up, we don't know how you did it, but you came up with our DREAM HORSE! Thanks so much, Tracy." Linda Crowe and Wendy Townsend
- After many moves and trainers, Tracy was the first coach that actually got my TB (Marci) to be 'normal'. Marci would shy at everything, we couldn't even canter around an arena without an event. Within 2 lessons with Tracy, it was a total turn around. She gave her confidence by telling me what I needed to do to help Marci. Tracy and Sharon are both caring, kind, clear, generous, and intuitive horsepeople. I trust them 100%." Nanette Osterhoudt
- Despite the various approaches to horse training offered to riders today it has become obvious that truly correct, classical dressage methods have never changed! Finding a trainer who understands and can teach these correct methods can be nothing short of miraculous. How do I know this? I have witnessed the transformation of my young Oldenburg gelding and Arabian gelding (sold by a previous owner due to competition "burn-out") after re-training with Tracy Rowe. Tracy is responsible for making these kind, positive and correct methods available to me. Because I care that my horses enjoy their training I am recommending Tracy to other riders and competitors alike who understand the "real thing" when it comes to dressage training. Her passion for correctness is obvious in her work. My Oldenburg, once nervous and worried when ridden, shows the relaxation and talent only correct methods can produce. Not only is he happy, but winning his very first competitions as if he had been trained correctly all his life. The training he received with Tracy is the best there is. I feel very lucky she is here in the midwest. My Arabian gelding went from being dull and defensive, to incredibly light in the aids and a joy to ride. She truly understands the horse... mind, body and spirit! .Learning to communicate with him kindly, BOTH emotionally and physically was the answer. My ability to ride him well has also improved because of Tracy's ability to read and work with him to his best ability. Tracy continues her own horsemanship training with the great masters such as Walter Zettl and Karl Mikolka, evidence that she would never stray from the correct training approaches taught by her father, master dressage trainer, James Rowe and her mother Grand Prix rider and trainer, Sharon Rowe. Thank-you Tracy for all you have done for my horses and myself. I, along with Tyler and Jed are forever grateful." Dr. Mary Ellen Spaite
- I came to board at Rowe Stables when I moved to Michigan. After a lifetime in the hunter/jumper and TB racing worlds, I wanted to learn dressage. Tracy and Sharon provide a wonderful boarding atmosphere, it is more like a family and everyone is very supportive of one another. Tracy’s knowledge and dedication to the horses means you never have to worry about the care your horse receives as she treats all of the horses as though they were her own. Tracy helped transform my “downhill hunter type mare” into a beautiful dressage horse who other trainers said would never make it out of training level. Tracy’s knowledgeable and patient training taught the two of us what classical dressage is. I am so excited to continue training this horse with Tracy. Unfortunately, we were transferred to Missouri and I had to leave Rowe Stables. But I left a young unstarted German Riding pony (Malachi) at Rowe’s so that Tracy could start him under saddle. I would normally never leave a horse at a stable where I could not visit regularly to see how they were doing, but I had no reservations leaving Malachi with Tracy. I knew he would be well cared for and receive a proper start to his under-saddle career. He arrived home last month, looking fabulous. He is a joy to ride! His mouth is soft and he is totally responsive to your seat. It is a great testimonial to Tracy’s training abilities that such a green horse is such a wonderful ride. Even though I am now many miles away, I will continue training with Tracy due to the wonders of technology and hopefully some trips north (and south by Tracy)." Tracey Smith
- Tracy has helped me take my horse, who some other trainers considered "not a dressage horse," to Third level in the year and a half since I started with the Rowes. While not every horse can advance as quickly, Tracy has a way of finding the "diamond in the rough" like no other can. Now, he and I are looking forward to Fourth level and Prix St. Georges. " Elizabeth Band
- Tracy Rowe-McEwan has been instructing my 16 year old daughter, Megan for 1 ½ years. Megan had been riding for about 6 years prior to beginning with Tracy, but hadn’t focused on a discipline. Since riding under Tracy’s patient, consistent teaching Megan has been able to progress from 2 nd level to schooling PSG on a backyard Appaloosa. She works well with Megan, balancing her praise with enough correction to ensure bad habits don’t develop. As a parent it is always a concern to find instructors that are supportive and experienced in their field as well as “clicking” with their child – we have been extremely lucky to find that with Tracy and hope to continue the relationship as Megan progresses in dressage." ~ Cheryl Levine
- During the several years I have studied, not one of the other instructors I have had has been able to teach me as much as Tracy has in less than 2 years. Her training methods are not only are effective, but also easy to apply while practicing at home and are fun for both my horse and me. I look forward to continuing to advance under her instruction appreciate her commitment to my success." ~ Megan Levine
- The more I learn about dressage and the world of horse training in general, the more I appreciate how KIND and CORRECT Tracy is in her methods. And it shows in her students and in her horses, who are not only performing to their potential, they are also HAPPY in their work." Jen Oswald
- Over the many years I have seen numerous horses and students, blossom under her care and training." Ruth Schulz
- I have been working at Rowe’s for almost 2 years now, and it has been the most amazing experience of my life. Tracy has helped me become more knowledgeable about horses and the horse business, and she has truly inspired me, and helped me become a better person. I would not be where I am at today without her guidance. She is not just my boss, she is someone I can call a true friend. Thank you for everything you do Tracy! I plan on being around for as long as I possibly can, so I hope you don't get sick of me :o) " Jenifer Fisher
- I have been a working student at Rowe Stables for almost a year now and I can’t begin to express my gratitude toward the Rowe family. Tracy’s passion for what she does shows in her love for her students and her horses. There is no “inferior” breed to Tracy and she can find potential in almost any horse. I am very lucky to be ableto work and train with her on a daily basis. I look forward to many more years to come. Thank you again Tracy." Aileen Glover
- Being at Rowe Stables and working with Tracy Rowe (McEwan) has been a wonderful experience for me. Everyone at the barn is very supportive and when I moved there I felt like I had come home. This is due in large part to the attitude that Tracy brings with her everyday. She is highly motivated, treats her horses and others with respect and will go out of her way to help find a solution to a problem. She asks for our best and will help us rise to be our best. " Susan Beyerlin
- Tracy truly cares about her horses and students. She is dedicated to bringing out the best in everyone! I have the honor of owning a son of her beloved stallion, Rhoquest. With Tracy by our side, I hope that Kabuki and I can follow in Rho's hoofprints." Laura Werner
- Starbright and I feel so fortunate to be at your stable. We appreciate you more that I can ever say. You are the best thing that has happened to the both of us. You can tell by Starbright's attitude that she feels the same way." Elizabeth Rakowski
- I have been very fortunate during my 50+ years of training horses, to own a Lipizzan stallion trained by Jim and Sharon Rowe. And now, at the end of my "training" career, I am very thankful to have a wonderul Half-Lipizzan that was trained by Tracy Rowe, working toward Grand Prix. It is wonderful to see a family that creates a happy atmosphere in their stable for their horses, and for their clients! Horses last longer, stay sound mentally and physically when they are "happy in their work", and the Rowe family have mastered that art! Tracy recently bought one of the last Lipizzan stallions that I raised, and I couldn't be happier. I know he will not only have a good home for life, but he will also be shown to his full potential with Tracy's riding and training expertise! " Carole Gauger
- I love to watch Tracy Rowe train her horses. Under her guidance they exhibit great brilliance as she develops in them freedom of movement, power and the joy to be worked. What a wonderful thingto have the opportunity to witness true classical dressage." Terry Mosser
- I would like to express my gratitude for the wonderful training you provided for my Dutch Warmblood mare, Nettie. As you remember she came to you with very little training. She was somewhat rude and unruley probably because of her lack of confidence and distrust of people. I had no idea what potential she had as a dressage horse. You were able to kindly and gently train her, building her confidence and making sure she knew when she was doing the correct thing. The results after several months of training were amazing. I now know that she has temendous potential as a dressage horse and plan to continue her training over the next years. Your training helped me realize what a valuable, wonderful horse she is. I am very pleased with the training you provided. I appreciate your methods and your love of horses. It is obvious you love what you do. Thanks again for a wonderful job." Ron Cosson
- Thanks for the great lessons and the wonderful endings to long weeks" Jenn Rabe
- I have been around horses most of my life, and I do not hesitate in recommending Rowe Dressage Stables and Tracy Rowe (McEwan) in particular. Tracy has a geniune love of horses; and with Horatio, she has proven she has the knowledge and ability to train upper level dressage horses" Judy Stephenson
- As a trainer, Tracy is skillful and highly conscientious. She pays attention to all aspects of the horse's well being as well as to formal training. From having a barely rideable horse, Chesapeake is now a reliable mare well started in Dressage" Gretchen Foster
- Tracy, you have done a wonderful job! She is very reliable and steady. I almost dreaded having to ride a young horse but, I have been extremely surprised at how much fun she has been to work with..thanks to you. You have done an excellent job in perparing her to be ridden and handled by an amature like me. She is obedient, kind and pleasant and nothing seems to bother her. You took her from green broke to training level. I am very pleased. Thank you again" Brygida Belote
- After three months training with some riding lessons from your stable Lightening returned home. I have a better understanding of him now and know how to prevent bad manners. You showed me how he responds to the reward system and that he is a very willing and intelligent animal. You have done a wonderful job with him Tracy and I will certainly keep in touch" Robin Box
- Over the years I have had the oppurtunity to watch Tracy Rowe (McEwan) develop into a very proficient upper level rider and trainer. Tracy is a very positive and pleasant individual, and I would recommend Tracy to anyone who is interested in having their horse(s) trained" Rae Knoll
