In January 1999 my husband, JIM, and I moved to Lansing, Michigan so that I could attend law school. This also marked the beginning of a very special relationship with the ROWE FAMILY, which will be treasured and preserved for the rest of my life.

In 3 years, 8 months, Sharon re-taught me the basics of Classical Dressage and moved BAYSON STREET BLUES (my smart and talented Thorobred, who is now 9-years-old) from first level to (almost) Grand Prix. This alone should indicate the talent, knowledge, and teaching ability of JIM, SHARON, AND TRACY ROWE. I have found my lifelong Dressage Instructors/Trainers and have experienced the best nothing will ever compare to or replace the ROWES. Even more importantly, I have joined their family at the barn, and formed a friendship that will last a lifetime.

If you take one thing away from this website, it should be the understanding that the ROWES constitute a small minority of trainers that are left out there who truly understand and employ the training methods of CLASSICAL DRESSAGE. Their training method begins with teaching the horse and the rider the basics and using those aids consistently all the way through to Grand Prix. Their training methods are not harsh, but rather bring out the beauty, love, and willingness of the horse to perform at the upper levels. It is really quite easy (and exhilarating) when you are riding correctly.

Life Beyond Horses (Well Sort Of)

In 1998, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Risk Management and Insurance from FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY (Go Seminoles!). On January 19, 2002, I received my Juris Doctor degree from THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL, graduating Magna Cum Laude. I completed the Florida Bar in February 2002 and was sworn in on May 28, 2002. In 2003 I will begin a judicial clerkship with the Maine Superior Court for the August 2003-2004 Term.

Prior to law school, I spent several years working for the YMCA in Tallahassee, Florida. I was the Horseback Director for CAMP INDIAN SPRINGS (a summer resident camp) for 6 years. It was at this camp where I truly began to understand the joy of riding and the impact that horses can have on children’s lives. The rest of the year I was a site director for the YMCA’s elementary after-school program. Kids can teach you a lot about life and how to live it happily.

It was at this Florida Camp that I met my husband, JIM. Jim grew up in the Y and was the Camp Director for CAMP INDIAN SPRINGS. Jim is now the Camp Director for the BANGOR YMCA’S CAMP JORDAN, which is located on Branch Lake in Ellsworth, Maine (between Bangor and Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park). (And yes a Camp Director position is a year round job!).

I now live at CAMP JORDAN with JIM in MAINE. BAYSON is at PUCKERBRUSH FARMS in Newburgh, Maine (35 miles away). BAYSON and I will continue to train with the ROWES through videotape lessons, clinics, and visits to Michigan. Presently, I am interviewing with several law firms in Maine . . . . So this I will update later!

Future Goals And Dreams

As for our future, Jim and I have many exciting goals and dreams in life, which we are currently working towards accomplishing. Ultimately, we plan to open our own camp, THE BEARFOOT OUTFITTERS, preferably near our home in Monticello, Florida; although, Maine is looking quite attractive! Our camp will offer a wide range of programs throughout the year, including a summer resident camp, a horseback program, and a large ropes course program.

In addition, I have several other goals in life. One goal that I am currently working on with SHARON ROWE is to learn how to train (several not just one) horses to the Grand Prix level in Dressage. I also plan to run in my first marathon over the next year or two. In addition, I would like to take 4 months of my life to hike the Appalachian Trail. Last of all, I would like to support/sponsor (financially) riders like TRACY ROWE, who have an unlimited potential, will excel to great accomplishments with horses (like her family), and will preserve/pass on the training methods of CLASSICAL DRESSAGE; as well as sponsor riders who would not otherwise have the opportunity to ride.

As for the details of how we are to accomplish these goals that is left to fate and destiny; after all, it has gotten us this far!

One Last Comment

The final tidbit I must share: I have a pet steer at home (Florida) named IVAN, whom I raised from the day he was born. He is a limousine breed and HUGE but very lovable. He thinks he is a horse, since he was raised around horses. My vet believes Ivan will live 40 or 50 years (he is now 7-years-old).