I’ve been riding for as long as I can remember. My Dad, Grandparents and Great-Grandfather all loved horses. My Great-Grandfather continued to use his draft horses to work the family farm well into the 1950’s and never really liked using a tractor as much. When I was little my Dad used to take me to put me up on horses and lead me around, when I was six years old he decided it was time for Patti to have a pony. He got a great deal on 2 ponies, a cart and their harnesses. The one pony was very gentle and he gave that one to my brother, the other one could never be described as a children’s pony. The first time I rode him I didn’t have a saddle yet and rode bareback, he promptly bucked me off. I was crying and had a mouth full of dirt, my Dad picked me up and plopped me on King’s back and said Now this time stay on.

He bucked again and I hung on for dear life, but I stayed on. As I got older I had another pony-Major who was wonderful and taught me a great deal. When I was in my teens I got a Morgan mare named Sassi, I showed primarily Western and hunt seat through my teens. I had very few formal lessons; I learned to ride primarily by watching good riders and then trying to imitate them. Although I was saw dressage riders at some of the local shows it didn’t look all that exciting to me. I was having too much fun galloping around the fairgrounds, bareback and only using a halter and lead rope to control Sassi. The fun part was that she often would, spin, shy and/or take off. I quit showing when I entered college, but thanks to my family I was able to keep my horses at our family farm. After graduation I moved east, Sassi and her daughter Windsong moved with me. I was able to ride Sas for a few more years but she developed a seizure disorder and had to be euthanized. I swore I wouldn’t get that attached to another horse, but naturally I’m just as close if not closer to Windsong. Initially I was going to sell Winnie so I put her training with a Morgan trainer, they tried to fire her up, but only succeeded in making her bomb proof. I started taking dressage lessons and really loved it! I started reading more about dressage and was impressed with the descriptions of harmony, lightness, freedom of movement. I knew that this was how I wanted to ride. I worked on the basics, showed, and had the opportunity to ride with some of the biggest names in dressage. I learned much, but I didn’t see the lightness and harmony that I imagined dressage should be. After 13 years on the east coast, multiple moves, (Windsong is an excellent shipper!) I moved back home. My biggest worry was finding a stable to keep my horse. I wanted to find a place that was relaxed, but also one where I didn’t have to worry about Winnie’s care. My Dad came through again and suggested I check out Rowe Stables ( and I said ..but it’s a dressage barn, I don’t want to be around a bunch of snobs.) I walked into the barn and met Tracy I was so surprised to find that she was down-to-earth and outgoing, she took me on a tour of the barn and I was please to see that is was a barn designed for horses, not people. The horses comfort and safety clearly came first, I was impressed that all the horses were relaxed and friendly, clearly well taken care of. When I saw Sharon ride I was awestruck, here was the dressage that I had read about, kind, consistent, harmonious, freedom of movement and correct. As more horses, and riders came into the ring I saw that no matter what level they were at the horses were relaxed and happy and clearly enjoyed their work. I knew then that I had a lot to learn. Although, Winnie is older she and I are still learning and progressing, under the Rowes’ watchful eye.