Testimonials

Julia Harbers and "Armas Juncal"

"Tracey’s integrity, experience and professionalism are just a few of the exceptional qualities you notice about Tracey right away! She has a vast knowledge of the Equestrian Sports, understands the unique qualities of each horse and each rider in her program and of course a fabulous sense of humor that provides a ‘culture of kindness’ in her training program. In the short time (about 2 months) I have worked with Tracey, my beautiful PRE from Spain “Armas Juncal” and I have dramatically improved our partnership through Tracey’s training program. Tracey’s ability to communicate with the horse and the rider is exceptional. She is a talented Equestrian who can clearly show you while she is in the saddle what she is doing to communicate with the horse followed by effective descriptions of what you as the rider need to do. She has boundless energy and a heart of gold. It is such a pleasure being a part of Tracey’s team where smiles, hard work, dedication and a love of horses are the priority of the day."

~Julia

Tami George and Lukas

"I’ve worked with Tracey Krajenke for almost fifteen years. During that time, I’ve earned both my Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals with USDF and have ridden several very different types of horses, from phlegmatic warmbloods to highly sensitive Arabians, and Tracey’s teaching style has accommodated their unique challenges. Her lesson plans are always designed for the individual horse and rider combination, so I receive exactly what I need in the way of coaching feedback. Tracey promotes teamwork, and the atmosphere at our barn is one of cooperation and community – and a spirit of fun."

~Tami

Lisa Berg and Winterlake Emerald 'Emi'

"For two consecutive years I have had Emi, my Welsh Cob mare, in training with Tracey during the winter months when it is too cold to ride consistently in my Colorado home town. Tracey has helped us realize our goals of obtaining our First Level qualifying scores the first year and our Second Level qualifying scores the second year. She is a calm and easy trainer to work with. She utilizes a variety of methods in her teaching to ensure success in both understanding and executing the movements and skills needed to progress in dressage. She is a very supportive coach at shows, and I would recommend her to anyone wanting to improve their riding and understanding of the principles of dressage."

~Lisa

Mickie Krajenke

"Horses are a big part of our lives but we hadn't ever had a common sport until recent, Western Dressage! My mom, Tracey Krajenke, has been an amazing Dressage trainer her entire career, but I was always into Reining. My horse 'Danny' was the best Reiner I have ever had and after we decided to retire him we didn't know what we wanted to do next. My mom has been educating herself on Western Dressage and convinced me to give it a try. With her detailed help and knowledge, 'Danny' and I scored a 75%+ and 76%+ at our first Western Dressage show! If you are considering Dressage or Western Dressage she is the right trainer to come to!

~Mickie

Christie Jones

Tracey is one of the best trainers I have worked with. She is professional, passionate, organized, and cares greatly about her riders and horses. She has created a friendly and fun environment that we all enjoy. She also has the knowledge and coaching ability to guide anyone to the level they would like to compete. I have been working with Tracey less than 1-year and had not done dressage with my horse previously and we are now third in the state at Training level and Reserve State Champion at First level. I am thoroughly enjoying myself and am so excited to see what Patina and I can accomplish next.

~Christie

Lori Zeidman and Yank The Lights 'Yankee'

"I have been riding with Tracey for the past four years. I drive approximately 1 1/2 hours per day to train with her. I choose to do this for the following reasons. Some trainers can train horses but have poor communication skills while teaching. Some trainers can communicate, but are not the most effective horse trainers. It is a rare trainer that is truely effective at doing both training and teaching. Tracey Krajenke is both an incredible teacher and outstanding horse trainer. She is willing to work with the most serious competitors as well as the individual who is interested in learing the proper fundamentals of riding dressage. Unlike many dressage trainers, she does not have a breed bias or predjudice. We have several breeds in our barn with very successful riders and very well trained horses. If she helps a rider purchase a horse she is always extremely judicious in matching the rider to the mount. No matter what the rider's personal aspirations, she makes it her mission to help the rider achieve their goals. The horses in our barn are meticulously maintained. They have the very best care possible. Tracey's knowledge of equine care is exceptional. The well being of our horses is always first and foremost in her mind. Lastly, Tracey is honest, has personal integrity, and is the most hard-working dressage trainer I know. Every time I fill my gas tank, I don't think twice because it is worth every penny to ride with a trainer like Tracey."

~Lori

Lori Smart and Blix

"Of all the trainers I have been associated with, Tracey Krajenke has the most diligent and professional work ethic. She has a unique and wonderful ability to analyze both the horse and the rider and communicate the necessary changes to the rider during a lesson. Even though her lesson are both comprehensive and demanding, we always have a lot of fun. I would recommend her to any rider that is looking to move to higher levels no matter what their goal is."

~Lori

Diane Morey and Emerald Rubin 'Rubin'

"Riding is my way to banish stress; my goal is always to have fun while learining to be a better rider. I have ridden with Tracey for five years and have enjoyed Tracey's tutelage and approach to horsemanship immensely. Tracey provides a supportive, fun instructional environment at home and at shows. She is super conscientious about the care of our horses and is happy to work with all clients regardless of type of horse or budget. Equus Dressage is the perfect match for my adult amateur aspirations, and we are having a blast!"

~Diane

Tania Radda and Teodoro III 'Teo'

"I started riding with Tracey in 2006 and I was thrilled with my experience. I bought a young horse in 2007 and when he was ready in 2009, I went back to Tracey and brought then 4 yr. old gelding to start his dressage career. My horse and I have been advancing together in dressage and doing quite well. Our dressage education continues to be a wonderful experience and Tracey has helped my horse and I develop as a team and individually. She is gifted in her teaching as well as talented and knowledgeable in her training."

~Tania

Barbara Foster and Gianina 'Nina'

"It is my pleasure to write this testimonial about Tracey Krajenke. I met Tracey after I arrived at Loma Vista Farm to retire my 19 year old Grande Prix Hanoverian mare, Gianina (Nina). I soon found Nina’s natural exuberance exceeded my abilities and I enlisted Tracey’s help to contain the little firecracker. A year and a half later, Nina is 21 year’s old, and thanks to Tracey’s training and care, is still able to execute 95% of the Grande Prix movements consistently and beautifully. Nina is strong, healthy, forward, and a blast to ride. Observers frequently comment on my “fancy 10 year old.” Tracey’s training methods include a sharp eye for detecting and communicating subtle riding cues which influence the horse and riders’ ability to perform optimally. During the lesson, Tracey communicates her observations clearly and logically through language and demonstrations which support the learning process for the student, whether Novice or Advanced. Nina and I have benefited tremendously from Tracey’s work ethic and expertise. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a talented individual.
Thank you Tracey."

~Barbara

Sara Winkleman and Icarus 'Icky'

"In only a few short years Tracey Krajenke was able to transform me from a first level rider to an FEI level rider. After training with her for a year or so I fell in love with her tall, dark and handsome Trakehner gelding, Icarus, and was able to purchase him from her. She knew right away Icarus and I would make a great pair and with her help after a year of owning him we both made our FEI debut. Tracey is very patient, kind, and extremely hard working so she was able to push ‘Icky’ and I to reach our full potential. Tracey has also traveled to many state and regional championships with us as well as the Young Rider trek in 2008. I have also earned my bronze and silver medals while training with Tracey. I cannot thank Tracey enough for the transformation she has made in both Icarus and me because without her constant training and care I would be nowhere near the rider I am today."

~Sara

Shirley Young and Eridano 'Eri'

"Tracey's training facility is clean, organized, and fun. She is dedicated to our sport and her students, regardless of what level rider or breed of their horse. She is a wonderful person and a pleasure to be around. Equus Dressage is one of the most friendly and supportive training barns I have stabled in. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming and I am glad to be a part of the Team Equus!"

~Shirley

Laura Weaver

"I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for all of your guidance and wisdom - I have improved steadily on my new mare. The tools you have given me I can use to great benefit during practice rides. What I have learned from you in each lesson is steadily building into something solid. I am looking forward to showing with you and seeing what my horse and I can achieve in the future. I also really like the facilities at Loma Vista. You have created a terrific environment for my horse and I to excel. You see to it that the footing in the dressage arena is always freshly graded. I notice a difference in how well my mare performs when I ride there. Likewise, the barn is always tidy and everyone is genuinely friendly and welcoming. Your whole environment is conducive to success!"

~Laura

Anne Buchanan

In the ten years I have known Tracey I have gone from dressage rider to riding cutting horses back to riding dressage. Tracey shares my appreciation for western performance horses and with her experience with reiners I believe she has a very special "insight" in her training. She is happy to work with any breed of horse and can see their talents and works to improve them. Tracey is a perfectionist but is also a realist and creates programs that have attainable goals that push you to be your best. This has been an especially important quality when teaching my 7 yo old daughter. She is careful to keep Caroline's (and my) training fun. Tracey is very kind and patient and I see that quality when she works us. The Equus dressage group is so much fun and all of us support each other and I am so excited to be back with Tracey and riding DRESSAGE!!
~Anne

Barb Crabo

Tracey has helped my advanced level eventing horse, Eveready, more than I ever could have imagined would happen. Ready’s strong points have always been the jumping phases, definitely not the dressage. Over the last several years, Tracey has given us the proper exercises and tools to slowly strengthen him and develop him into a very competitive dressage horse, not just trying to get the short term results. On top of that, she’s a blast to get instruction from and has a great sense of humor. She also has a really cute dog.

~Barb

Allison Toner

I moved to Scottsdale in July of 2012 and was unfortunately unable to bring my horses. After pining away for several weeks, my husband finally told me to “call someone and get yourself around some horses!” After perusing Tracey’s website and reading her bio, I gave her a call. She immediately invited me to her barn for a chat and I’ve been part of the “Equus Family” ever since!

Tracey is not only a kind, welcoming person, she is a dedicated trainer and friend to her clients. She is gifted with the ability to teach all levels of riders, from Intro level up to Grand Prix. She quickly understands your needs, and, she meets them! I am learning by leaps and bounds since riding with Tracey. She has greatly increased my confidence and every ride with her is educational and FUN. Her fabulous group of clients is definitely a testament to Tracey’s professionalism and her goal-focused caring attitude!

~Allison

Ele Piche

I met Tracey about 4 yrs ago when a friend took her horse there for training. I was very impressed with her knowledge and her ability to train and teach. It worked out very well for my friend and her horse. This past fall, Sept.2012, I moved my horse from GA to go into training with Tracey and I am very pleased with the progress she has made with her. Not only did she help get her accepting contact better, she also gave the mare the confidence she needed to move forward. The horses are all treated incredibly well.
The barn atmosphere is one of the best. Tracey can get everybody happy and participating with great enthusiasm together in the quest for knowledge and advanced skills in horsemanship and dressage. There are clinics, shows, parties and just a lot of fun there at the barn.
We head back to CO now for the summer but will be back in the fall to join Team Equus Dressage
Ele Piche

Kathleen Downie

Moving cross-country with three horses, was one of the most challenging experiences of my life – was I going to find the "right" dressage trainer? Would she be accepting of my horses in terms of breed/baggage/issues?
After careful research into various southwestern dressage trainers, I selected Tracey Krajenke for many reasons:
A. She was/is a very accomplished trainer
B. She took the time to speak with me at length about her strengths, business and how she could help
C. Tracey has an amazing attitude (always positive) and very high energy – you just cannot escape her zest for life!
D. She shares her knowledge of dressage, wholeheartedly….what's not to love?!
Anyway, while I have only been living/training in AZ for the past few months, I honestly feel that my riding level has increased, exponentially, under Tracey's tutelage. Not only is her barn(s) immaculate, her clientele is VERY happy to be there!!

~Kathleen Downie