Testimonials

Dani and Kayla Surrett

"Tracey has to be one of the most knowledgeable and supportive coaches I have ever ridden with. The amount of time and care she gives is unmeasurable. She has completely transformed my riding and allowed me to grow into an extremely competitive Dressage rider. I am a Three Day Eventer and her teaching has helped me so much, even over the jumps. The horse I came to her with was extremely difficult and many other trainers gave up on us. Tracey saw how much I wanted it and did whatever it took to help and guide me through the process. Tracey is truly a coach for life and I am so thankful to have her in my corner."

~Dani

Mickie Krajenke

"In my opinion, my mom Tracey, is the one of the greatest dressage trainers I know! I have seen her create a beautiful picture out of a horse and rider as a team, whether it's just them wanting to learn more about dressage and taking lessons or going to shows to reach a personal goal. Every client of hers, I believe, is quite thrilled with their experiences and outcome. With this, she always creates a warm and welcoming environment in her barn. She is very serious about her training and riding, but she knows how to have a good time as well! She also has a lot of patience when teaching her students. This is a very good quality to have! Anybody would be lucky to have her as their trainer! :)"

~Mickie

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

Tami George and MA Sign of the Times 'Simon'

"I’ve worked with Tracey Krajenke for almost six years. During that time, I’ve earned both my Bronze and Silver 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

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

Michelle Beckerman and Grayc

"I love being a part of Tracey's group. She is a dedicated and caring professional. She is a blast to be around and wants everyone to have fun. NO PRESSURE! I finally found the confidence to get my mare down centerline at the April Spring Fling show! What a success!!"

~Michelle

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

D'Nae and Roman (Our Reining pals!)

"I've known Tracey for a year now, and I can proudly say I have the highest respect for her training and teaching ability! I worked for Anne Gribbons, well known dressage trainer and judge, for a little over a year and I can honestly say that she is one of the best dressage trainers that I have known. My dog Roman has claimed possession of her golf cart so she is part of our family! That's all I'm saying! lol"

~D'Nae

Caroline Buchanan and Trailmix

"Tracey is so patient with Caroline and Trailmix. She teaches Caroline about the simple but important basics like straightness and tempo. She make dressage fun even for little ones!"

~Anne Buchanan (Caroline's mom)

Mary Duke

If you are tired of hearing the same-old "more impulsion", "inside leg, outside rein" – then Tracey Krajenke at Equus Dressage is the trainer you are looking for! Though my time with Tracey was short it was the most effective and enjoyable dressage training for me and Florimond. When we arrived from Colorado for an intense month of "boot camp" – Flo in a long coat and me in a conundrum about "how to fix" my horse - everyone in Tracey’s barn and at Loma Vista Farm was friendly, welcoming, organized and professional.

Tracey has an uncanny eye for "seeing" the individuality of a horse and his way of going. But more importantly, she knows what the rider should do and is able to INSTRUCT the rider to execute the correction. It’s one thing for a trainer to be an accomplished rider herself, but communicating concepts and required exercises to the amateur rider is a gift! Tracey has that gift – she is clear, fair, fun, supportive, brilliant, creative, knowledgeable and committed. Tracey was pivotal in pushing us through a major hurdle – now I enjoy my work with Flo and have the tools to progress with him! I will continue to "hear her in my head" every time I ride!

~Mary

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

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

Georgia Lund

My time at Equus Dressage has been a high point in my quest to become a better rider .Tracey teaches with clarity and understanding for both horse and rider. You finish a session with a feeling of progress and goals to work on. It is encouraging to feel that you have the tools to improve. My horse has never looked better,the care is excellent, the barn staff pleasant and confident Tracey has gift for developing a true.team of horse and rider. Fred has become lighter on the aids,relaxed and happy. Every one in this barn is a pleasure to be around.

~Georgia and Fred

Marchell Stefan

I have had the opportunity to train with Tracey over the past 14 years with 4 horses.
Currently Format my Grand Prix school master and I have found our way back to Tracey. We are enjoying our training and development in the upper level movements.
Tracey is a true friend and a real gem in this business! She first and foremost cares and worries about my horse's welfare and happiness above and beyond competing.   That being said she is able to communicate in such a great way and make complicated maneuvers easy to understand and execute.

I have done more with my horse in six months with Tracey than in 2 years and several trainers who felt my horse was too old and needed to retire this awesome animal for a younger and of course really expensive new partner.
THANK YOU TRACEY!   The day will come to retire my awesome boy but not today. Yes we will work together on the next one too.....
You really are a special woman and trainer for getting the whole picture! I really appreciate how hard you work and how much you have absolutely dedicated your entire life to your passion!    DRESSAGE, HORSES, CLIENTS & FAMILY!!!!!!!!!

Warmest Regards,
Marchell Stefan
Format 21- Austrian Warmblood
Grand Prix School Master

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

Luanna Goltry

I was at a transition point in my horse life. Doc, my 15-year-old red roan quarter horse gelding, was having difficulty successfully performing the maneuvers in our chosen discipline: Reined Cow Horse. It was time to hang up our romals and move on – but where to go? One day, Doc and I took a little trail ride over to the neighboring property where I discovered Tracey’s barn almost by accident. I knew how beneficial dressage was for older horses, so I asked Tracey if she would give Doc and me a dressage lesson. Well, one lesson led to two, two led to four, and before we knew it, Doc and I moved over to Tracey’s barn and surrendered ourselves to learning dressage. From the very first day, everyone at Equus was welcoming and friendly to the “western” girl who rode her American Quarter Horse in a dressage saddle, jeans and cowboy boots! Tracey fussed over Doc, and began to teach us the basics of dressage. She got me to wear breeches, half chaps and paddock boots – she’s still working on getting me to wear a helmet, though! If you want to learn classical dressage and forge a real partnership with your horse, Tracey’s barn is the barn for you! Anyone with a sincere desire to learn will be welcomed at Equus. You will learn the importance of focusing on a goal and patience with the process, all at one of the friendliest, most supportive and fun barns around! Tracey is meticulous about horse health and well-being, and encourages her students to supplement their dressage education through reading, watching videos and attending local dressage clinics. I have never seen anyone so unrelenting in her pursuit of excellence, both for her students and their horses! Doc has since retired and I now have a new partner, a beautiful gray Lusitano mare named Xila. We are so excited to be part of the Equus Team, and look forward to many years together!

~Luanna

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

Sue Banholzer and Boogie By The Doc 'Banjo'

My lifelong dream was to own a horse and become an accomplished rider. I started later in life but am eager to learn and be the best I can be. I was blessed to be introduced to Tracey through several of my friends that train with her. They raved about her advanced and progressive skills in all areas. Tracey is all of that and more. As a beginner she had her hands full with me. She is committed to both horse and rider and makes every lesson fun, interesting and focused on your goals and ability. Tracey continues to give me the confidence and tools I need to improve my riding skills and relationship with Banjo. Her outstanding teaching skills for all levels are superior in the field. I enjoy each and every day at the barn. Tracey brings a spirit of fun, friendship, education and teamwork to all of us and our horses. It doesn’t get better than this. My dream has come true. Thank you Tracey for the outstanding professionalism and dedication you give each and every day!

~Sue

Alexandra Super

I have been riding with Tracey for about a year now and I cannot express the amount of appreciation and respect I feel towards her. She is one of the hardest workers in this industry, and she has increased my work ethic. She has taught me so many things, bettering my understanding of the horse world. I have been around horses all my life, but I have learned an extensive range of new skills and techniques in the time I have spent with Tracey.

~Alex

Lindsay Naas and Roy-Els Belle of the Ball 'Belle'

I brought Belle to Tracey in April of 2013 after Belle and I had had a very bad experience with a trainer in California. My very broke and otherwise obedient favorite mare had developed the terrible habit of tossing her head, most likely in response to being jerked in the mouth with too severe a western bit. After two months with Tracey, Belle won her entire Training Level division and the Training Level Championship at the 2013 Wheat State Regional Morgan Show. Belle just continued to thrive with Tracey. Tracey took her time; reestablished the basics; and gained Belle’s trust. In October of 2014, Tracey and Belle were Morgan World Champions at First Level in the Open Division with spectacular scores. And, Belle and I were Reserve World Champions at Training Level in the Amateur Division, with one of the highest scores of my dressage career. When I think things are going fine, Belle just continues to get better. Belle is now solid at First Level and about to try her first Second Level test with Tracey.

I have had many horses in many training situations. Tracey has it all – she trains using correct classical dressage methods; she takes extremely good care of the horses in training with her; she openly communicates with her clients; and we have fun doing it!

~Lindsay

Cheryl Potter

After a few years of weekly riding lessons, I knew that I really wanted my own horse, so I decided it was now or never and purchased my first horse just over a year ago. I had a friend who was with Tracey Krajenke at the time and made the decision to join Equus Dressage even though I had no idea what I wanted to accomplish other than having my own horse and improving my riding skills. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! As a first time horse owner and older rider, Tracey was very patient with me while I worked through what it really meant to own a horse and to set some goals. Her lessons are inspiring and thoroughly enjoyable and she is an excellent teacher. As a trainer she is dedicated, talented and caring. It is truly amazing the progress my horse has made under her training. She has an incredible ability to see what each horse and rider needs and to bring out the best in both. The care the horses receive is outstanding and Tracey’s enthusiasm and sense of fun make every day at the barn enjoyable. I love being part of Equus Dressage!