Jan Macafee

I knew Jan for many years -- as an editor at the Ann Arbor News, where she wrote about fashion for us; and as the mom of a horse-obsessed daughter -- who also took lessons with Jan and rode at her farm. We were all so sad to hear about the passing of such a spirited, lively person. She will be missed.

The horse world has lost another great. I always knew that if Jan was judging my ride or one of my students that it was going to be good. So sorry to lose all that knowledge.

I had only been briefly acquainted with Jan for a couple of years when, regrettably, I learned that she had terminal cancer. She filled a space in my life, left empty by the death of my wife two years previously. Jan and I shared similar political views which led to some interesting conversations. It was a treat to drive up to Down Under Stables to pick her up for a lunch date. We enjoyed lunches together at Caseys where she introduced me to Oberon ale, a taste that lingers. She had a...

I met Jan in 1982. I was 14 years old and had just bought my first horse, Brandy, a grade palomino. I had ridden down to her farm to visit my friend who rode there. Jan came out and inspected my disaster of a horse, and asked me about him. That led to a few lesson with Jan and my love for dressage began. Over the years I have shown under her at schooling shows that she judged. Brandy went on to become a wonderful partner and I have to thank Jan for a lot of that!

Around 2010 she...

Too many memories of laughter and fellowship. Jan got me connected to the horse world in Ann Arbor and encouraged me to go as far as I was able. We shared hard work, wonderful meals and missed ones with equal joy. I will miss her laughter and gentle prodding toward improvement. However the love of horses remains. RIP my friend.