Welcome to Rowley Racing Partners
Rowley Racing Partners is a small, friendly and professional racing yard based in Morville, Shropshire. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where horses thrive, owners feel involved, and every member of the team plays a valued role. Our approach is modern, open and horse‑focused, combining proven racing experience with strong foundations in education, fitness and well being.
Whether you are an experienced owner or new to the sport, our aim is simple: to train happy, confident horses and build long‑term, successful partnerships.
Who We Are
Rowley Racing Partners is run by Mel Rowley and Phil Rowley, whose skills and experience complement each other perfectly.
Mel Rowley holds her licence to train under Rules and brings an exceptional depth of knowledge from both racing and the wider equestrian world. Alongside her racing career, Mel is a highly accomplished dressage rider who has competed successfully up to Grand Prix level. She also holds a recognised teaching qualification equivalent to a Level 3 coaching award, which underpins the structured, correct training system used throughout the yard.
Phil Rowley is responsible for training our point‑to‑pointers and is widely respected within the sport. His expertise was recognised in 2018 when he was crowned Champion Point‑to‑Point Trainer, a significant achievement that reflects dedication, horsemanship and attention to detail.
Together, Mel and Phil create a balanced training operation that values tradition while embracing modern methods.
Training Philosophy
At the heart of Rowley Racing Partners is a clear belief: every horse is an individual and should be trained as one. There is no one‑size‑fits‑all system here. Each horse is assessed carefully, and training is tailored to suit their physical development, temperament and stage of education.
We focus on producing horses that are not only fit for their job, but confident, sound and mentally settled. Taking the time to get the basics right allows horses to progress through their careers in a way that supports longevity and enjoyment of their work.
Our Facilities
We’ve worked hard over the years to develop and expand our facilities and we are proud to now have the following:
Two horse walkers
A 20m rubber lined lunge pen with a fibre sand surface
A 20×60 fibre sand/rubber outdoor arena with mirrors
All Weather Schooling Lane
Deep Sand Round Canter Circle
A 5 furlong all-weather wood chip gallop
A jump schooling field, with tyres, logs, telegraph poles plus 4 full size chase fences including an open ditch
All of this teamed with lovely stables, off and on road hacking, as well as 200 acres at our family farm for horses convalescing or on holiday.
The Importance of Flatwork
Flatwork plays a central role in our training and is something that truly sets the yard apart. Horses spend a significant amount of time working in the arena, developing balance, rhythm and suppleness.
This foundation work is not only about education, it is also vital for building strength, coordination and endurance. Correct flatwork helps horses develop the muscle groups they need to stay sound and perform consistently, both at home and on the track.
Thanks to Mel’s background in dressage, the quality of flatwork at the yard is exceptionally high. In fact, we aim for all horses to be capable of going out and completing a Novice dressage test, which is a great benchmark of their way of going and overall training.
Jockey Partnerships
We place great importance on building strong relationships with jockeys. Knowing our jockeys well allows us to make informed decisions about who is best suited to each horse, helping to create successful and effective partnerships.
Matching the right jockey to the right horse can make a significant difference, and this collaborative approach ensures that each horse is given the best possible opportunity to perform to their potential.
A Close‑Knit, Experienced Team
Behind the scenes, Rowley Racing Partners is supported by a close‑knit and dedicated team who know the horses inside out. Communication between the stable team and riding team is vital, and this is something we prioritise every day.
Clear, consistent communication ensures that horses are well prepared, comfortable in their routines and ready to train and race. Everyone plays their part, and very much a valued part of the make-up.
An Open‑Door Policy for Owners
We believe that owners should feel genuinely involved in their horses’ journeys. Rowley Racing Partners operates a true open‑door policy, and owners are always welcome to drop in and visit their horse.
Whether you’d like to watch your horse work, catch up with the team, or simply enjoy a coffee and biscuit in the office, you’ll always be made to feel welcome. We value transparency and open communication, and we’re happy to talk through progress, plans and goals at any time.
Looking Ahead
Rowley Racing Partners continues to evolve while staying true to its core values: excellent horsemanship, thoughtful training and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. We are proud of what we do and excited about what the future holds.
If you’d like to find out more, arrange a visit, or discuss opportunities at the yard, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
