FARMERS ON THE RISE Acknowledge A VIEW TO

By Maria N. Listman

Clarke County, VA

The name of their farm and business is a play on words that not only emphasizes the magnificent setting, but also their perspective of how they train horses. They focus on natural horsemanship, and the point of view the horse has when being trained.

“How horses think, learn, and interact is important. We use more psychology, teaching and training with the horse, versus making him do it,” explains Michael.

Their business is multi-faceted, keeping them busy year-round. They primarily focus on training horses for their owners and offer riding lessons. In addition, they teach clinics along the East Coast, and Marion has taught in Europe as well. Horse sales have recently been added to their list of services offered, and they always make time for shows. Whether they are showing their own horses, or a client’s horse, they thoroughly enjoy competing.

Michael shows in eventing and dressage with young horses. Marion is a Grand Prix dressage rider, and has earned the distinguished U.S. Dressage Federation Gold Medal Rider Award. They grew up riding horses, and each started their own business before meeting.

Marion is from Switzerland, and the couple met in Florida while at horsemanship school. They trained and worked for Pat and Linda Parelli.

Michael was their apprentice, barn manager, and did tour arena management. Marion was Linda’s protégé, and you can find her in the Parelli's videos.

They are a power couple in the equestrian world, with humble and genuine demeanors. It’s not surprising that they also make time to train-up the next generation of horse lovers.

They plan to use their Farmers on the Rise award funds to upgrade their facility and expand the apprenticeship program offered on their farm, which teaches horse care, farm management and much more.

They have great plans for the future, while raising their two-year old daughter. A newly built indoor arena is just the beginning. They’ll be expanding their training services with videos and a YouTube channel. Their personal goals are to inspire and educate, while focusing on natural horsemanship and English performance.

For information about Viewpoint Equestrian, see their website at viewpointequestrian.com or check them out on Instagram: @viewpoint.equestrian