Client Testimonials

“I can only thank my trainer Marcel van der Burgh for keeping me focused, keeping me ready and never letting me give up.”

Isabelle Leibler
2011 North American Young Rider Individual and freestyle gold medalist
Topped a field of 34 horses with a 67.289 to win the Individual Gold Medal at post winning ride press conference

Hi Marcel:

Champ is doing great.   Thank you so much for all your help finding him!

I had a great experience shopping for horses at your farm. I enjoyed your straight forward and professional approach. There were a lot of good horses to choose from and my client found a horse perfectly suited to her needs. It was definitely worth the trip to Florida.

Joanne Copeland, Ontario, Canada

Thank you Marcel-

I have been taking lessons with Marcel van der Burgh for about a year while getting back in shape before buying my next dressage horse; he has something rare in Wellington: great horses for lessons.  Every ride I have at Marcel’s seems to be better than the last. Lessons are relaxed and fun, no yelling but lots of challenges for the horses and rider. I really respect that whenever anyone comes to try sale horses in the barn, he is truly honest about the horse’s pros and cons, and that is why I can’t wait to start horse shopping with him next spring.

Michelle Donn, Wellington, FL

Dear Marcel,

I wanted to let you know how well “Omar” is doing since his arrival in Massachusetts. We’re in a good training program and developing a good working relationship/partnership!

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you, again for the wonderful experience Jennifer and I had with you. The process of purchasing a horse can be daunting, but you made the process enjoyable and stress-free. You, and the ladies who work there, made us feel comfortable and welcomed us with open arms. It was clear from the time of our arrival, that the horses are exercised, trained and loved. I was particularly impressed with the presentation of the horses I was riding. They were braided and beautifully groomed – impressive!

Finally, when I decided to purchase “Omar”, you quickly scheduled a pre-purchase exam with your veterinarian, thus enabling us to make a decision before flying home. Since Jennifer, my veterinarian and trainer, was with me, you kindly arranged a time that would enable both of them to work together.

Thank you again for a wonderful experience. You are a true professional and it would be my pleasure to refer prospective buyers to you.

With gratitude,

Joyce Pierantozzi

Marcel’s expertise and horsemanship is one to be admired. He owns and operates a busy barn with a lot of care and ease. His training qualities of horse and people are highly recommended if this is something you seek for yourself or your horses. I’ve seen him take difficult horses and transform them into beautifully moving masterpieces! You will not be disappointed if you either choose to board your horse at Marcel Empire, purchase one of his trained horses or improve your riding skill with his one on one instruction. Marcel is the best coach I’ve ever had!

Alison Garcia
Boca Raton, FL

When purchasing a horse, I thought Marcel to be an honest agent who represented my mate exactly as she. I was thrilled with my purchase and would return to him again for another horse purchase.

Cindi LaCroix
Dearborn, MI