Tom Pierson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1978 with a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. While in school, he interned for NRHA Hall of Fame member, Jack Brainard. From 1978-1995, Tom ran his own training business and worked in the University of Wisconsin-River Falls horse training program. In 1995, he had the opportunity to move to Michigan and work for Peter Phinny at Cold Spring Farm. This allowed him to work with many exceptional reining-bred horses sired by their stallions, Mr. Melody Jac and Brenna's Kid, among others. During that time, Tom started eight National Reining Horse Association Futurity finalists, showing two of them himself. In 2008, Tom and assistant trainer Rachel Ory began a training business together in Traverse City, Michigan. In 2015, they moved the business to Mardanza Farms in Micanopy, Florida. At that time, they began to include a select group of well-bred Thoroughbreds in their program. Tom is dedicated to producing a solid foundation that any discipline can build upon.
Sara Kozumplik Murphy and Brian Murphy
Sara Kozumplik Murphy is an American Eventer who has competed multiple horses at the highest level of the sport since she was 18 years-old. She also runs a successful equestrian business with her husband, Irish Show Jumper, Brian Murphy, through Overlook Farm based in Florida and Virginia.
As a result of competing at the highest levels in Eventing, Sara’s success makes her a highly regarded member of the equestrian community. She strives to exercise the highest degree of horsemanship in every aspect at her stables and in her training program. As an athlete, Sara competes throughout the year at all levels of Eventing across the US, Canada and Europe. With consistent top results, she spends about 40 weekends each year at top Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage competitions. Sara is a respected and sought after coach and horse trainer. She is known for producing quality sales horses and sourcing exceptional horses for riders of all levels. Sara is an ICP certified instructor with U.S. eventing and a Pony Club graduate A. Sara currently has a dedicated roster of students. In addition, she has coached the Venezuelan Team at the 2013 Bolivarian Games in Lima, Peru and the 2014 Central American Games in Veracruz, Mexico. Brian represented his country on their junior team at the Grand Prix level. While he still produces horses, Brian now focuses on training and sales. An excellent eye on the ground, Brian is sought after and known for finding the right horse for a rider's goals. Since horses and people are not machines, this is a bit of an artform…we equate it to a sucessful matchmaking service! Brian is also a fantastic teacher who is passionate about improving his students, and especially with making them more competitive at the right moment. Students come from all over North America to train with Sara and Brian in Florida and Virginia. They are a rare duo in that they both have competed to the high levels of their respective disciplines.