Marissa Nielsen

Marissa Nielsen established her own full-time training and sales business, Black Diamond Equestrian in 2005.

Marissa is a United States Pony Club ‘A’ graduate, USHJA certified trainer and is USEA ECP Level III Certified. In addition, she has earned her USDF Bronze Medal, and has competed at FEI 4*-L level of Eventing and Grand Prix show jumping.

After much success as a young rider, she spent a year in England as a working student at Aston le Walls and then went to work for top show jumper Jay Halim.

Marissa returned to the States and went to work for International and World Cup show jumpers Helen McNaught and Duncan McFarlane. During the next five years, she competed in the jumpers and earned many top placings in derbies, speed classes, gambler’s choice, and mini prix. After gaining experience in the show jumping world, she decided to focus her energy back on Eventing.
Since making the switch back to Eventing Marissa has taken horses from Beginner Novice through CCI4*-L.

Marissa is a big believer in continued education and she consistently rides with her long time coach John Michael Durr. She also clinics regularly with Phillip Dutton for Eventing, Butch Thomas for show jumping and Rachel Wade for dressage.

Marissa is looking forward to an exciting future with the promising horses in her program. (Source)