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A Weekend Clinic with Peter Borggreve This weekend, Jennifer Diamond will once again ride under the guidance of Peter Borggreve, her coach of the past eight years, as he travels to host a training clinic. For Jennifer, opportunities like this are not simply about preparing for competition - they are part of a long-term philosophy about how riders and horses develop over time. In a sport built on patience, feel, and refinement, Jennifer believes strongly in the importance of m

Collection is one of the most misunderstood concepts in dressage. It is often described in terms of what we see: elevated forelegs, shorter steps, a higher poll, more expression. But those visual markers are the result of correct training, not the definition of collection itself. True collection begins behind the saddle. When a horse collects correctly, the hind legs step further underneath the body, carrying more weight and lowering the croup slightly as the joints compress.

There is a moment in every rider’s life when the dream begins to feel real - not because you have arrived, but because you realize how far you have come. For me, that journey did not begin with international horses or a clear path forward. It began the way it does for so many American riders: with a deep love of horses, and the willingness to work for every opportunity. One of Jennifer's first horse shows Growing up, nothing was handed to me. Every hour in the saddle was some

Piaffe is often described as trotting in place, but that definition barely scratches the surface. True piaffe is not about standing still. It is about contained motion—energy that rises through the horse’s body without traveling forward. The hind legs lower and carry more weight, the forehand becomes light, and each diagonal pair of legs lifts and returns to the ground with deliberate cadence. From the outside, it appears effortless. From the saddle, it is anything but. Piaff

Performance is built through precision. Every aid, every transition, and every moment of connection depends on the alignment between horse and rider. Few pieces of equipment influence that relationship more than the saddle. Fit is everything. My partnership with HusleBos Saddles has reinforced just how critical proper saddle fit is—not only for comfort but also for biomechanics, communication, and long-term soundness. The Importance of Saddle Fit in Dressage A saddle is not

Understanding the Non-Linear Path to Success In sport, it is easy to talk about results. Scores, rankings, milestones. What is harder—and far more honest—is acknowledging how rarely progress follows a straight line. Training toward a long-term goal, especially one measured in years rather than seasons, requires a tolerance for uncertainty. There are periods of visible momentum, followed by stretches where improvement feels incremental or invisible. Setbacks occur. Conditions

From the outside, international competition often looks like a series of shows and travel dates. From the inside, it is a long-term operational commitment that touches every part of a horse’s life and a rider’s daily decisions. Campaigning internationally is not about one good season. It is about sustaining form, soundness, and mental clarity over years. Horses must be prepared to ship, adapt to different footing and environments, and perform consistently without being over-a

The double bridle is one of the most recognizable symbols of upper-level dressage. To some, it represents refinement and tradition; to others, it raises questions about complexity and correctness. Like many tools in classical training, its value lies not in the equipment itself, but in how — and why — it is used. At its best, the double bridle is not about control. It is about communication. Traditionally introduced as horses progress to the upper levels, the double bridle co

In dressage, we celebrate harmony, straightness, cadence, and elegance. But beneath every beautiful movement lies a principle so fundamental that it often disappears into the background: balance . Without it, even the most talented horse and the most educated rider will struggle to achieve true connection and expression. For Jennifer Diamond, balance is not merely a concept — it is the anchor of her entire training philosophy. Why Balance Matters More Than Strength Horses and

In dressage, certain concepts feel so familiar that riders stop questioning what they really mean. “Suppleness” and “flexibility” are two of the most commonly used words in training conversations, yet they are often treated as if they are interchangeable. In reality, they describe two very different qualities in the horse’s body and mind. Understanding the distinction between them—and knowing how to train for each—is essential for correct development, longevity, and harmony i

In elite dressage, some horses announce themselves long before their first big test. D’Vinci , Jennifer Diamond’s 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding, is one such horse—a standout not only for his movement, but for the unmistakable presence that defines future stars. D’Vinci, the horse that symbolizes success for Jennifer Diamond. Jennifer purchased D’Vinci as a two-year-old, long before his frame filled out or his talent fully revealed itself. What she saw then was potential: an

The road to the Olympics is a rare and demanding journey—an undertaking defined by relentless discipline, countless hours in the saddle, and a financial commitment that rivals any major professional sport. For Colorado dressage rider Jennifer Diamond, the pursuit of Olympic competition is more than a personal dream. It is a mission shaped by years of unwavering dedication, a partnership with an exceptional horse, and the belief that with the right support, extraordinary thing