‘The show world could use a little personality’: showjumper strikes out with her own clothing design

Showjumper Dani G. Waldman (nee Goldstein) has never been afraid to express her personality with her now famous cascade of feathers woven through her hair and her much followed #flyingfeathers Instagram posts.

But at the Longines Global Champions Tour final in New York at the end of September, when the 34-year-old Israeli rider trotted in to the ring on her great mare Lizziemary, it was her show jacket — rather than the electric blue feathers — that really caught our eye.

In a world of muted colours and traditional trims, a black lace coat was certainly something out of the ordinary.

“I wanted to design something ultra-feminine with a nod to fashion, while also being functional and sporty,” Dani told H&H.

“I chose a stretch lace that was breathable, lightweight, wouldn’t wrinkle and was easily washable.”

The native New Yorker is now resident in the Netherlands with husband Alan, whom she married earlier this summer, and she had the jacket produced for her in the city.

“The show world could always use a little personality in my mind!” she says. “I don’t have any specific events where I plan to wear it — just when the mood strikes, and the weather!”

Continued below…

‘It’s like wearing a down comforter on my head’ — Israeli rider and her flying hair feathers claim big win

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This has been a super season for Dani, who represented her country at the European Championships in August, where she patriotically sported a full head of blue and white feathers in the colours of Israel’s flag. She has also qualified as one of the 18 finalists for the 2019 Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix in Prague next month.

Could she have created the latest trend in show jackets? Whether the design catches on or not, we can always rely on Dani to get us all thinking outside of the box.

What do you think of Dani’s bespoke jacket? Let us know about your views by writing to hhletters@ti-media.com for a chance to see your opinion in H&H magazine and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger (please include your name and address; letters may be edited).

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.