Super groom Josefine Eliasson has been working for US showjumper Jessica Springsteen for the past eight years. She now follows the global international circuit with the Olympic silver medallist, looking after Jessica’s top horses including Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve and Hungry Heart.

“In the beginning, I was based at her home yard and I rode a bit,” says Josie. “But for the past six years, I have travelled the world with her and her horses as her show groom.”

Swedish-born Josie started riding when she was five or six and fell in love with horses.

“When I was slightly older, I had a nice young horse that I competed in Sweden,” she says. “The owner of the stables where I kept my horse competed regularly including in the national young horse championships and I would go with her and groom for her.

“I soon realised that I really enjoyed grooming and she was always very encouraging. She would say that I was very good at it and I remembered all of the important small details. I then went to visit a friend of mine, who at the time was working with horses in Switzerland,” she continues. “After only about two days, I knew it was what I wanted to do, so I asked if she knew anyone who needed help at their stables. That is when I got a job with Romain Duguet – I still had my horse, but I managed to lease her out, and I packed my bags for Switzerland as a permanent move.”

“Jessica Springsteen’s Olympic horse Don Juan is special”

After a year, Josie returned to Sweden, intending to get her HGV driving licence, but that’s when the job with Jessica Springsteen came up and she’s been looking after her talented string of showjumpers ever since.

“Our most special horse is Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve [pictured, below], Jessica’s Olympic Games horse,” says Josie. “I have an incredible bond with him. You spend so much time alone with your championship horses that you get to know them in a different way. As a groom, you always tell yourself you have a special bond with your horse, but I really think we do. For example, when I walk into the stable he will whinny for me but he doesn’t do that with a random person. He is very important to me – I am very emotional when it comes to him. He is a stallion, but he is the nicest stallion I have ever handled.

“Whenever I film Don [Juan Van De Donkhoeve] in the ring, I always seem to be giving my commentary of the round, telling him ‘You can do it!’” she reveals.

“Hungry Heart is another of our top horses who is competing at five-star level. He is 12 and has the biggest character in the stables. He is like a dog, you can play with him. I always joke that I think I could teach him to sit if I really tried. He is a very funny horse. We have a couple of other younger horses who are very exciting, I think the future is looking good.”

“You are always learning – listen to those with more experience”

Having now worked with Jessica Springsteen for eight years, Josie’s key piece of advice to grooms is to “listen to those who have more experience”.

“What I love about this profession is that you are always learning new things,” she says. “This is for two reasons – because the sport is evolving, as well as the fact that every single person has their own systems and techniques. Ask more questions – that is how you learn.

“I would also say do not be afraid. A lot of people are comfortable about where they are working, but they are not as happy as they could be. Of course, it is scary to try something new and to make a big change in your life, but it is so important to find the right place for you. You also have to love horses – as a groom, you have to work such long hours and there is a lot of travelling – but if you love horses it is the best job in the world.”

She also underlines the importance of knowing and understanding your horses.

“This way, you can notice the small signs that something might be wrong,” she explains. “The earlier you can see an issue, the more able you are to help them with whatever they need. It can be easier to spot this with your championship horses as you spend so much time with them and you get to know their habits so well, so you can see the smallest changes in their behaviour and do something about it before it becomes an issue.

“I think everyone has their own unique superstitions when it comes to the more important classes. No matter what, I always tell my rider to have fun, and I give the horse a little pat. Of course, during the bigger classes, I do this quietly so I do not interrupt my rider’s concentration and focus – but I still do it.”

Josie tries to ensure each of Jessica Springsteen’s horses keeps their routine as much as possible when they’re at shows.

“I think that the horse takes comfort from that,” she says. “Of course, at the bigger competitions, you will use things such as massage blankets more but I try to keep it as simple as possible and let them be horses.

“We try to work backward from a specific competition or goal to ensure that we have planned the best possible schedule for that individual horse. If we know that a horse jumps better during their second week of competition, then we will make sure that it competes two weeks in a row.”

“The best career you can have,” says Jessica Springsteen’s groom Josie Eliasson

As well as the big championships, Josie Eliasson and Jessica Springsteen travel to some of the biggest shows in the world including the Rolex Grand Slam and she says CHI Geneva is her favourite indoor show.

“The Rolex Grand Slam has had such an incredible impact on the sport,” she says. “It is the one thing that every rider aims for. Of course to win a Major and to become the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping live contender is amazing, but I think it is a huge privilege for riders to even be competing at these shows – they are the most prestigious in the world. To compete or even just be at a venue such as the CHIO Aachen or The Dutch Masters is incredibly special. They really increase the levels of visibility of the sports. It is always great to watch the highest level of sport, and this is what the sporting Majors provide. They provide a chance to win something beyond the normal competitions, such as the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. I think that even a non-equestrian fan would find this exciting to watch.”

Josie has launched her own online platform connecting grooms with riders.

“I did, and still do, get a lot of people asking about good staff and good jobs,” she explains about setting up Yeehaw. “There are so many good grooms and employers out there but it is hard to match them together. I wanted to create a platform where everyone would be able to see the opportunities available.

“It is not a hard industry to get into because there are so many jobs, but what is hard is finding the right place,” she offers. “Another goal is to try to raise the industry standards for grooms – to ensure that their working conditions are improved.

“Having a good grooming job makes you want to do it forever. But if in your first job you are not treated well then it can very quickly kill your interest in continuing in the business, even if you are very good at it. I just want to make sure that people get the best jobs because to me this is the best career you can have.”

With thanks to Rolex Grand Slam.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

US showjumper Jessica Springsteen topped a thrilling 10-way jump-off to land the five-star grand prix at the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT London) on Sunday 13 August.

Riding the charismatic 14-year-old Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve, Jessica rocketed round Uliano Vezzani’s towering jump-off track to win nearly a second clear of her closest challenger Olivier Philippaerts of Belgium on H&M Miro to record her first LGCT grand prix win for nearly four years.

“The crowd here in London is unbelievable, it’s such a special atmosphere and they give you so much motivation. It was so much fun!” said Jessica, daughter of Bruce Springsteen, who has represented her country at the Olympic Games , winning team silver with this same horse, and the 31-year-old enjoys plenty of success at the top level of the sport.

“Don Juan always gets really excited when he hears the clapping and everything like that – it really winds him up, so he’s quite a handful! But this was really special, it means a lot.”

LGCT London: ‘You’re not going to get a podium unless you go for it’

The final line from an airy vertical on a sharp bend to the final Longines oxer proved a real conundrum, with most riders opting to hold rather than gamble with taking a stride out, but Jessica’s round was determined and quick from start to finish.

“With 10 of the fastest riders in the jump-off, I knew it was going to be really quick and you’re not going to get a podium unless you really go for it. I saw one less stride to the last fence and I was like, ‘Should I?’ revealed Jessica Springsteen. “But when you’re going so fast, it’s hard – you can’t really keep pushing. So I said, ‘No, reel it in!’ Because I had the last jump down in the Paris grand prix, so I was thinking about that a bit. But Don Juan was incredible.”

When Jessica’s nippy jump-off round is compared with Olivier’s in the head-to-head below, you can see how much time she makes up on a staggeringly quick turn back to the double, midway on course.

Finishing third in front of the imposing Royal Hospital Chelsea on the final day of the LGCT London, and claiming an astounding 24th LGCT grand prix podium, was Dutch showjumper Harrie Smolders on the great Monaco NOP.

Best of the British riders was a delighted fifth-placed Olli Fletcher riding Hello William in his first ever five-star grand prix jump-off, on a horse who has made a remarkable comeback after colic surgery.

Jessica’s victory in the LGCT London grand prix earns her a ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in Prague in November. In the overall LGCT Championship standings, Maikel van der Vleuten still leads on 238 points, nine points ahead of Harrie Smolders, with Christian Kukuk sitting in third.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

We enjoyed four days of world-class showjumping in Prague, Czech Republic, this week, with the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour season drawing to a sensational close with the Super Grand Prix and Global Champions League (GCL) Super Cup team tournament providing a great spectacle. In Las Vegas, there was a milestone win for a young US rider and a podium Nations Cup finish for Ireland in Portugal. Here are just some of the highlights from the past week’s international showjumping action, plus showjumping results.

The best kiss and cry celebration

Miami Celtics came out top in a fierce battle for the GCL Super Cup at the Prague Playoffs, with jubilant supporters erupting on the kiss and cry (main image top) as 23-year-old Swiss rider Edouard Schmitz nailed their victory with a clear under immense pressure.

“My knees are still shaking,” said the Celtics’ under-25 rider, who rode Gamin Van’t Naastveldhof (pictured below). “When you go into the ring knowing you have to deliver a clear, it’s difficult but when you’re under pressure sometimes you perform better. You wish for days like this.”

His team-mates in Prague were Irish riders Bertram Allen on Pacino Amiro and Michael G Duffy riding Clitschko 17.

“To finish with a win is not something I think any of us expected,” said Michael. “We really fought hard all week and we have three amazing championship horses – we certainly wouldn’t be sitting here without them. My heart was in my mouth watching Edouard! I didn’t make his job the easiest [adding eight faults] but he got stuck in, he didn’t leave anything to chance and what a ride from him and Bertram.”

• GCL Super Cup final standings

Milestone success for Lillie Keenan

US rider Lillie Keenan, 26, won her first Longines FEI World Cup qualifier in Las Vegas riding the 11-year-old Dutch-bred stallion Agana Van Het Gerendal Z (pictured above). Victory came after a six-way jump-off where she beat the previous week’s Toronto winner Daniel Coyle, this time riding the nine-year-old Ivory TCS, by just 0.16sec.

“I’ve taught myself that when I go later [in the start order] to just walk my course, think about my plan and stick to it,” said Lillie. “I know Daniel’s really fast. I didn’t need to see him do it to know that I’d have to do everything I could to try to beat him.”

Conor Swail regained the lead in the North American League World Cup standings after his 11th-place finish.

• Longines FEI World Cup of Las Vegas results

Deusser is left speechless after LGCT Super Grand Prix success

THE curtain closed on the 2022 Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) with a resounding victory for German superstar Daniel Deusser and the quirky but supremely talented chestnut Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in Saturday’s 1.65m LGCT Super Grand Prix at the Prague Playoffs in the Czech Republic.

“I’m speechless about how my horse performed tonight – I think he underestimated a bit the height of the fences but he really tried his heart out,” said Daniel, who took home a staggering top prize of just over €300,000 after the two-round competition.

• LGCT Super Grand Prix results

Jessica Springsteen is the speed queen

At the ESP Pre-Charity CSI3* in Wellington, Florida, Jessica Springsteen (pictured above) triumphed in the $37,000 Elite Horse Transport 1.45m speed class riding Stone Hill Farm’s nine-year-old mare Naomi Van Het Keizershof (Cardento x For Pleasure), whom she’s had for three years.

“I think she is really special,” said Jessica. “She has taken a little bit more time but is super careful and is very competitive. I’m hoping to step her up and put her in a couple of the smaller grand prix classes this season.”

• Elite Horse Transport 1.45m speed class results

Oakingham Stud achieves further international success

Winning the grand prix qualifier at the ESP Pre-Charity CSI3* show in Wellington, Florida, was US rider Alison Robitaille with the Oakingham Stud-produced mare Oakingham Lira (pictured above), now owned by Alison Firestone.

“My goal early last year was to be jumping the three-stars by the end of this year, so this is really great,” said the rider. “I’m just so happy with how my horse feels; we’ve been building our partnership all year long. After walking in today, we really feel like a team.”

Oakingham Stud owns Ben Maher’s championship medal-winning Faltic HB and Lira was produced by the stud’s Mackenzie Ray and Shane O’Reilly before going overseas, teaming up with her current rider at the start of this year.

• CSI3* Wellington grand prix qualifier showjumping results

Swiss riders finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th in Italian grand prix

Remarkably, in the CSI2* grand prix in Gorla Minore, Italy, this week, the top five placings were filled by Swiss riders. The victor after an 18-strong jump-off was Pius Schwizer riding Cassalino, chased home by his team-mates Barbara Schnieper with Innok, Roger Umnus (Cupido), Jean-Maurice Brahier riding Caracoles, with Steve Guerdat in fifth on Hubba Bubba.

• Gorla Minore CSI2* grand prix results

Eve Jobs’ ‘unbelievable’ stallion makes a winning comeback

Irish rider Darragh Kerrins landed the $137,000 NoltrexVet grand prix at the CSI3* show in Wellington, Florida, with the 11-year-old Holstein stallion Lissino, owned by Eve Jobs.

“I’ve been riding him on and off for the last two years,” said Darragh (pictured in action above). “He actually had a small injury around this time last year and pretty much missed the whole year. We started bringing him back to jumping at the end of August. He has come back feeling better than ever; he feels unbelievable.

“I didn’t know what to expect after watching everyone else go in the first round, but he gave me everything today, he’s an unbelievable horse,” said Darragh, one of only two riders from a field of 33 to jump clear in round one. “When I walked the course today, it definitely walked hard but I didn’t think it was going to turn out that difficult. The time allowed was a big issue and in the combination line you could either do a seven or an eight, so there were options everywhere.”

• CSI3* grand prix results in Wellington, Florida

Nations Cup podium for Ireland

In the CSIO3* Nations Cup held at Villamoura Champions Tour, Portugal, France came out winners, chased home by USA and Ireland’s squad of Trevor Breen (Germaine W), David Simpson on Indian Quality Z, Alexander Butler with Coolivio PS and Richard Howley on Fame. Great Britain’s quartet finished 11th after narrowly missing the cut for round two. William Fletcher and Ginadina PP were among the CSI3* individual winners in this week’s competitions.

• Villamoura Champions Tour results

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

American fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger launched their first equestrian range, Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian, last year and have now struck up a partnership with Olympic showjumper Jessica Springsteen. In her role as brand ambassador, Jessica will be supporting the further development of the brand’s technical and performance products as well as wearing the brand’s sportswear for competition and training.

While she represents the US, winning team silver in Tokyo Olympics on her Olympic debut, Jessica is currently based in Belgium. She will star as the face of the brand’s upcoming campaign – “Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian Family” – that focuses on the close-knit nature of the equestrian community.

Tommy Hilfiger’s Martin Koller said they’ve found their ideal brand ambassador in the showjumper, who will be the figurehead of the brand’s new featured riders team, which will be made up of professionals and amateurs.

“She’s an animal lover who’s passionate about what she does, and has natural inner and outer beauty. Known primarily for her professional skills, Jessica’s effortless yet fashion-forward style, outstanding talent, and personal values, make her the perfect representative,” said Martin.

Expressing her happiness about the new partnership, Jessica said: “I am excited to collaborate with Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian and am inspired by the thought of contributing to the further development of products in our wonderful sport.”

The brand’s range currently includes casual and competition wear, as well as saddle pads, fly veils and cooler rugs.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Two team combinations and a travelling reserve have withdrawn from the Agria FEI World Showjumping Championships, ahead of the first day of competition tomorrow (10 August).

Ireland’s Darragh Kenny and VDL Cartello had to withdraw this morning (9 August) after the 15-year-old stallion developed a “veterinary issue”. The horse, owned by Heathman Farm LLC, had passed the first trot-up yesterday.

A Horse Sport Ireland spokesman said following a discussion between the team’s high performance director Michael Blake and team vet Marcus Swail, the decision was taken to withdraw VDL Cartello. Bertram Allen will now step up to the team with 10-year-old Pacino Amiro, his ride at the Tokyo Games. They join teammates Daniel Coyle and Legacy, Cian O’Connor and C Vier 2, and Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights.

After the trot-up yesterday H&H reported that five horses had been asked to represent for the veterinary commission today owing to some “uncertainties”. Of those five, two did not come forwards this morning; USA travelling reserve Jessica Springsteen’s ride RMF Zecilie, and Rene Lopez Lizarazo’s team ride Kheros Van’t Hoogeinde for Columbia. The other three horses – Quel Filou 13, the ride of Frenchman Matthieu Billot, Chepettano for Polish rider Maksymilian, and Israeli rider Daniel Bluman’s Ladriano Z – passed on representation and will start tomorrow.

The USA and Columbia brought five combinations each to Herning and therefore both countries will still go forward with a full team of four.

USA:

Lillie Keenan with 12-year-old gelding Argan De Beliard

Brian Moggre with 16-year-old stallion Balou Du Reventon

Adrienne Sternlicht with 14-year-old mare Cristalline

McLain Ward with 13-year-old gelding Contagious

Columbia:

Santiago Diaz Ortega with 10-year-old gelding Chasandro BoyCarlos Ramirez with 12-year-old gelding Extra Des SequoiasCamilo Reuda with 14-year-old gelding Indus Van Het KeysereyckRoberton Tera Tafur with 14-year-old stallion Dez’ Ooktoff

The World Showjumping Championships action gets under way tomorrow, with the first round of the individual and team competition. The second rounds take place on Thursday, and the team medals will be decided on Friday evening. The individual final takes place on Sunday.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The riders from Sweden’s Olympic showjumping gold medal-winning team at the Tokyo Games have described the victory as a “dream come true”.

Peder Fredricson and All In, Malin Baryard-Johnsson and Indiana, and Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward clinched the gold in a tense jump-off against McLain Ward and Contagious, Laura Kraut and Baloutine and Jessica Springsteen and Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve for the USA.

Peder, the final Swedish rider to jump, said coming to the last he “did what he could”.

“The pressure was on, my god. It’s not that you don’t want a silver, but in these situations when you are two teams, you really want to win,” he said.

“McLain [Ward] was fast but All In is also fast. I saw [McLain’s] round, and I knew what I had to do. Today the poles stayed up and the time was on my side this time.

“It’s unbelievably satisfying. I really think my horse deserves it. I’m so happy for him, his owner, his groom, my teammates – it’s a great feeling.”

Peder, who also claimed individual silver earlier in the week, said a lot of mental preparation took place ahead of the Games.

“It’s a bit like running a marathon; you have to train and physically be fit – and it’s the same with the mental pressure, you have to be prepared,” he said. “You can’t lie on the sofa, then show up and do it, it’s a lot of hard work.”

Malin said to win an Olympic gold medal is “every athlete’s dream”.

“We have a team behind us that’s incredible; everyone is involved in this medal. The way we have ridden shows how confident we’ve been and they’ve all made it possible for us to totally focus on what we had to do in there,” she said.

Henrik von Eckermann missed out on an individual medal with King Edward on Wednesday (4 August) and said taking the team gold was “even more special now”.

“It was frustrating [placing fourth individually], but I’m so happy with myself. I took myself together and said ‘leave what I can’t change behind me and focus on this – we have an unbelievable chance’.” said Henrik.

“No one can say we didn’t deserve it. Somehow when we went into the jump-off we felt so prepared.”

King Edward was the only horse in the Olympic showjumping competition to produce clears in every round.

“They should have two medals – one for the horse,” he said. “He’s a tribute to himself, the way he does it, he’s unbelievable.

“I knew he had the possibility to do what he did, but to do it, is completely out there. It’s amazing. There’s so many people to thank. We had a fantastic team from the beginning to the end.”

Team USA’s McLain Ward said it was “great to be in the battle” with Sweden.

“Sweden has been lights out – it wasn’t unexpected here, but they took it to another level. We would have had to have had an incredible day to beat them,” he said.

“I think we pushed them right to the limits, and in competition when you push them to that limit and they still win, you’ve got to be proud.”

Jessica Springsteen, who was second to go for USA in the jump-off, said collecting a medal at her first Olympics felt “unbelievable”.

“Watching the last couple go, wondering if we’re going to have to jump-off or not you definitely start to get the jitters but it was also super exciting,” she said.

Laura Kraut added “this is what we do it for”.

“It’s a lot of work and a lot of sweat and tears but I’m thrilled, and I’m so fortunate to have a great team,” she said.

“Kent Farrington [USA’s alternate rider in the team competition] has also been an incredible teammate. He was here supporting us the whole time and he was ready to step in if we felt any of ours were not up for the job.”

The Belgian team of Pieter Devos and Claire Z, Jerome Guery and Quel Homme De Hus and Gregory Wathelet and Nevados S took bronze.

Gregory said the team had done “something amazing” for their country: “Everyone is proud and part of it.”

Pieter said there was “huge pressure” under the new Olympic format.

“It will be an Olympics that will be remembered forever. You have responsibility towards the team so nothing can go wrong. We proved together we could handle that pressure,” he said.

“It was my first Olympics so I didn’t know what to expect, but I can say it was tough sport at the highest level possible. The course designer did fantastic job that’s for sure, and it was a fantastic venue.”

Jerome added he was “really happy“ with the team’s bronze medal.

“You represent a lot; all the people who work behind us, the country, horse sport in Belgium. We worked for it and it feels amazing,” he said.

You might also be interested in:

Olympic team showjumping gold and silver medals settled in dramatic jump-off

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‘Rare and unbelievable’: meet the horse who jumped clear in every Olympic showjumping round

H&H’s Tokyo horse of the day: Jerome Guery’s Quel Homme De Hus – ‘The one horse I would take to war’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic showjumping course designer Santiago Varela provided one last challenge for the riders in the team final at the Tokyo Games.

First to jump for the United States, Laura Kraut and Baloutine, produced the first clear, and this was followed by Sweden’s first rider Henrick von Eckermann and King Edward.

Many were caught out by the time allowance of 82 seconds, with technical lines giving riders the option to push or shorten in the distances. Three combination fences – a two-stride double at fence six, a one-stride treble at six, and a further one-stride double at fence 12 – demanded accuracy and caused the most problems on course.

French rider Simon Delestre had a clear jumping round but picked up one time-penalty. He described the course as “delicate” and “difficult to jump”.

“The course designer has produced an amazing job all week. [Today] it’s a bit higher, with some more difficult distances, and three combinations,” he said.

Laura Kraut agreed the Olympic team showjumping course was a step up from the qualifier.

“The jumps were bigger and the distances were hard,” she said. “It’s the stamina [you need]; we had the two doubles and the triple. We had the water, several planks – all you have to do is breathe on them and the last vertical is gigantic!

“Santiago is an amazing course builder, he knew he had the 10 best teams and he needed to build [for them].”

Fellow team US rider and Olympic debutante Jessica Springsteen, who picked up four-faults with Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve, said the course was “super technical”.

“There were a lot of half strides where you were able to do one less or one more,” she said. “It was a great course.”

German rider Maurice Tebbel who picked up four-faults on Don Diarado said it was a “tough course”.

“Everything came really quick. I tried to be in the time today and start quicker because at the end you can’t make up the time,” he said.

You might also be interested in:

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Springsteen, daughter of the rock legend Bruce Springsteen, made her Olympics showjumping debut today at the Tokyo Games.

The 29-year-old rider just had one fence down on the course with Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve, the oxer into the double at 13a, which followed on four strides from the unusually-shaped wall at fence 12.

“My horse jumped unbelievable, I really couldn’t be happier with him,” said Jessica, adding that she had expected to need to ride forward more on the four strides, but her horse has a big stride and she jumped the wall really forward. “But all in all I’m thrilled with the round and excited for the rest of the week.”

Jessica Springsteen: Olympics as a first championship

Jessica has not made the cut of the top 30 riders who progress to the individual final tomorrow, but she is expected to be in action again in the team competition on Friday as part of the US trio.

Talking about making her Olympic debut here in Tokyo, Jessica said: “It’s not only my first Olympics, but also my first championships – you definitely get a little bit more jitters going in, but being on a team with Kent [Farrington], McLean [Ward] and Laura [Kraut], who have such incredible experience, I feel really confident.”

Jessica has been riding the 12-year-old stallion Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve, by Bamako De Muze, for two years.

“He’s super brave and so talented,” she said. “He does everything so easy and he really gives me a lot of confidence when I’m going in the rankings [classes]. I know him like the back of my hand now and he’s so reliable so that gives me a really good feeling for my first experience at a championship.

“He’s sweet, he whinnies to you every time you walk in the barn. He’s a stallion, but he’s really kind.”

You might also be interested in:

‘He tests you from fence one’: riders reflect on Santiago Varela’s Olympic showjumping individual qualifier course

‘We’re here to get a result’: high hopes for Great Britain’s medal chances with three clears in Tokyo Olympic showjumping

‘I made the decision to go in and attack a bit’: Ben Maher takes pole position in Olympic showjumping individual qualifier

‘That’s what makes a championship’: Scott Brash and Jefferson qualify for Olympic showjumping individual final

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Jessica Springsteen will make her senior championship squad debut as she joins an experienced US Olympic showjumping team in Tokyo.

Yesterday US Equestrian announced the following combinations had been selected for the Tokyo Olympic Games:

• Kent Farrington and Gazelle, owned by Kent and Robin Cleary Parsky
• Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, owned by St Bride’s Farm
• Jessica Springsteen and Don Juan Van De Donkhoeve, owned by Stone Hill Farm
• McLain Ward and Contagious, owned by Beechwood Stables LLC

The reserves will be be:

• Brian Moggre and Balou Du Reventon, owned by Ann Thompson
• Lucy Deslauriers and Hester, owned by Lisa Deslauriers

The Tokyo Games will be McLain’s fifth Olympic showjumping appearance, having been part of the team at Rio 2016, London 2012, Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004. Laura was a team member in Beijing and at the 2000 Sydney Games, while Kent rode on the Rio squad. The US team won team gold at Beijing and Athens, and silver at Rio. Jessica has been a member of several Nations Cup teams, including the winning team at the CSIO4* at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Laura said she was “very proud” to have been selected.

“First and foremost, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Baloutinue’s owners Barbara and David Roux of St Bride’s Farm. Your support and encouragement has been unmatched,” she said.

“Furthermore, I’m thankful for all our sponsors backing us every step of the way and making sure the horses remain healthy, happy, and protected. It’s an honour to be on the team among these top equestrians. Finally, thank you to Baloutinue. This would not be possible without you!”

Jessica, daughter of legendary rock star Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, said she had been “dreaming of this since she can remember”.

“Endless gratitude for my team, friends and family for helping me make this a reality. We are Tokyo bound,” she said, adding she was “honoured” to be part of the team with Laura, Kent and McLain.

“There’s no horse in the world I’d rather be on this journey with, thank you Don! You’re my horse of a lifetime.”

Continued below… 

British Olympic showjumping team announced

The four riders who will carry British hopes at the London 2012 Olympic Games have been named

New faces join established star on Australian Olympic showjumping team

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Chef d’equipe Robert Ridland said last week’s CSI5* grand prix events in Rotterdam and at the Royal Windsor Horse Show completed a “long and productive” selection process for the Games.

“Following a very competitive winter circuit in Florida, American riders competed successfully against the world’s best in five major CSI5* events in Europe over the past couple months. I feel very confident the seasoned group of riders that we will be sending to Tokyo is in top current form and peaking at just the right time,” he said.

“Backing them up as reserves will be Brian and Lucy, two of the young stars on the international circuit who made a mark for themselves with their one-two finish in the CSI5* grand prix of Sopot. We’re looking forward to the next few weeks ahead and are aiming to deliver a strong performance for Team USA in Tokyo.”

• What is showjumping?

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Kent Farrington, McLain Ward, Beezie Madden and Laura Kraut are among the 10 riders shortlisted for the US showjumping team for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

On 15 April US Equestrian announced the riders that will undergo “continued observation” ahead of the team selection. Also on the list are Jessica Springsteen, Lucy Deslauriers, Bliss Heers, Brian Moggre, Devin Ryan, and Adrienne Sternlicht.

If selected, the Tokyo Games will be McLain’s and Beezie’s fifth Olympic appearance, having both been part of the team at Rio 2016, London 2012, Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004. Laura was a team member in Beijing and at the 2000 Sydney Games, while Kent rode on the Rio squad. The US team won team gold at Beijing and Athens, and silver at Rio.

The other five riders will be making their Olympic debut if selected. Adrienne and Devin were part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, and 20-year-old Brian has enjoyed a number of youth team appearances. Jessica has been a member of several Nations Cup teams, including the winning team at the CSIO4* at the Winter Equestrian Festival along with Brian, and Bliss.

The possible combinations for Tokyo are:

• McLain on Contagious, HH Azur or Kasper Van Het Hellehof
• Beezie on Breitling LS, Chic Hin D Hyrencourt or Garant
• Laura on Baloutine, Confu, or Goldwin
• Kent on Austria 2 or Gazelle
• Jessica on Don Juan van de Donkhoeve or RMF Zecilie
• Adrienne on Bennys Legacy, Cristalline, or Just a Gamble

Bliss will be considered on Antidote de Mars, Devin with Eddie Blue, and Lucy on Hester.

Continued below…

Olympic showjumper crowned international equestrian of the year

The Olympian’s mare Gazelle took the international horse of the year honours

‘Two great ladies’: Olympic rider and top mare inducted into US Showjumping Hall of Fame

Induction into the hall of fame takes place annually based on individuals whose contributions to the sport have “set them

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A USEF spokesman said riders and horses will compete in designated CSIO/CSI observation events, including the CSIO5* Nations Cups in Sopot, Poland, (17-20 June) and Rotterdam, the Netherlands, (24-27 June).

The final Olympic team selection will be announced on 5 July. All nominations to the team are subject to approval by the US Olympic and Paralympic committee.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Twenty-nine-year-old Jessica Springsteen (pictured above, right), daughter of rock legend ‘The Boss’ Bruce, is one of America’s top five showjumpers, but she’s not the only celebrity offspring making waves in the equestrian world…

1. Jennifer Gates

Twenty-four-year old Jennifer’s dad is none other than Bill Gates, the Microsoft squillionaire himself. The oldest of the three Gates children, Jennifer is a talented rider, making a name for herself on the US showjumping circuit. Her proud father regularly watches her compete, and in 2014 bought a huge estate with top-notch equestrian facilities in Wellington, Florida. Jennifer works hard, though, and graduated from Stanford University in 2018 with a degree in human biology and more recently attended medical school in New York City.

2. Gemma Owen

Seventeen-year-old Gemma’s dad is footballer Michael Owen. Together with his horse-mad wife Louise, Michael owns and breeds racehorses at their home in Cheshire. Gemma has represented Wales in dressage, and was the proud owner of Der Kleine Lord, a top international dressage pony who won team silver and individual bronze for Great Britain. She is now competing at prix st george and inter I level.

Continued below…

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3. Hannah Selleck

Famous for his moustache and appearance in Friends as Monica’s boyfriend Richard, Tom Selleck has a 32-year old daughter, Hannah, who is following in his footsteps. Tom became so attached to the steed he rode in a Western film that he bought it, and the riding bug has passed to Hannah, who is a grand prix showjumper.

4. Bella Lloyd Webber

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the richest men in Britain, and he and his third wife Madeleine are keen equestrians, owning a very successful racehorse stud farm, Watership Down in Berkshire. Their 24-year old daughter Isabella Aurora (known as Bella) is an eventer, with results up to CCI3*-L level.

5. Chelsea Pearce

Daughter of former England under-21 manager and former England captain Stuart Pearce and Elizabeth Pearce, 22-year old Chelsea has represented Great Britain in eventing at pony and junior level and more recently has results up to intermediate and CCI3*-L level.

6. Lila Bremner

Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner’s daughter Lila, 18, is a rising showjumping star and has competed on the British European team and more recently, up to 1.50m.

7. Brandi Cyrus

Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray’s daughter, has achieved world domination in the singing, writhing about and sticking out her tongue stakes, and older sister Brandi wants to do the same with equestrianism. The 33-year old DJ-podcaster-blogger is currently showjumping her seven-year-old grey mare Starpower at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Ocala.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Rock legend Bruce Springsteen will auction a signed Harley Davidson motorcycle, as well as his Fender guitar, to help raise funds to support the US equestrian teams heading to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This rare opportunity to pick up some exciting Springsteen memorabilia will take place on Friday 17 January at the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation’s “Take Me To Tokyo” gala at Deeridge Farm in Wellington, Florida.

Bruce and his wife Patti Scialfa have been closely involved in showjumping through their daughter Jessica Springsteen, who competes successfully at the top level in the sport all over the world and has represented the US on several Nations Cups teams.

“Patti and I have been involved with the horse world for more than 20 years since Jess started riding when she was five years old,” said Bruce, “the Boss”.

“Our lives have been deeply enriched by our involvement in the riding world. I’ve gotten to watch my daughter grow up into a young woman of character and excellence. I’ve gotten to watch the best in the world compete year after year, and I know what that takes.”

Patti added: “Helping this country’s equestrian athletes and supporting the US equestrian teams has become a family affair for us.”

Continues below…

‘I’m still in shock’ — Jessica Springsteen claims her showjumping first

‘She was with me every step of the way and jumped exceptionally’

Bruce Springsteen, A-list horses and an epic British win — was this the best show in the world?

In case you missed it, here are just some of the epic moments from this year’s show

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Four years ago, the Springsteens were an integral part of the success of the USET Foundation’s “Rockin’ Rio” gala, which raised more than $1m, and the family hopes to help set new records this time around. The couple have been named as chairs of Friday’s Tokyo fundraiser.

Guests at the gala evening, hosted by the Jacobs family, will enjoy cocktails and dinner, the presentation of several awards, as well as the chance to get bidding in both a silent and live auction, which will include Bruce’s signed guitar and motorcycle.

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“It’s 100% the biggest win of my career, I’m still in shock,” said 27-year-old Jessica Springsteen after winning her first Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix in Saint-Tropez on Saturday (14 September).

Riding the 12-year-old mare RMF Zecilie (Acolord x Canturo), the US rider produced the fastest double clear against her 13 jump-off rivals to claim the €99,000 (£87,900) first prize.

“Zecilie was flying today!” said Jessica. “She was with me every step of the way and jumped exceptionally. I’m delighted, especially for her owners [Rushy Marsh Farms].”

Victory in the grand prix means Jessica becomes the 17^th of 18 riders to qualify for the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs in November, where she will join a high-calibre field including Great Britain’s Ben Maher, Darragh Kenny, Christian Ahlmann, Peder Fredricson and Daniel Deusser.

“I’m so excited about the GC Prague Playoffs,” she said. “Helena [Stormanns, team manager of her GCL squad Miami Celtics] said there are only two chances left [to qualify] and I laughed it off and said ‘no way’ so I really can’t believe it, I’m so excited.”

Continues below…

‘100% behind you’: Bruce Springsteen supports US team riders

Bruce's daughter Jessica is one of the country’s top 10 showjumpers

Bruce Springsteen, A-list horses and an epic British win — was this the best show in the world?

In case you missed it, here are just some of the epic moments from this year’s show

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The LGCT Final takes place in New York next week (27-29 September) and, going in to the US decider, just one point separates the new LGCT rankings leader, Pieter Devos, and second-placed British rider Ben Maher, who has been making a bold bid all season to defend his 2018 title, but failed to qualify for Saturday’s grand prix.

“I knew I had to be in the top three to beat Ben Maher and go into first place,” said Pieter, who finished second behind Jessica Springsteen in the grand prix riding Claire Z, having produced a lightning-quick clear from first draw. “I gave it my all today.”

Don’t miss the full report from the LGCT show in Saint-Tropez in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 19 September.

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Tim Stockdale’s Olympic long-listed mare Fleur De L’Aube has been sold to Stal Tops for Jessica Springsteen to ride.

The 11-year-old Belgian-bred, owned by Marjorie and Clark Glasgow, flies to USA tomorrow (4 October) where 24-year-old Jessica will pick up the reins.

“Jessica is a very good rider and the pair have got on very well from the start — I think the way she rides will suit the mare very well,” Tim told H&H.

Fleur, by Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve, came to Tim’s Northamptonshire yard this time last year, having been produced and ridden to great success by Clark Glasgow, who has decided to take time away from the sport to concentrate on his medical studies at Cambridge University.

This season, the combination (pictured top) represented Great Britain in Nations Cups, finished fifth in the King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead with a double clear, and had been long-listed for the Olympic Games in Rio.

“She really came of age this year,” said Tim. “She was never for sale while the opportunity of riding at the Olympics was there, no matter how many people asked. But when that didn’t happen — and that was disappointing — Jan Tops made an appointment to see her after Gijon [in August].

“From my point of view, it is disappointing to lose a horse as good as this, but by the same token this was always the plan and the Glasgows and I are in this as partners — we’re talking to each other all the time and this was done with my complete cooperation. If at any point I’d said I didn’t want to sell the horse, they wouldn’t have done so.

“Of course it involved a lot of money, so it was a very good deal from a business point of view. But we really hope the mare works out well for Jessica and the partnership goes on to bear much fruit. We’ll be watching with interest.”

The Glasgow family have been great supporters of showjumping and Tim is very excited about a nine-year-old Andiamo mare called Miss Fritz that Marjorie Glasgow has also invested in. Miss Fritz will be in action with Tim in the international classes at Horse of the Year Show this week (5-9 October).

“This deal was no cut and run and that’s the great thing — it’s wonderful that the Glasgows will continue investing in horses,” said Tim. “But the Olympics came perhaps a little early for us, or maybe we were a little late for it, whichever way you want to look at it.

“But I’m most proud of the way Fleur jumped in the King George at Hickstead, and she hardly had a fence down at all the big shows like Falsterbo and Gijon, it really was a great partnership.”

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Rock star Bruce Springsteen has raised more than $600,000 (£423,038) for US riders competing at the Rio Olympics and Paralympics.

Bruce, whose daughter Jessica (pictured) is one of the country’s top 10 showjumpers, is currently on tour in the States.

The star put on a surprise performance at a recent gig, Rockin’ Rio, raising funds for the United States Equestrian Team Foundation.

Bruce and his wife, Patti Scialfa, are honorary chairs of the foundation.

“Patti and I have been involved with the horse world for 20 plus years since Jess started riding when she was five years old,” Bruce said at the charity event in Florida.

“Needless to say retirement is nowhere in sight for me. I literally play for horse feed night after night.”

Bruce played live at the concert and auctioned off a signed guitar and 10 VIP tickets with backstage access to one his River Tour shows for $600,000.

In total, the event raised more than $1.5 million.

‘100% behind you’

“My life has been deeply enriched by our involvement in the riding world,” said Bruce.

“I’ve gotten to watch the best in the world compete year after year, and I know what that takes. We’re here tonight to honor your focus, your hard work and your dedication.

“I know it’s not always an easy life, and we want to show you that we are 100% behind you.”

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As the daughter of rock royalty, Jessica Springsteen is used to the spotlight. However, in equestrian circles she’s known as much for her showjumping skills as for her famous father, Bruce.

So how much do you know about the 23-year-old rider? H&H brings you the low down on this rising star.

• Jessica got her first pony when she was six years old.

“Every little girl loves ponies. I was obsessed with mine,” she says. However, he wasn’t the easiest. “He would throw me off every chance he got. I could not ride him at all,” she adds.

• She can’t imagine her life without horses.

“What I really love about it is for that one-two minutes that you’re in the ring, you’re just completely focused on that one thing,” she says. “There’s nothing else going on around you and to have that connection with a horse, that bond, I think it’s really special and it really is unlike any other sport out there.”

• Jessica recently moved to Holland, where she is based with Global Champions Tour (GCT) supremo Jan Tops and his wife, Australian rider Edwina Tops-Alexander

The international showjumper left the US yard of Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton in May. She had been training with Laura for five years, but is now settled in The Netherlands, where she is guided by Edwina and former Olympic rider Jan.

• Until recently she combined showjumping with her studies, but has now graduated from Duke University.
• Her famous parents are very supportive, and are often seen at shows.

“They have gotten so involved in the sport and I’m really lucky to have parents who support me,” says Jessica. “To have someone really pushing you when it gets tough. It can be really hard, so I’ve been lucky to have a family that supports me and helps me follow my passion.”

• Jessica is best-known for her partnership with Vindicat W, Olympic gold medal-winning ride of Team GBR’s Peter Charles, who she bought shortly after London 2012.
• She most recently won a five-star class at the Chantilly GCT with one of her top horses Davendy S, and has been a frequent competitor on the circuit this season with him and Lisona.

She says: “I’m really happy. I’m jumping a lot of clear rounds in the grands prix which is exciting for me. When I first came here, you’re jumping right in with the best in the world so it’s kind of a shock to the system but it really makes you take your riding to the next level and every time you go out there. To really concentrate and do your best and I’ve just learned so much over the past years.”

• She wants to promote horse sport to a wider audience.

“I feel like over the past couple of years, it’s definitely been getting more attention in the US and being viewed more as a sport,” she says. “I know a lot of people don’t really realise how much work and athleticism goes into it. The Longines FEI World Cup jumping North America League is just starting this year and I think it’s going to be really exciting.”

Quotes and video from CNN Equestrian

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International showjumper Jessica Springsteen has left the yard of Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton and will now be based at the Dutch stables belonging to Jan Tops and his wife Edwina Tops-Alexander.

“Jessica moved to our place one week ago, with all her horses,” Edwina Tops-Alexander told Horse & Hound. “She has been training with us this week and her first show with me will be St Tropez [5-7 June] and then Cannes [the week after].”

Jessica, 23, daughter of rock legend Bruce Springsteen, has been trained by US rider Laura Kraut for the past five years. Until recently, she has combined showjumping with her university studies, winning big classes in Washington, Florida and Dublin, where she was part of the victorious USA team in the Furusiyya FEI five-star Nations Cup.

She is best known for her partnership with Vindicat W (pictured right), the Olympic gold medal-winning ride of Great Britain’s Peter Charles, who was sold to the Springsteens shortly after the Games in 2012. Her other current top rides include the 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse Lisona (pictured top and bottom), new acquisition Carolina 31 and the 12-year-old Davendy S.

However, having graduated from Duke University and with her sights set on Olympic selection for Rio 2016, Jessica will now be under the tutelage of Australian showjumper Edwina Tops-Alexander and her former international showjumping husband Jan Tops, now president of the Longines Global Champions Tour and trainer of the Qatari showjumping squad.

Jessica is currently ranked number 55 in the world and, as well as her targets of the Athina Onassis Horse Show in St Tropez at the beginning of June and the Cannes leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour the following week, she is also expected to be in action at the five-star show in Paris, also part of the LGCT circuit.

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We don’t need reminding that people expect to see Hugh Grant armed with his reporter's notepad in Horse & Hound HQ. But there are plenty of other celebs whose famous faces have made an appearance on our pages — from rock legends and actors to models and football stars. When did horse sport get so showbiz?

1. Taylor Swift

Pop star Taylor Swift hit the H&H headlines this month (January 2015) when she was spotted sporting a pair of jodhpur-like tan trousers, long brown boots, a red coat and black riding hat. All she was missing was a horse. South Shropshire huntsman Otis Ferry even took to Instagram to illustrate Taylor’s get-up looking remarkably similar to his hunting attire…

2. N-Dubz

Rappers and riding might not be a common partnership — but Dappy from N-Dubz had his unlikely hobby revealed in November 2013, when it was reported that he’d fallen from a horse while riding at his Hertfordshire home — and was subsequently kicked in the face.

3. Kenney Jones

When rock star Kenney Jones announced plans to revamp Hurtwood Polo Club in Surrey and turn it into a major equestrian venue in October last year, the idea was welcomed by the polo and equestrian communities. The former drummer for the Small Faces and The Who submitted plans to build an all-weather arena for polo, showjumping and dressage, stabling for 78 horses with grooms’ accommodation and 14 country homes.

4. Kristen Stewart

The Twilight actress Kristen Stewart admitted she was “terrified” of having to ride for her new film “Snow White and the Huntsman” in 2012. “I was shaking like a leaf when saddling up. Riding horses terrifies me,” Kristen told the Daily Star newspaper at the time. “I’ve felt that way ever since I fell off a horse when I was nine and broke my elbow.”

5. Simon Cowell

You may well have spotted music mogul Simon Cowell strutting his stuff in the paddock in his signature high-waisted trousers. The straight-talking X Factor judge invested in a two-year-old thoroughbred with fellow prime-time TV presenters Ant and Dec in 2013. The aptly named It’s A Yes From Me is in training with James Fanshawe in Newmarket.

6. Tom Cruise

Glorious Goodwood’s glamour was taken up a notch in 2014 when Hollywood actor Tom Cruise was drafted in to present the prize for the Magnolia Cup charity race — which was narrowly won by supermodel Edie Campbell.

7. Bruce Springsteen

Over-eager parents cheering you on from the ringside can be the cause of embarrassment. But not when your dad happens to be rock legend Bruce Springsteen. Bruce’s daughter Jessica Spingsteen has been riding since she was four, and in September 2012 Peter Charles’ London 2012 horse Murka’s Vindicat W was sold to the young showjumper.

8. Leona Lewis

In 2010 we revealed that X-factor winner Leona Lewis, who was made the honourary president for Horse of the Year Show in 2014, had a poem about horses tattooed in a line down her spine. The poem reads: ‘Their beauty captures every eye, a gift from God for all mankind, they lend us wings so we may fly, to ride a horse is to ride the sky.’ That certainly shows commitment…

9. Jennifer Aniston

Asking for ‘The Rachel’ at the hairdressers was once a well-known request — the Friends’ star’s hair was the envy of every teenage girl. And in 2014 H&H revealed that the secret behind Jennifer Aniston’s voluminous locks was Mane ‘N Tail shampoo and conditioner. Start raiding your horse’s grooming kit now.

10. Henry Cavill

In May 2011 Superman star Henry Cavill popped the question to showjumper Ellen Whitaker in a Hollywood hotel — after seeking the permission of Ellen’s dad, Stephen — but the engagement was later called off.

11. Michael Owen

Together with trainer Tom Dascombe and a top team of staff, former-footballer and heart-throb Michael Owen seems to send out winner after winner from his Manor House Stables in Cheshire — subsequently making repeat appearances on our racing pages.

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What do Katy Perry, Catwoman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have in common? Well, on Saturday night (28 September), they were all showjumping at the LA Masters in California.

The trio — AKA Rodrigo Pessoa, Laura Kraut and Kent Farrington — were members of 11 teams who took part in a Pro-Am relay jumping competition, raising over $350,000 for charity.

Laura Kraut (Catwoman) and Hannah Selleck (Posion Ivy) were the winning combination against the clock in a hilarious evening of fancy dress antics.

“It’s not my usual attire, but everything stayed put!” said Hannah.

Laura Kraut added: “This was more about charity and having fun than the jumping competition and I’m thrilled for [charity] Just World International — this was my opportunity to help raise money for it.”

Also in action were USA riders Beezie Madden, Will Simpson, Jessica Springsteen and Jane Richard-Phillips of Switzerland.

Hollywood celebrities gathered to watch the fundraising gala evening at the LA Conference Center, including Bo Derek, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, and Bill Gates, whose daughter Jennifer teamed up with Richard Spooner as a “Fast and Furious” themed pairing, while The Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco joined Paris Sellon as “Cowboy and Indian”.

But the biggest laughs of the night came for Brazilian showjumper Rodrigo Pessoa, who channelled his inner Katy Perry and gave his cupcake bra a cheeky squeeze as he jumped every fence.

The charities to benefit from the night included Thrive Animal Rescue, Autism Speaks, Ride On, Mustard Seed Ranch and Baby2Baby.

You can read the full report from the LA Masters in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (2 October 2014)

12 things you didn’t know about showjumper Marcus Ehning

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The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) on the west coast of USA has been transformed into a five-star showjumping venue this week for the Longines LA Masters (25-28 September).

Thirty six riders, including Great Britain’s world number one rider Scott Brash and Michael Whitaker, world individual silver medallist Patrice Delaveau, 2012 Olympic champion Steve Guerdat, Dutch team gold medallist Gerco Schroder and USA rider Jessica Springsteen will take part in four days of indoor jumping, competing for a prize-fund of over $1million.

On Sunday (21 September), 51 horses touched down in California on a chartered Emirates flight from Liege, Belgium, ahead of the first class on Thursday (see video top).

Vande Capelle of European Horse Services explained: “We think we are making history, or at least equestrian history in Los Angeles, with the arrival of 51 horses for the Longines LA Masters.

“It takes a lot of preparation. We have been working for two months trying to co-ordinate everything and the preparation is 80% of the work. This flight took off from Leige airport in Belgium, which is a specialist airport for horse traffic. They do a lot of these horse charters. We also set up a centre in Leige of the horses so they can relax before they go on the flight.

“Quarantine will be done here in California. Unlike normal imports, who are done at the official USCA import centre, these horses can come straight to LACC to the show stables where they will be held in quarantine until Monday at least.”

The horses were transported from the airport to LACC in massive horse transport trucks.

Vande was relieved when the final batch of horses arrived: “Thank god we are here with the last group of horses. The last two trucks have just arrived. We are so excited to be making history here in downtown Los Angeles.

“It was a long trip, the flight took just under 11 hours, but we had our vet on board. We had our flight professional — a guy who is only flying horses, that’s his daily job. As far as it looks, all horses are well. We have no injuries and no sick horses. That’s the aim.”

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US showjumper Jessica Springsteen, 22, has landed the high-fashion role as Gucci’s latest equestrian ambassador.

The daughter of rock legend Bruce Springsteen, Jessica has been riding since she was four years old, and joins a trio of fellow Gucci showjumpers: Monaco royal Charlotte Casiraghi, top international Edwina Tops-Alexander and French actor Guillaume Canet.

The Italian fashion house, which has traditionally been associated with equestrian design, has developed a riding collection especially for Jessica.

“Jessica is a great horsewoman, with a very exciting and positive riding style,” said Frida Giannini, Gucci’s creative director, who was responsible for returning to the brand’s equestrian roots four years ago after a 20-year gap.

“Her passion for horse riding, and showjumping in particular, is something I can really relate to, as I have been riding ever since I was a little girl. Jessica brings the elegant dynamic spirit of Gucci alive. I have ensured that the design of this new wardrobe provides her with pieces that manage to be both technically correct and stylish.”

The collection features technical clothing and accessories for showjumping and training, while retaining the glamour of the sport. A key feature from the range is the Gucci crest, featuring a heraldic shield incorporating the figure of a knight in armour holding a suitcase and handbag. Jessica’s crest will be personalised with her initials.

“I grew up around horses,” said Jessica. “I love the freedom you feel on horseback, and enjoy the discipline of competition. Riding in the collection that Frida has created for me is an honour and great fun — it combines the best of sport and style.”

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The paparazzi were out in force at Royal Windsor Horse Show (11-15 May), on the look out not only for The Queen, but also the legendary US rockstar Bruce Springsteen.

“The Boss”, who cheerily waved to fans, was at Windsor supporting his 19-year-old daughter, Jessica Springsteen, who is making her mark on the showjumping circuit.

Jessica is based with US Olympic gold medallist Laura Kraut in Warwickshire for the summer, before she returns to the US for college in the autumn.

It was her first time competing in the UK and she told H&H that she “loved it”.

She finished joint first in her first attempt at a six-bar riding Vornado Van Den Howendrik, alongside fellow US rider Catherine Pasmore on Vandavid and Britain’s Tim Stockdale and Fresh Direct K2.

“The six-bar was so much fun — and it’s great to win here. It’s so lovely, especially with the castle in the background, and there’s so much to see — it’s great to be able to go around to the other rings. It’s not like this at shows in America,” added Jessica.

Tim Stockdale was impressed. “I saw her jumping in New York when she was about 15 or 16 and thought she was an excellent rider then. It’s also a great boost for the sport having Bruce there, making headlines in newspapers, and I think a few people turned up just to see him. But she’s a good rider in her own right, regardless of having a famous father,” he said.

Jessica also finished fifth in the Martin Collins Equine Services grade A class aboard the same horse. She will soon set off on a young riders Nations Cup tour in Europe, before coming back to compete at the British Masters event at South View, Cheshire, in July.

“Jessica is very talented and I have high hopes for her,” said Laura Kraut. “She’s an outstanding rider and hopefully she’ll make a great addition to the US team. She did very well at Windsor, she wasn’t fazed at all.”

For full showjumping report from Royal Windsor and Laura Kraut’s comment see the current issue of Horse & Hound (19 May, 2011)

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Rock star Bruce Springsteen has reportedly paid $200,000 to US Olympic show jumper Todd Minikus to bring to an end the pair’s wrangle over an $850,000 horse.

Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa were sued by Mr Minikus after they allegedly reneged on a deal to buy a horse from the rider for their daughter Jessica Spingsteen.

The couple had paid a $25,000 deposit on Pavarotti owned by Mr Minikus, who was a member of the US show jumping squad at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

But they later returned the horse saying it was not right for the 16-year-old.

The New York Post has reported that Mr Springsteen has now agreed to pay Mr Minikus $200,000 although Pavarotti was returned to Mr Minikus.

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Rock star Bruce Springsteen is being sued by American show jumper Todd Minikus for allegedly breaking a contract to buy a $850,000 horse from Minikus for his teenage daughter, Jessica Springsteen, it is reported in the States.

Minikus, who was a member of the US’ show jumping squad at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, claims Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa backed out on buying the horse, named Pavarotti, after Minikus rode the 10-year-old gelding at the Pan American Games in Brazil in July.

The rider claims the couple put a $25,000 deposit on Pavarotti but later had second thoughts about whether the horse was right for their 16-year-old daughter Jessica, reports the Associated Press.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now