‘100% behind you’: Bruce Springsteen supports US team riders
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.
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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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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.