IN CONVERSATION WITH JESSICA SPRINGSTEEN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Jessica Springsteen is an Olympic silver medalist and Global Champions Tour competitor, carving out a distinctive space at the intersection of elite sport and fashion. Competing across iconic destinations from Rome to St. Tropez and Paris, she brings a quiet confidence and authenticity that resonates far beyond the equestrian world. A Rolex ambassador who has also fronted campaigns for Citizens of Humanity, Jessica embodies a modern duality, balancing high-performance sport with an effortless presence in global fashion and lifestyle culture.

photo credit: KATOO PETERS

How do you balance the demands of elite competition with the pace of global travel?

I try to look at the schedule ahead of time and make a plan that suits my horses, while also choosing moments in the year when we will take a couple of weeks to regroup. With horses, things can always change quickly, so you have to be adaptable and flexible. I’m very lucky to work with an incredible team that I trust so much, which is really important in making everything work. They take the absolute best care of the horses and their schedules, which makes it really easy for me to focus. No matter where we are, the horses always have the same routine. 

I think the same can be applied to people. It’s not always easy, but it’s so helpful to keep small routines, and I’ve found that in doing so, it’s brought me a lot of calm amongst the chaos. At home, getting ready for the show is often busier than the actual competition. By the time we get there, so much of the work has already been done, which allows you to really focus on competing and being present in the moment.

What does a typical competition season look like for you?

I spend the Winter in Wellington, Florida, for the Winter Equestrian Festival from January to April. Then I’m usually based in New Jersey during the Spring and Fall. In the summer, I’m in Belgium, where we travel from show to show around Europe. In between each location change, I’ll take a couple of weeks off from showing so we all have time to get settled. There are so many options with multiple competitions every weekend, so you’re really able to pick competitions that will best suit you and your horses. It’s been really special spending more time competing in New Jersey again because there are so many more great shows there now than they had when I was growing up. Being back in that environment has felt very full circle.

What role does routine play when your schedule is constantly changing?

Routine is everything. With so much travel, having constants throughout the day makes a huge difference. For me, it’s as simple as having the coffee I like in the morning, staying consistent with a workout routine, and taking time to myself for a bit every day, whether it’s to read, go for a walk or watch a show I like. I also try to plan ahead when I’m going to see my friends and family, and it’s always really nice having that to look forward to. Over time, I’ve been become comfortable with the constant travel and now love it.

How did your journey in equestrian sport begin?

My mom had always wanted to ride, so when we moved to New Jersey, we both started taking lessons. I loved it immediately, and she was completely my idol growing up. Our house was right across the street from a huge junior training barn, so it was kind of meant to be. I was very serious about it from a young age and never wanted to miss a lesson. I went to that barn when I was older and trained there until I went to college. There was never a moment when I didn’t see horses being a huge part of my life.

photo credit: ASHLEY NEUHOF

What drives you to keep pushing at the highest level?

The atmosphere and excitement that come with competing at some of the biggest shows, amongst the best riders, is something that constantly motivates and inspires me. There’s an energy and adrenaline in those environments that’s incredibly motivating and inspiring. That being said, there is so much that goes into making those moments happen, and I find just as much joy in the day-to-day of working towards that with my horses. At the competitions, you’re only in the ring for 90 seconds, so at home is where you’re building that partnership with your horse. That connection takes time, patience, understanding, and consistency. When it all comes together, it’s an unbelievable feeling. In this sport, we are always learning, always listening, and always trying to be better. There is always a new challenge, which is what keeps it exciting. I truly feel so grateful I get to do what I love every day with such incredible animals. I think that combination of passion for the sport, competitiveness, and adrenaline is what keeps me motivated.

What does representing your country at the Olympics mean to you now?

I think it’s one of the greatest honours in sport. Representing my country at the Olympics had been a dream of mine ever since I was young, and being able to be a part of the team in Tokyo with teammates who’ve inspired me my entire life made it even more meaningful. It really pushes you in every way, and it was an incredibly proud moment and experience I’ll take with me forever. I left feeling even more motivated and inspired to keep growing and improving to be the best I can be. It will always be a memory I cherish, as well as something that I dream of being a part of again.

How has your perspective on success evolved over time?

I think when I was younger, success felt much more tied to results and outcomes. As I’ve grown in the sport, that perspective has definitely evolved. For me now, I’m in a place where I’m trying to bring my horses up to the next level, so I’m really setting individual goals that I want to reach with each of them. Other years, it could be working towards a championship, making a team or so on. But regardless of the goal, I look at success as continuously learning with and from my horses, always trying to grow and be better, and chasing my dreams and goals in a way that I’m proud of. When you show up knowing you’ve done your best for yourself, your horse and your team, there’s always going to be success in that.

How did your relationship with fashion develop alongside your sport?

I think the Equestrian uniform itself has always been very timeless and chic.  My mom has always really had an eye for fashion and putting pieces together in a way that felt effortless, so I loved watching how she would make classic everyday things feel personal and modern. She always puts her own twist on things, so it feels like herself. Since I was younger, I’ve always enjoyed mixing athletic and fashion brands into my riding wardrobe to find things I felt comfortable in, and that felt like me. I really believe if you feel great about something, that’s the most important thing. That being said, through working with different brands over the years, it has also expanded my personal style by pushing me out of my comfort zone at times, which is fun. That has also made me develop such an appreciation for craftsmanship and the thought and storytelling that goes into fashion. My partnership with Loro Piana has been especially incredible in that sense. Seeing the level of detail, quality, and care that goes into every piece is incredible.

What draws you to brands like Rolex?

What I admire about Rolex is how they celebrate achievements across so many different fields - sport, art, exploration - all tied together by passion, dedication, and pursuit of excellence. I’ve always been so inspired by the careers and stories of other Rolex testimonies, so it’s incredibly meaningful to be a part of that. It’s also a brand that has such a longstanding history within the equestrian world, supporting our most prestigious events around the world, so it is very connected to the sport in a genuine way. Their focus on longevity, precision, and continually raising the standard is incredibly inspiring to me as an athlete.

photo credit: NATALIE SUTO

How do you maintain authenticity while working with global brands?

I’ve always tried to work with brands that feel like a natural fit for who I am. I think building an authentic relationship is also really important. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with the teams of my long-term partners. I’ve been really lucky to work with brands that highly value having a real family/team environment. I think building a genuine relationship is what makes the partnership continue to feel natural and authentic, and successful.

What inspires you outside of riding?

Over the past couple years, I’ve worked with two programs that I’m incredibly inspired by, Gallop NYC and Compton Junior Equestrians. Through their therapeutic riding programs, Gallop has created opportunities for so many New Yorkers to experience the connection and benefits that can come from being around horses. The impact they have had on building confidence, independence and community is truly inspiring.

The Compton Junior Equestrians has made horses accessible to so many young people through their mentorship programs. The work they do creating opportunities through horsemanship is really incredible.

What’s next for you, both on and off the field?

This summer, I’m really looking forward to gaining experience with my younger horses and starting to bring them to a higher level. I think they are really special, and I’m excited for the future with them and to see what we can do together. Off the field, it’s always been a dream of mine to create an equestrian meets athleisure line, something that was wearable for everyone, not just the equestrian world.