Je Suis Leonora Smee
I would love to be able to see into the future and know what challenges life is going to throw at me. I believe that preparation is key and practice makes perfect.
Occupation: International Showjumper, TV Presenter and Fashion Model.
Instagram: @leonorasmee
Personal Backround: Born and bred in the Hambledon Valley, between Henley on Thames and Marlow, just outside London. My father was a professional footballer before turning to property development. My mother’s family background was in the fashion industry and she herself followed suit as a buyer for designer brands before progressing to her own boutique. No surprise as to where my sporting and fashion interests originate!
In one sentence what is unique about your work: There is really no regular day in my life, I often wake up in a different country either with full hair and makeup ahead of a photo shoot or dressed in my riding kit ahead of a competition. Otherwise I am travelling from one destination to another or training with my horses and when possible, although not often, I spend it at home relaxing with my incredible supportive family.
Why do you do what you do? I do what I do because the two things I am most passionate about are horses and fashion. I am extremely fortunate that this involves seeing a lot of the world and meeting some very interesting and influential people.
What inspires you? People who are dedicated, passionate and who have excelled in doing something they love inspire me.
Describe your personal style in three words: I think personal style is exactly what it sounds like… a personal way of dressing that is dictated by only you. If I had to describe my style in three words they would be, classical, polished and feminine.
Your ultimate must have: I have to admit, it is my mobile phone. The smallest thing that enables me to keep everything running and stay in contact with family and friends whilst always on the move.
What superpower would you have and why? I would love to be able to see into the future and know what challenges life is going to throw at me. I believe that preparation is key and practice makes perfect.
What is next for you? Well, no one really knows what the future will bring!! For me, I hope to further develop my career, increase my public profile and have as much success as possible with my horses.
Je Suis Cassandra Foret
"I pursue my two passions, riding and singing"
Occupation: College student, Singer and Equestrian.
Instagram: cassandra.foret
Where were you born? I was born in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium).
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I pursue my two passions, riding and singing.
Why do you do what you do?
I do riding because first and foremost I´m passionate about horses, I love animals, I like the adrenaline of competitions, because I´m above all a competitor, and I like to measure myself against others and to show what I´m capable of.
Who inspire you?
Pénélope Leprevost, Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot and Audrey Hepburn.
Describe your personal style?
It depends of my mood, the day, the event, glamour and rock chic.
Your ultimate must have.
The necklace in common with my sister with your initials: “You’re my sunshine” engraved in black and my iPhone.
What superpower would you have and why?
Read throughout people thoughts to find out what they really think and adapt more easily.
What is next for you?
As I´m recovering from convalescence and my horse was injured since April, the next step for me would be to slowly resume the competitions and pass high school exams.
Je Suis Dustin Durham
I have a passion for horses and I thrive on seeing my horses excel in training and at shows
Occupation: Equestrian and Trainer.
Instagram: n/a
Where were you born?
I grew up in Knoxville, TN. I grew up show jumping, carriage driving and fox hunting.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I have a passion for horses and I thrive on seeing my horses excel in training and at shows. I am personally involved in every aspect of their care and training.
Why do you do what you do?
I love seeing my students and their horses work through issues and eventually succeed. I am thankful that I am able to do what I love while seeing my students gain strength throughout their riding.
What inspires you?
The opportunity for growth and success in my riding as well as my students' riding.
Describe your personal style.
Joyful and Fun!!
Your ultimate must-have.
Living in Florida, sunglasses are a must.
What superpower would you have and why?
I love show jumping because it feels close to flying. I would love to be able to fly.
What is next for you?
I am heading to HITS Ocala, FL for the International Derby. I am also working to get back into the Grand Prix ring this season!
Je Suis Tiffany Van Halle
Get to know this Equestrian Photographer
Occupation: Equestrian Photographer for Vygo (Belgium) and some equestrian magazines.
Instagram: @tiffanyorlando
Where were you born?
Born in Belgium near Brussels in 1984 and riding since 1993. I began to be interested by the international equestrian Showjumping in 1999, after having read an interview about the great Brazilian rider Rodrigo Pessoa. My dream was to meet all these big Champions riders and horses and to live my life on the grounds of competition. My parents communicated me the passion for the photo, and during my travels on the shows, I learnt to make a better work, and the most beautiful pictures and to make me known with this world.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I think, I always manage to immortalize the good time between the rider, the bellboy and his horse.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I like to travel in Europa, USA, Asia on the different horseshows, I like to meet the great riders, horses, and grooms, they are as my second family, and capture with my camera the bests sports moments as a victory, emotion, the friendship between rider, groom and horse, like capturing the best teamwork. People, riders, grooms are loving that.
What superpower would you have and why?
Capture the best moment sports.
What is next (event) for you?
My next events will be the Longines Masters of Paris and the beautiful Rolex Grand Slam of Geneva, best horseshow of the world to finish this year.
Je Suis Nikki Walker
I do what I do because I have an incredible opportunity to work with accomplished business people at The Stronach Group.
Occupation: Recently I have begun working at The Stronach Group. My main focus in the family business is marketing and development. Additionally, I help manage the Adena Springs Retirement Program which rehomes retired thoroughbreds to forever homes. Last, but not least…show jumping!
Instagram: @nikkiwalker4
Where were you born?
I was raised in Aurora, Ontario, Canada growing up on our family farm just north of Toronto. I studied Business Management and Environmental Studies at Wilfred Laurier University graduating in 2014. Nowadays I spend most of my time working and riding in Aurora or competing in Wellington, FL and Europe.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
Every day is different!
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I have an incredible opportunity to work with accomplished business people at The Stronach Group. I want to gain knowledge in the racing, gaming and entertainment industry and help my family shape our vision. I feel fortunate that I am able to balance my work and riding at a serious level.
What inspires you?
People who follow their passions. I think it takes a lot of sacrifice; courage and ambition to whole heartedly establish and follow your dreams.
Describe your personal style.
Practical!
Your ultimate must-have.
A positive attitude…and dark chocolate!
What superpower would you have and why?
Teleportation through time and space! Between work, riding, friends and family I wish I could be in multiple places.
What is next for you?
Next I am headed to Wellington, FL to gear up for the Winter Equestrian Festival. I have a few young horses and new mounts that I am exciting to develop. Also, The Stronach Group’s first running of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational. It is the world’s richest Thoroughbred horse race featured at Gulfstream Park on January 28th 2017.
SHOP EQUESTRIANISTA
Je Suis Anne Caroline Valtin
I'm inspired by the passion, dedication and true love that you can find in athletes!
Occupation: Social Entrepreneur (Anne Caroline, Inc: www.annecarolineinc.com), Full time dreamer (Life2Inspire) and Philanthropist (Executive Director of the Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments ®:www.greatcharitychallenge.com)
Instagram:@life2inspire
Personal background: Born in Belgium and raised right outside Chantilly, France. We moved to the US when I was 16. I now spend my winters in Wellington, FL and summers in Chantilly, France with my significant other Nicolas.
In one sentence what is unique about your work? I'm able to merge two of my passions into one activity: equestrian sports and making the World a "better place"!
Why do you do what you do? Because I believe in helping others, doing good and being the change! Those are my #s: #life2inspire #dogood #bethechange. I am extremely lucky to be surrounded by amazing individuals who believe in doing the same, all right here in the equestrian community.
What inspires you? I'm pretty lucky as I get inspired quite easily but to give you an answer... I would say that it's by the people who believe in doing what's right, just because; by the dreamers of this world and by the visionaries who push the status quo; and lastly, I'm inspired by the passion, dedication and true love that you can find in athletes!
Describe your personal style: Classic, classic, and classic! Whether at work or riding, I believe that classic never goes out of fashion!
Your ultimate must-have. Yes, I'll admit to it: my Iphone! How did we manage before it? Otherwise, chapstick and mascara are a safe bet!
What superpower would you have and why? Fun question! I would say Time Manipulation because everything can be solved if you can control time!
What is next for you? I'm super excited to launch Life 2 Inspire as a nonprofit organization. Working with so many different nonprofits and young philanthropists, I saw a true opportunity to help young philanthropists "be the change" and "create the change that they wish to see in the World". Life 2 Inspire will do just that- link today's youth with causes they care for and give them the tools to make a difference. Donors and sponsors will get to pick whatever project appeals to their hearts.
Je Suis Greta Matienzo
Occupation: Student and International Rider
Instagram: @gretamat
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Mexico City
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
Teamwork makes the dreamwork, can’t get anywhere without the right team behind you.
Why do you do what you do?
I’m following my passion; I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
What inspires you?
I live every moment to break my own limits, to outgrow myself and live my best life.
Describe your personal style.
Relaxed and uncomplicated.
Your ultimate must-have.
A smile
What superpower would you have and why?
Being able to eat as many chocolate as I want without gaining weight.. I’m such a sweet tooth
What is next for you? I will continue chasing my dreams, wherever that may lead.
Je Suis Virginia Ingram
What makes me unique is my love for multiple disciplines
Occupation: Student; freshman at Vanderbilt University.
Instagram: @virginiaingram
Where were you born?
What is unique about my work: As a rider, I think what makes me unique is my love for multiple disciplines; show jumping, polo and fox hunting.
Why do you do what you do?
I ride because it is my passion. It always has been and it always will be. It’s something I love to do with my family and I have made the very best of friends in this sport.
What inspires you?
One of my biggest inspirations in my father. He has overcome many obstacles in his life and yet he is always positive. I am also inspired to just wake up every day and work harder at everything I want to accomplish.
Describe your personal style.
My personal style definitely revolves around comfort! I love to be comfortable!
Your ultimate must-have.
Probably this really special bracelet that I was given for Christmas last year. I never take it off. It is really important to me.
What superpower would you have and why?
If I had a super-power it would be time travel. There are so many things I wish I could do-over, correct, or re-experience. Life is so short and I hate having regrets.
What is next for you?
I will continue my college education and integrate myself back into show jumping. I also hope to continue playing polo and better myself as much as I can.
Je Suis Lily Freeman-Attwood
Get to know an international show jumper, Lily Freeman Attwood who is debuting JOLIEGAZETTE'sEquestrians!
Occupation: I am an international show jumper.
Instagram: @lily_attwood
Where were you born?
I was born in Shropshire.
In one sentence what is unique about your work?
I think of horse riding as a very personal sport which not many people understand unless they do it themselves.
Why do you do what you do?
I grew up with a background of horses and started riding at a young age and carried it through my life ever since.
What inspires you?
Scott Brash, who was rank world number one in Showjumping, he is my inspiration.
Describe your personal style.
I am quite a stylish person who dresses quite mainstream but also has her own sense of style.
Your ultimate must-have.
I'm not sure on what an ultimate must-have I would have; I feel like I have everything I need already.
What superpower would you have and why?
I would be able to fly to feel free.
What is next for you?
Next is hopefully to get on the pony European team 2017, as I have already been on the European Children on Horses team 2016.
"I am going to be fired for that"