Accomplished equestrians inspire us, give us new ideas, and remind us of where our dreams can take us. From Olympic legends to hunter-ring icons, digital creators, and celebrity riders, these names define the sport in ways both big and small. If you don’t know the latest on Lottie Fry's flawless freestyles or you haven’t seen Hunt Tosh’s impeccable hunter form, you’re missing out! Whether you’re chasing competitive goals or just love stories of devotion to horses, here are the top 36 famous equestrians every rider should know.
Icons of modern dressage
These equestrians have mastered the technical demands of dressage, capturing global attention through record-breaking performances and unforgettable partnerships. Their dedication to harmony, discipline, and innovation has pushed dressage into a new era—one that’s as inspiring to watch as it is demanding to achieve.
Isabell Werth
Isabell Werth is arguably the most decorated dressage rider in history. She has amassed 14 Olympic medals (eight gold) in a record seven Olympics, which is more than any other equestrian in any discipline. She’s also a multiple World Equestrian Games champion and a dominant force in European dressage circuits. Her longevity, consistency, and ability to bring horses to the top make her a benchmark for every aspiring dressage rider.
Charlotte “Lottie” Fry
Charlotte “Lottie” Fry has quickly become one of the brightest stars in modern dressage. The daughter of Olympian Laura Fry, she rose through the British youth ranks before training with Anne van Olst in the Netherlands. Her partnership with Glamourdale has been nothing short of electric, earning double gold at the 2022 FEI World Championships and helping secure team bronze at the Tokyo Olympics. Now ranked in the top five dressage athletes in the world, Fry is carving out a dominant place on the global stage.
Eventing names every rider should know
Eventing is the ultimate test of versatility, demanding elegance in dressage, resilience in cross-country, and precision in show jumping. The riders who excel in this discipline are true all-around horsemen and horsewomen, blending technical skill with fearless determination. From Olympic champions to rising talents, these eventers embody the grit, grace, and adaptability that define one of equestrian sport’s most thrilling arenas.
Michael Jung
Michael Jung has redefined what’s possible in eventing. Known for his quiet precision and unmatched consistency, he became the first rider in history to hold Olympic, World, and European titles simultaneously. His partnership with La Biosthetique-Sam FBW is legendary, marked by flawless rounds and history-making victories, including double Olympic gold at London 2012 and individual gold again at Rio 2016. Jung’s ability to ride each phase with technical mastery and calm confidence has made him a global benchmark for excellence in eventing.
Phillip Dutton
Phillip Dutton is a rare dual-nation elite rider: he earned team gold medals for Australia, then switched to represent the U.S. and continued to win numerous medals and major event titles. In Rio 2016, he took individual bronze riding his steady Mighty Nice. He’s known for bringing multiple horses to the top, consistently excelling in the cross-country phase, and mentoring younger riders. He’s a key pillar in U.S. eventing you won’t want to miss.
Learn more: 6 Types of Horseback Riding Competitions
Show jumping names making headlines
Show jumping is a display of power, precision, and partnership when victory is decided by fractions of a second. The athletes who shine in this discipline bring out the best in their horses under intense pressure. From rising talents to seasoned competitors, these show jumpers exemplify the skill and competitive spirit that define the modern jumper ring.
Ben Maher
Ben Maher has cemented his place as one of the most accomplished show jumpers of his generation. Representing Great Britain, he captured individual gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics aboard the exceptional Explosion W, adding to his team gold from London 2012. Known for his quiet precision and tactical brilliance, Maher consistently delivers under pressure at the world’s biggest shows, from the Global Champions Tour to the World Equestrian Games. His partnerships with top horses and his ability to produce winning rounds on the biggest stages have made him a dominant force in international show jumping.
Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden
As a four-time Olympian with two team golds, one team silver, and an individual bronze, Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden has delivered clutch performances on the sport’s biggest stages time and again. Riding beauties like Authentic, Cortes ‘C’, and Breitling LS, she’s built legendary partnerships defined by trust and precision. Known for her quiet intensity and masterful rounds, Beezie has become a role model for riders around the world, proving that brilliance in the ring comes from patience, strategy, and a lifetime of dedication.
Bill Steinkraus
William “Bill” Steinkraus was a true pioneer of American show jumping and a legend that defined a generation of equestrians. As the first American rider to win individual Olympic gold in show jumping at the 1968 Mexico City Games, he set a new standard for precision and style. Known for his classical forward seat and quiet effectiveness, Steinkraus helped lead the U.S. team to multiple Olympic medals and dominated international competition for decades. Beyond the arena, his writings and teachings shaped modern equitation, leaving his legacy on many equestrians’ bookshelves around the world.
McLain Ward
Known for his precision, horsemanship, and longevity at the top, McLain Ward is a cornerstone of U.S. show jumping. A six-time Olympian, he earned team gold medals in 2004 and 2008 and multiple team silvers in recent Games. He became the youngest rider to win both the USET Show Jumping Derby and Medal Finals in the same year, and later, the youngest American to surpass one million dollars in Grand Prix earnings. His career highlights include winning the 2017 FEI World Cup Final with HH Azur, team gold at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, and dozens of major Grand Prix victories.
The professionals setting the hunter standard
Every round in the hunter division is a blend of rhythm, style, and subtle communication between horse and rider. Originating from traditional foxhunting, the best hunter riders make the sport look effortless as they turn precise distances and seamless trips into something artful.
Tori Colvin
Tori Colvin has been a standout in the hunter world from an early age, combining natural talent with fearless, instinctive riding. She made history as a teenager, capturing major titles that most riders spend a lifetime chasing. She’s a three-time winner of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship and a record six-time winner of the WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, cementing her place among the sport’s elite. Known for her bold style, sharp instincts, and ability to deliver under pressure, Tori continues to set the standard in the hunter ring, building a career that blends early promise with lasting impact.
John French
A multiple-time World Champion Hunter Rider and 2023 USEF National Equestrian of the Year, John French is known for his effortless style and ability to bring out the best in every horse he rides. Inducted into the Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2020, French has spent decades at the top of the sport, earning major titles on champions like Rumba, taking first at the $100,000 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. French’s precision, deep knowledge of the craft, and consistent excellence have made him a benchmark for hunter riders nationwide.
Hunt Tosh
Hunt Tosh is the kind of rider who makes the hunter ring look effortless. Tosh made history as the first rider ever to claim USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion four times. He’s built a career on polish, precision, and an uncanny ability to bring out the best in every horse he rides. His partnership with Cannon Creek has delivered some of the sport’s most memorable moments, including a near-perfect 93 at Devon that left the crowd buzzing. With two USEF National Equestrian of the Year awards and tricolors from every major championship on his résumé, Tosh continues to set the bar for what true hunter mastery looks like.
Learn more: What Is Hunter Jumper? Riding Disciplines Explained
Next gen: junior riders to watch
Junior riders bring fresh energy, big ambitions, and a love for the sport that’s impossible to miss. Many of today’s top professionals started in the same pony rings and equitation classes these young athletes now dominate. These young riders are already proving they have the talent, work ethic, and composure to shine on the biggest stages.
Lilly Ward
Lilly Ward, daughter of grand prix legend McLain Ward, is already making headlines of her own. In January 2025, she and Woodlands Corduroy won a USEF event at WEF with a 175 score. She was also named Champion Small Pony Hunter at both the 2025 Capital Challenge Horse Show and the 2025 Pennsylvania National Horse Show, two of the most prestigious indoor national championships. She previously moved from short stirrup to competing in the Small Pony division at the 2022 Pony Finals, a fast track that highlights her drive and talent. With her pedigree and early success, Lilly is clearly one to watch in the next generation.
Grace Wahlberg
Grace Wahlberg, daughter of actor Mark Wahlberg, is steadily making her mark in the jumper ring with strong results at major shows. In 2024, she earned a win in a 1.20m Open Jumper class aboard Prince, showcasing both precision and competitive grit. She’s also been active on the FEI circuit, competing with Zeppelin Blue in Pre-Junior classes and ranking 30th individually at Traverse City in 2025, along with a second-place finish in a 1.20m Junior/Amateur class on Bernadette. With a growing list of results and a focused competitive schedule, Grace is quickly establishing herself as a serious young rider to watch.
JJ Torano
JJ Torano made waves in 2024 by becoming the youngest rider ever to win the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, triumphing with his horse Favorite Edition Z over a field of 169 competitors. In the final test, he navigated hand gallop, counter canter lines, and a stirrupless halt impressively. At just 14 years old, he earned the prestigious Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy and was praised for his poised strategy and composure in the work-off. Training with John Brennan and Missy Clark, Torano’s riding already shows ambition, precision, and maturity far beyond his years.
Equestrian influencers you should follow
The equestrian world is no longer shaped only in arenas. It is thriving online on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms where riders, trainers, and creators bring the sport to global audiences. These influencers share their stories with authenticity and creativity, inspiring riders of all levels and offering a behind-the-scenes look at the highs, lows, and everyday magic of life with horses.
Harlow @harlowlunawhite
Harlow Luna White is one of the brightest young voices in the equestrian world. As a young teenager, she’s built a massive following on YouTube and Instagram by sharing her adventures with her beloved ponies, including fan favorite Popcorn. From grooming tutorials with millions of views to winning the BSPS Heritage M&M Junior Championship at the Royal International Horse Show, Harlow blends authentic barn life with real competitive success. Her videos capture the joy, curiosity, and dedication that inspire a new generation of riders.
This Esme @thisesme
Esme Higgs, known as This Esme, began sharing her riding journey at 15, and her YouTube channel now reaches over 10 million monthly views. Blending tutorials, barn vlogs, lifestyle content, and honest reflections, she’s built a global community of young riders who trust her authenticity. Beyond social media, she’s an author, a brand collaborator, and an ambassador for Brooke and World Horse Welfare, using her platform to make the horse world more accessible and inspiring.
Reagan Ibach @reaganibach
Reagan Ibach has built a name for herself by capturing the heart of modern barn life. She’s known for her polished content featuring her horse Huey, her strong eye for equestrian fashion, and her collaborations with major brands in the industry. Alongside her sister Madison, she gained early attention by documenting their journey with a Craigslist pony, which grew into a full-scale equestrian platform. Reagan now works with top apparel companies and regularly appears at major shows, making her a recognizable face both online and in the ring.
Madison Nirenstein @madisontnequine
Madison Nirenstein presents her equestrian life with refreshing transparency and genuine passion. As an AQHA & NSBA World Champion, her social media and YouTube channels offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into inspiring stable routines, grooming tips, and tack-up tutorials. What makes her especially relatable is her willingness to share the real work: the early mornings, the setbacks, and the training tweaks that make her a relatable and inspiring figure for riders at every level.
Beyond the arena: celebrity equestrians
Horses have a way of captivating people from all walks of life, including some of the world’s biggest stars. For many celebrities, riding is more than a hobby. It is a lifelong passion, a creative outlet, or a way to stay grounded. From childhood riders who grew up in the barn to public figures who found horses later in life, these well-known names have brought equestrianism into the spotlight and inspired audiences far beyond the show ring.
Kendall Jenner
Long before fashion weeks and runways, Kendall Jenner spent her days in riding boots, not heels. Growing up in California, she trained and competed as a junior. Even after stepping into the public eye, she’s been spotted at charity horse shows and trail rides. For her, the barn is less of a novelty and more of a return to something familiar and grounding.
Bella Hadid & Gigi Hadid
Before the runways, the Hadid sisters were barn kids. Bella trained with Olympic ambitions, spending countless hours in the saddle with hopes of competing professionally—an ambition sidelined by Lyme disease. Gigi also rode competitively in her youth and has kept close ties to the sport. Their upbringing gave them the work ethic and poise that later translated to fashion, but they often speak of riding as their first love. Bella has said that if life had gone differently, she’d have chosen a stable over a runway without hesitation.
Princess of Norway
In Norway, the royal family’s connection to horses is a cultural tradition. Princess Märtha Louise participates in public equestrian events and represents her country in various horse-related charitable functions. Her presence at these events underscores a lineage where horses are symbols of both sport and statehood, linking centuries of tradition to modern public life.
Amber Marshall
For Amber Marshall, playing Amy Fleming on Heartland wasn’t acting—it was second nature. When filming wraps, she goes home to her Alberta ranch, where she breeds, trains, and rides her own horses. She participates in local clinics, shares real behind-the-scenes barn work with fans, and lives the rural lifestyle she portrays on screen. Her authenticity blurs the line between character and person, making her a rare example of a celebrity who truly walks the walk.
Eve Jobs
Eve Jobs, daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has made a name for herself in international show jumping, competing at top European and North American venues with strong FEI results. She has represented the U.S. in Nations Cups and earned podium finishes at major shows like the Longines Global Champions Tour. In 2025, she married British show jumper Harry Charles, cementing her deep ties to the sport both in and out of the ring.
Amberley Snyder
Amberley Snyder’s story reads like something out of a movie—because it is. After a car accident in 2010 left her paralyzed from the waist down, the champion barrel racer returned to competition using a specially adapted saddle. Her comeback captured national attention, leading to her Netflix biopic Walk. Ride. Rodeo. But her story didn’t end there. She continues to compete, give clinics, and speak across the country, proving every day that grit and horses can carry you through almost anything.
Jessica Springsteen
Jessica Springsteen, daughter of actor Bruce Springsteen, has transformed her passion into an elite athletic career. She earned a team silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics riding Don Juan van de Donkhoeve and regularly represents the U.S. on the international circuit, becoming a fixture on the Global Champions Tour and a key rider for the U.S. jumping team.
Georgina Bloomberg
Georgina Bloomberg, daughter of businessman and politician Michael Bloomberg, is both a top international show jumper and a major supporter of equestrian sport. She has represented the U.S. at Nations Cups and Pan American Games, earned numerous Grand Prix wins, and owns several top horses. Off the horse, she’s an author, philanthropist, and team owner on the Global Champions Tour.
Kaley Cuoco
Kaley Cuoco has long been immersed in the equestrian world, competing in show jumping throughout her acting and producing career. She owns a farm in California and has ridden at major national shows, often appearing on the circuit under the name “KC Show Stables.” Known for her competitive spirit, she stepped back from frequent competition in 2024 but remains deeply involved with horses through ownership and training.
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s relationship with horses is as old as her songs. Growing up in the Smoky Mountains, horses were part of daily life as a necessity, not a luxury. She’s kept that bond alive, maintaining horses on her properties and occasionally appearing with them in the media. Her connection to horses is less about spectacle and more about heritage: a reminder of where she came from.
Lainey Wilson
Lainey Wilson’s story starts in rural Louisiana, where horses were part of everyday life. Even as her country music career skyrocketed, she kept riding. She often shares trail rides, training sessions, and barn time with her fans, blending her artistry with her lifestyle in a way that feels seamless. For her, horses aren’t a hobby, they’re home.
Jennifer Gates Nassar
Jennifer Gates Nassar, daughter of entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates, is a competitive rider and the owner of Evergate Stables, a global training and competition operation. She has represented the U.S. internationally and competed in high-level Grand Prix events. In 2021, she married Egyptian Olympian Nayel Nassar, and the two now run their equestrian careers side by side while building Evergate into a top international program.
Jasmine Johnson
Jasmine Johnson, daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is a rising young rider who trains and competes in California. She has appeared at major West Coast shows and is quickly gaining attention in junior hunter and jumper divisions, showing promise as one of the next generation’s celebrity equestrians to watch.
Equestrians who wear R.J. Classics
We’re proud to support riders who bring genuine passion and skill to every part of their equestrian lives. You might see them in the schooling ring, fully focused on the next round, or in their stories as they share the real, unfiltered moments that make up their journeys. Their dedication and presence keep the equestrian community vibrant, and we’re honored to have them wearing R.J. Classics along the way.
Philesha Chandler
Winner of Robert Dover’s The Search for America’s Next Equestrian Star competition, Philesha Chandler is an American dressage trainer and competitor known for pushing the envelope and breaking stereotypes. Chandler’s influence as an African-American equestrian in the U.S. dressage and training community is growing steadily as she invests in her own training business, Chandler Dressage, Inc. in Florida.
Sharon White
Sharon White’s journey began with her first riding lesson at age twelve, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to the sport. Influenced early on by Olympic rider Torrance Watkins, she built her career from the ground up, eventually founding Last Frontier Farm in 2002. Now a seasoned 5* competitor, she’s known for her trademark orange cross-country colors and her thoughtful, horse-first approach. In 2023, she helped the U.S. team earn silver at the Pan American Games, further solidifying her reputation as a fierce competitor and a respected mentor to the next generation of eventers.
Skylar Wireman
Skylar Wireman has been on a fast track to the top. In 2023, she captured her first FEI wins — two back-to-back CSI2* victories aboard Crunch K at HITS Del Mar. She also won the 6th leg of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League with her Swedish warmblood Tornado. Her combination of skill, mental strength, and a strong equitation base propels her rising profile on the national and international stage. Skylar’s momentum shows no signs of slowing, and the show jumping world is watching closely.
Lily Voss @lilybvoss
Lily Voss’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unbreakable bond with horses. Riding since she could walk, Lily’s equestrian journey took an unexpected turn after a teenage accident led to the amputation of her right arm. She refused to step away from the saddle, and she’s now a Grade V para-equestrian who competes primarily in the hunter ring. In 2022 she participated in the first Para-Equestrian Show Jumping demonstration at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Known for her bright energy and authenticity, she shares her journey with over 50,000 followers online, using her platform to inspire others in and out of the barn.
Honoring Legacy and Celebrating What’s Next
From Olympic champions to young riders, digital storytellers, and celebrity equestrians, each of these names reflects the passion, dedication, and style that define our sport. At R.J. Classics, we celebrate riders at every level with apparel designed to support your journey in and out of the ring. Whether you draw inspiration from the legends or the rising stars, the right look and feel in the saddle can help you ride with confidence and make your own mark in the equestrian world. Shop our newest arrivals to keep your wardrobe sharp and ride-ready.
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