There are equestrians with famous last names (Bella Hadid, Eve Jobs and Teddi Mellencamp, to name a few) — then, there’s Jessica Springsteen. The daughter of legendary musician Bruce Springsteen grew up riding and showing horses before competing as part of the U.S. Jumping Team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
While Springsteen did not qualify for the upcoming Paris Olympics over the weekend, the equestrian has her fair share of accomplishments in the sport, aligned with heritage brands, and in front of the camera on red carpets. Here, WWD looks back at some of her biggest career highlights.
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2012: First-time Olympic Hopeful
Springsteen’s first Olympic dreams came true in 2012, when she was selected as an alternate for the U.S. Equestrian Team in London, though she didn’t end up competing in the Games. That year, the athlete also made headlines after purchasing Vindicat W, a gold medal-winning gelding previously owned by Peter Charles, an Olympic show jumping medalist for Team Great Britain.
2014: Gucci Names Springsteen Riding Ambassador
Fittingly, the Year of the Horse marked Springsteen’s first luxury riding ambassadorship. In celebration of the announcement, Gucci’s then creative director, Frida Giannini, designed an equestrian capsule dedicated to Springsteen. It included technical clothes and accessories for showjumping and training, all embellished with Gucci motifs.
“I have been riding since I was four years old, and grew up around horses. I love the freedom you feel on horseback, and enjoy the discipline of competition,” Springsteen said in a statement at the time. “Riding in the collection that Frida has created for me is an honor and great fun — it combines the best of sport and style.”
2016: Polo Ralph Lauren Taps Springsteen as Brand Ambassador
Springsteen became an Olympic hopeful once more in 2016, though she didn’t end up making the cut for the Rio Games. Still, Polo Ralph Lauren tapped the young rider as their latest brand ambassador that year, providing Springsteen with a custom blazer, saddle pad and fly bonnet baring the brand’s crest.
2021: Springsteen Wins Her First Olympic Medal
Springsteen competed in her first Olympics in 2021 during the postponed Tokyo Games, which were originally scheduled for 2020. As part of the U.S. jumping team, the athlete, who was the youngest American competing in the Olympic category that year, took home a silver medal.
“Representing my country has always been something that I take great pride in,” Springsteen told WWD ahead of the Tokyo Games. “To now be doing it at the Olympic level is really just a huge honor for me.”
2022: Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian Taps Springsteen as Brand Ambassador
Following her Olympic win, Springsteen landed another brand partnership, this time with Tommy Hilfiger. Upon her initial appointment in 2022, Springsteen shared her affinity for the legacy label. That fall, she was tapped to represent the company’s line of horseback riding sportswear.
“I am excited to collaborate with Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian and inspired by the thought of contributing to the further development of products in our wonderful sport,” Springsteen said in a statement at the time.
Springsteen continues to sport Hilfiger designs at competitions, with the athlete also sharing several posts promoting the brand on Instagram.
2023: Springsteen Makes Her Oscars Debut
Springsteen attended her biggest red carpet event yet in 2023, attending the Academy Awards in partnership with Rolex. The equestrian wore a gold timepiece with her plunging black gown.
