As an Olympic show jumper, Jessica Springsteen (32) won a team medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and multiple 5* Grand Prix events, including the Rolex Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters. She has frequently visited some of the most renowned stables in Belgium. Now, with her relationship with fellow Olympic show jumper Nicola Philippaerts (31), the Limburg town of Oudsbergen might just become her future home. One thing is clear—she is becoming increasingly attached to Belgium.
Text Anja Van Der Borght
You’ve been riding since you were five. How did your passion for equestrian sports, particularly show jumping, develop?
JS: “According to my parents, I was always drawn to horses from a very young age. My passion really grew when we moved to New Jersey, where I regularly took lessons at a show jumping barn. From that moment, I never looked back! I started competing and fell in love with that aspect of the sport. After years of hunter competitions and dressage, I decided to fully focus on show jumping—not only because I found it the most exciting, but also because I wanted to compete at the highest level.”

You currently ride several horses: Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, Cayman de Poteau Z, and Naomi van het Keizershof. Would you say any of them is your best horse ever? Do you notice differences between mares and stallions?
JS: “Every horse is unique, which is what makes this sport so special. We constantly work with the horses to figure out what’s best for each one individually. What works for one horse might not work for another, so we’re always adapting, listening, and learning from them. I remember that when I first got Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, I immediately felt comfortable riding him. He had so much power, skill, and talent that I felt confident jumping the bigger classes with him. Still, it took almost a year or more for us to truly understand each other. He’s fulfilled so many of my dreams, making him the horse of my career so far! With my mare Naomi van het Keizershof, I competed at the CHI Geneva last year, one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. I’ve had her since she was six, and now she’s eleven. Over the past year, I feel like we’ve really connected. She’s a very special mare but was a bit sensitive and needed more time to come into her own. Now, I feel like she’s truly blossoming, and we’ve developed an amazing bond. Building that connection is the most beautiful part of our sport.”

What’s the secret to your success?
JS: “My top horse, Don Juan van de Donkhoeve, is the kind of horse that truly loves what he does. When I’m standing at the entrance of the ring, I can feel his excitement to get in there. I feel his energy, and he genuinely understands and enjoys his job. He’s always so proud when he leaves the ring. I’m incredibly grateful to ride such a horse. He has so much power, skill, and intelligence and really tries to understand what I’m asking of him. I think that connection and trust between horse and rider—that willingness to fight for each other in the ring—is where success stems from. But it requires a lot of patience and a willingness to continuously learn.”

You wear a Rolex Datejust (36mm) in yellow Rolesor gold set with diamonds. Why did you choose this model?
JS: “When I became a Rolex Testimonee, I received this Rolex Datejust with a Jubilee bracelet and a silver dial with Roman numerals and diamonds. I loved it so much that I wear it every day. I’m deeply honored to be a Rolex Testimonee. I’ve been competing in Rolex Grand Prix events since I was young, and winning one was always my goal. I remember when the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was first launched; it was such an exciting and important moment for our sport. It was something I always aspired to. I won my first Rolex Grand Prix at the Brussels Stephex Masters three years ago. It was an incredibly thrilling jump-off and one of the most memorable victories of my career. The atmosphere and crowd were amazing, and it meant so much to me. It was my first Rolex Grand Prix win, so this watch is incredibly special to me. Being a Rolex Testimonee alongside so many inspiring athletes is a tremendous honor.”

Do you practice any other sports?
JS: “When the weather is nice, I enjoy running outdoors. I also love Pilates and yoga.”
What do you love most about Belgium?
JS: “Belgium is a beautiful country. Everyone is so welcoming, and the stable where I’m based is fantastic for the horses. They have so much space and are very happy there. I’ve really enjoyed getting to explore Belgium so far. And of course, I love the chocolate and waffles!”