Elite Equestrians: The Biggest Names To Know In The Celebrity Horse Show World

The future riders on the show circuit seems to be following suit, as other familiar names can be heard from the announcers in Wellington, Saugerties, Manchester, Bridgehampton and other prestigious shows. Among the crowds of parents dressed inconspicuously in jeans, mud boots, and hats applauding their children are Kellly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, Brooke Shields, Chris Henchy, Uma Thurman, Christy Turlington and Ed Burns, Malaak Compton, Chris Rock, and Matt Lauer and Annette Roque. Many established riders have also had their children follow in their hoof steps. Amber Aylsworth has succeeded her mother Bridget Marks, who was also very accomplished in the ring, with recent accolades such as Grand Children's Champion in 2014 at the Hampton Classic.

Clearly there seems to be a surplus of celebrity children who have succeeded on the equestrian circuit. While you don’t necessarily have to be a billionaire or even a millionaire to show, it definitely helps since the Olympic level horses might cost any where between $1 million and $2 million. Most, if not all, of the highest level competitors have several horses of this caliber in their stalls. Even a top level division pony costs north of $100,000. A former participant of the Winter Equestrian Festival said “It’s the epitome of a luxury good.” ...better start breeding horses!