In the world of show jumping, where tradition reigns supreme and uniformity is the norm, Dani G. Waldman stands out—not just for her impressive achievements in the sport, but also for her unique personal style. Known to many as "Flying Feathers," Dani has become a symbol of creativity and individuality in a sport that often values conformity. In a recent interview, Dani shared her journey, the challenges she's faced, and her vision for the future of show jumping.
The Birth of "Flying Feathers"
When asked about her iconic feathers, Dani explained that her signature look wasn't a calculated move but rather an evolution of her desire to be different. "I always had the motto that if everyone else was doing it, do the opposite," she shared. What started as an experiment with small hair feathers has grown into a full-fledged personal brand, with thousands of feathers meticulously crafted into extensions.
The feathers, which have become Dani's calling card, aren't just about fashion. They are an expression of her creativity and a way to inject some much-needed individuality into a sport where tradition often means everyone looks the same. "I think a little bit of uniqueness is needed in the sport," Dani said, reflecting on how her look has helped her stand out in the crowd.
Breaking Tradition in Show Jumping
Dani's unique style hasn't always been met with open arms. Early on, she received a call from someone at the FEI questioning how long she planned to continue with the feathers, citing concerns that it might go against the "elegance and tradition" of horse sports.
But Dani stood her ground, believing that show jumping needs to evolve and embrace individuality if it wants to attract more fans. "If you want more eyeballs and you want fans, you have to have something that fans can say, 'I know that one,'" she asserted.
Beyond the Saddle: Dani's Evolving Identity
Dani's journey isn't just about her time in the ring. When asked to define who she is beyond being a show jumper, Dani described herself as a "champion of horse sport" who is passionate about creating a space where more people can follow, understand, and enjoy the sport.
Transitioning from being a professional athlete to a media personality has allowed Dani to channel her love for show jumping into something broader—bringing the stories of riders, horses, and events to a wider audience.
Her new media venture, Horse Bites, aims to do just that by creating engaging content that makes show jumping more accessible and interesting to both die-hard fans and casual viewers. "I hope that I can be the person to be the voice for all of that," Dani said, expressing her commitment to storytelling in the equestrian world.
The Challenges of Show Jumping
Despite her many achievements, Dani is open about the challenges that come with being a professional show jumper. Beyond the physical demands of the sport, there are the ever-present concerns about horse welfare—a topic that Dani doesn't shy away from discussing. She acknowledges that the sport is at a critical juncture when it comes to balancing the needs of the horses with the demands of high-level competition.
Everyone in the sport is somehow saying and making a moral judgment and an ethical judgment on their behaviour at some point, Dani explained. This balancing act, between pushing the limits and ensuring the well-being of the horses, is something that every rider must navigate.
Looking Ahead: Dani's Vision for the Future
As Dani continues to grow Horse Bites and work on other equine-related content, she remains focused on her ultimate goal: to bring more visibility and understanding to the sport she loves. She envisions a future where Horse Bites becomes the go-to source for show jumping news and storytelling, a place where fans can stay updated and engaged with the sport.
"I want to try to bring as much horse and equine-oriented content out to the general public so that we can share what is an unbelievably beautiful sport with the rest of the world," she said, outlining her mission for the years to come.
Final Thoughts
Dani G. Waldman is much more than her feathers. She is a trailblazer in a sport that desperately needs one, challenging norms and pushing for a future where show jumping is more inclusive, more visible, and more vibrant. Whether she’s flying over jumps or crafting the next big equine media project, Dani is a force to be reckoned with—both in and out of the ring.
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