40 SIDELINES AUGUST 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Joey Wolffer’s
Stylish Life
The Wolffer name has long been associated with the award
winning wines of Wolffer Estate and the successful horses of
Wolffer Estate Stables. Founded by Christian Wolffer, Wolffer
Estate has a long history as a sponsor of the Hampton Classic.
Joey Wolffer, Christian’s daughter, is deeply involved in both the
family business and the horse world. She shows regularly in the
low amateur-owner jumper division. She is also leading another
thriving business with the growing success of The Styleliner, a
mobile accessory gallery with items from all over the world.
But, despite having a lot on her hands, Joey keeps it simple.
She says that she tries to live by a quote by Oscar Wilde: “Life
is far too important a thing to talk seriously about.” She believes
it is essential to be able to laugh at yourself and believes her
father’s success is rooted in the fact that he never took himself
too seriously.
Sidelines caught up with the busy rider, fashionista and
entrepreneur and asked her ten questions before she headed to
the Hampton Classic.
1. When did you start riding horses?
I began riding when I was six-years-old. My dad built a small
barn and my sister and I rode around in the paddocks!
2. How often do you ride and who are your trainers?
Mary Manfredi and Peter Lutz are my trainers and I try to ride
at least twice a week. I have just one horse, Anotonov. He is an
eight-year-old from Holland and is an absolute sweetheart. He is
the first horse that I have truly felt confident on.
3. What do you consider your biggest riding accomplishment?
In terms of showing, [my greatest achievement is] finishing well
in all the Big Eq finals. But, now I am really proud of my riding and
how it has improved. I love the feeling of growing with a young
horse. We are very competitive and that is a great accomplishment
considering how little he has been in the show ring.
4. When did you start riding at the Hampton Classic and what
are some of your favorite things about the show?
I believe my first Hampton Classic was when I was eight. It is
such a beautiful and refined show. The footing is great, the rings
are beautiful and the competition is at a
world-class level. I also love that there
is something for everyone to do there
without it looking like a fair. The team
really has great taste and the grounds
are designed impeccably.
5. Do you have a favorite horse show
memory?
Yes. I was riding one of my dad’s
horses, Claletto, in the adult jumpers.
We were clear the first round. I went to
go to the jump-off and he wouldn’t move
away from the gate at the jumper ring,
so instead he reared and I fell off. Well,
I still had 15 seconds until the buzzer,
so my trainer threw me back on. I raced
to the first jump and we ended up
winning the class. Certainly my favorite
Hampton Classic memory!
6. Tell us about your involvement
with Wolffer Estate Vineyard?
I am now the co-owner of the
vineyard with my brother, Marc Wolffer.
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Joey Wolffer
Shoppers at the Hampton Classic will get to “shop till they drop” in Joey’s Styleliner bus, a
mobile accessory gallery featuring items from all over the world.
Photos by Chuck Baker
