118 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Show jumper Danielle Goldstein owns and operates Starwyn
Farms, LLC out of Wellington, Florida. She is a pioneer in her
own right, using her international experience with show jumpers to
build the first ever equestrian team for Israel and is the founder of
the International Equestrian Education program, a unique school
for all levels of equestrian enthusiasts. She continues to explore
new frontiers for the equestrian industry and Israel, bringing an
unmatched level of dedication and passion to both.
Sidelines
caught up with the busy rider to find out more about what’s going
on in her life.
1.
Why did you decide to ride for Israel?
I have always wanted to ride for Israel – ever since I was a little
girl! And once I had my Bat Mitzvah in Israel when I was 12 I was
sure I would one day ride for Israel.
2.
What goals do you have going forward for promoting
Israel on the international stage?
I have many goals – too many to even count, but first and
foremost is getting a Nations Cup team together and competing
as a real team. We hope to have Israel’s first Nations Cup
appearance during the Nations Cup competition in March at the
2014 Winter Equestrian Festival.
3.
What was it like to ride for Israel at the European
Championships and to qualify for the 2014 World Equestrian
Games?
It was a real honor to represent Israel. I am not the first rider to
do so, but for me it was my first championships experience and
one I will not soon forget. I was just thrilled to be there and my
result was truly wonderful – not only did I have my first European
Championships experience, but I qualified for the World Games
next summer! It always feels great to represent Israel, but to do
so on such a large stage makes it even more special. It’s so nice
to see the flag hanging from the rafters and hear them announce
the country when I walk in the ring – every little bit of exposure for
Israel counts and makes it worthwhile!
4.
What was it like to serve as chef d’equipe for the gold
medal winning team at the Maccabiah Games?
It was such an unexpected treat – they asked me to do it just a
few days before and I was honored that they would even think of
me for the job ... I had a pretty good strategy going into it but since
I didn’t know the riders very well I got some great help from people
on the ground when I arrived. I was riding as an individual too so
I had my own competing to think about, but in the end, the team
was prepared and the plan worked – I couldn’t have been happier!
5.
Why did you purchase your newest horse, Carisma?
I didn’t purchase her, but a very supportive group of people did.
I have had my eye on her for a really long time and as soon as I
found out she was available for sale I jumped at the opportunity.
I didn’t want to miss out on a horse that I believe has a great
chance of taking me to the World Games next summer – she is
a great horse to represent Israel and I hope just the beginning of
Team Israel!
6.
What aspirations do you have for Carisma and your other
horses?
My hope is to develop a competitive relationship with Carisma
e
Danielle and Holly Golightly.
Danielle and Carisma competing at the CSI 2* Marienheem in
The Netherlands.
Photos courtesy of Danielle Goldstein
Continued on page 120
