Georgina Bloomberg, top show jumper and daughter of the former three-term NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Haute Living. We appreciate their sharing of it with Jumper Nation!
Bloomberg spills secrets about her preparation for the 2016 Olympic games, passion for being an animal rights activist and the most important job all of all, being a mother to her 20 month old son Jasper (he even ran in to hug her during the interview).
An avid philanthropist being a member of the ASPCA and the Humane Society, Bloomberg also founded her own charity, The Rider’s Closet, which takes gently used equestrian equipment and donates them directly to those who would not be able to participate without it. Coming from such a privileged background she believes its her responsibility to help out the animals she loves so much.
“I believe I was put on this earth to make a difference in animals’ lives. I’m very lucky I have been afforded that luxury — to feel this passionate and not help seems very selfish.” she says.
Photo courtesy of Haute Living
On how her privileged upbringing made her want to become an animal rights activist:
“I’m so lucky to be in a position where I can raise awareness for the mistreatment of animals. Every day I wake up and think there is nothing I would rather be doing. I believe I was put on this Earth to make a difference in animals’ lives. I’m very lucky that I have been afforded that luxury — to feel this passionate and not help seems very selfish,” she says.
On her standing up for horse welfare issues:
“As an Equine Welfare Ambassador for the ASPCA and a lifelong equestrian, the idea of serving slaugh- tered horses to diners in New York City, my home- town, is unacceptable. Thousands of American horses are slaughtered in Canadian and Mexican slaughter- houses where this meat would have come from. They are former show horses, racehorses and companion horses that ran out of luck and suffered the ultimate betrayal. We do not slaughter and eat our horses here in this country and we never will.”
On when she adopted her dog Hugo and being a part of the ASPCA:
“I’ve always been an animal lover, and 10 years ago I realized that loving them is not enough — one must protect them fervently. When I walked into a West Palm Beach [Fla.] shelter to adopt my dog, Hugo, I remember walking out in tears thinking, ‘There are so many other dogs that are not as lucky as Hugo.’ If you want to make a difference you must face the issue head-on even if it is upsetting,” she says. “For me, being a part of the ASPCA is a great way to tie in my love for animals and my love for New York City. Whether it’s fighting puppy mills or working with the NYPD to prosecute people who abuse animals or breaking up fight rings, it’s an incredible part of my city life.”
On how she fell in loves with horses:
“My mother grew up around horses and exposed my sister and I to riding early on. It was very important to her,” she says. “I didn’t like [riding] in the begin- ning, but I fell in love with the competitive side. I love being good at something and rewarded for hard work among my peers — I’m incredibly competitive in every sport I have engaged in.”
Photo courtesy of Haute Living
On why she started her charity, The Rider’s Closet:
“This is a sport you can’t do without the basic equipment, and it’s expensive,” she says. “I created this program, which helps collegiate teams but also individuals in need. It’s incredibly rewarding to have started something that has made a difference in people’s lives.”
On being a city and country girl:
“I love spending time in North Salem with my son and my animals [11 competition horses, four rescue horses and four retired horses as well as two rescue mules, five rescue dogs and Wilbur the resue pig] or going for a walk in Central Park. I’m both a city girl and a country girl and love each,” she admits.
On why she loves to exercise:
“For me, unplugging is getting things done. I’m a high-strung personality, and I love checking off my to-do list — it’s my way of relaxing. I also genuinely love working out. If I have an hour to kill, I love to go to the gym. It’s a stress-release for me,” says the competitive Bloomberg. “I work out almost every day with some form of cardio, a few times a week, laps in the pool, weight training and Pilates,” says this active New Yorker.
On seeing her dad being criticized in the news when she was younger:
“It helped me develop a thick skin and not take things personally,” she says and adds, “which is easier said than done. I did get to experience some amazing behind-the- scenes happenings like the dropping of the New Year’s ball and meeting Derek Jeter, whom my father introduced me to. I have a photo of us that I treasure even though I was mortified at the time that my dad took it. Every game I went to, he [Derek] always smiled at me — he was such a class act, and I feel so lucky to have that experience,” she reminisces.
Many thanks to Haute Living for sharing this interview. Best of luck to Georgina in 2016!