I’d actually been doing competitive horseback riding my entire life, and then I sort of started to become interested in film. I’d always liked movies—growing up, I loved Stand by Me, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles. I loved Molly Ringwald. When I saw Pretty in Pink, I was like, Maybe I want to be a clothing designer? And so my mom signed me up for sewing classes. That wasn’t quite right and then I realized I actually just wanted to be an actress. I was intrigued by the intimacy and the connection that comes with acting. To me, it seemed very brave, deep, and emotional, and I don’t know if that’s something I was feeling as a horseback rider.
That’s so interesting. Are you into equestrian style, too? I feel like it’s having a moment.
I love that, because I literally lived in, like, polo shirts my entire childhood and teenagehood. There’s always something very chic and polished about equestrian gear.
Do you still ride?
Not as much as I used to, but sometimes. I’d like to get back into it more, which is also an excuse to go buy a new riding wardrobe, which would be exciting. I think I’d be more adventurous in the outfits I’d choose now as opposed to when I was younger. I kind of played it by the book. I wanted to be seen as a very serious rider [laughs]. And so I never chose any color pants except for beige. I’d probably get white now.
I don’t know if riding helps you unwind, but how do you relax when not working? I know you have a new puppy.
I do, yes, but that does not help me unwind [laughs]. It’s like the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and also the worst, if I’m being honest. He’s the love of my life and it’s also absolute chaos. He’s six months old now, so he’s calming down a little bit, but he’s six pounds of like… the biggest personality in the world. He’s very cute, he’s a little rescue dog. But to relax, I watch movies, hang out with my friends, cook, and bake a lot. I love cooking and baking for other people specifically, though—it relaxes me. It’s my happy place.