Christie Brinkley’s Iconic Beach Ride: A Family Affair and Timeless Beauty

Barefoot horseback nostalgia meets heartfelt memories along the sunlit shoreline.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Christie Brinkley’s Legendary Beach Ride: A Timeless Throwback

On a windswept shoreline, under the soft glow of a nostalgic summer, Christie Brinkley once captivated audiences by riding a horse along the beach—an image that became emblematic of her elegance, strength, and iconic status. Recently, Brinkley delighted her fans by sharing throwback footage from this memorable moment, highlighting an old Cover Girl commercial that features not just her stunning equestrian skills, but also her family and cherished pets. The post quickly resonated with followers, reflecting on both her career and her unbreakable family bond.

Revisiting the Cover Girl Commercial: Beauty, Family, and Nostalgia

The video Brinkley shared is not just any commercial: it’s a Cover Girl advertisement that stars Brinkley herself, alongside her children—son Jack Brinkley-Cook, daughter Sailor Brinkley-Cook—and the family’s beloved dog and horse. The commercial, promoting Cover Girl’s Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Makeup, beautifully blends candid, interview-style moments with playful family interactions on the beach. Brinkley’s gentle laughter, the children frolicking, and the family’s dog joining in make it a true family affair.

Brinkley’s horse, Goodbar Miss, plays a prominent role, galloping gracefully beside her on the shoreline. Even in black and white, the video radiates warmth—reflecting a celebration of family, nature, and timeless beauty.

The Sentimental Caption

In her Instagram post, Brinkley reminisced: “Throwing it back to one of my favorite ads for Cover Girl because it had two of my 3 little kids in it… Jack and Sailor (Alexa demurred) my horse Goodbar Miss (who I miss so much) and even our dog Maple Sugar (who I miss too!). Almost everybody got in the act It was a family affair!”

Fan Reactions: Nostalgia, Admiration, and Heartfelt Comments

  • Fans flooded the comments with fond recollections, with many pointing out the iconic blend of beauty, sunshine, and the bonds of family. Phrases like, “I remember this! I love that the family was in it too, that makes for a sweet memory 🥰🙌🏻,” were common.
  • Others chimed in about Brinkley’s enduring reputation: “Always a Cover girl Christie 💙💙🐚🐎🌞.”
  • Some simply celebrated the joyful imagery: “So iconic, beauty, freedom, horses, beach ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”

This collective admiration reflects Brinkley’s cross-generational appeal and her capacity to stir inspiration and joy years after the original moments were captured on film.

Family Bond: Christie Brinkley and Her Children

Brinkley’s pride and affection for her children is not limited to the Cover Girl commercial. Her social media often features moments shared with Jack Brinkley-Cook, Sailor Brinkley-Cook, and Alexa Ray Joel, the latter of whom was not in the ad but is equally cherished.

Recent Mother–Daughter Highlights

On National Daughters Day, Brinkley posted another significant throwback: an image from the 2017 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot, highlighting the bond she shares with Sailor and Alexa. The loving caption read: “I’m grateful for my daughters @alexarayjoel and @sailorbrinkleycook. One’s a Betty and one’s a Veronica but they get along like salt and pepper and they definitely spice up my life with their many passions and talents!” Brinkley playfully added that “One loves the Sun and one loves the Moon and they make me I feel like the luckiest mom in the Galaxy Photos from our unforgettable bonding shoot with @si_swimsuit wonderful memories. 💛✨”

Such posts cement Brinkley’s status not just as a supermodel, but also as a loving, engaged mother whose life centers around her children’s happiness and achievements.

Christie Brinkley’s History with Horses

Brinkley has a long-established passion for horses, which began in her childhood summers riding with her parents, and blossomed into avid hobby and later, competitive sport. Her connection with horses is more than recreational—it’s a testament to her commitment and adventurous spirit.

An Accomplished Equestrian

  • Cattle Cutting: Brinkley is notably skilled in “cattle cutting,” an equestrian competition that originated with cowboys herding cattle. The rider demonstrates how artfully the horse can separate an animal from a herd and keep it apart before returning it to the group.
  • She competed at the National Horse Association championship in Fort Worth, Texas, placing fourth one year and winning the celebrity division the next, competing against figures like Michael Keaton.
  • Her love for horses began before her showbiz fame and remains a core part of her lifestyle in the Hamptons, where she still participates in horse-centered events and gatherings.

The Enduring Allure of Brinkley’s Beauty and Fitness

Christie Brinkley has become synonymous with ageless beauty and vitality. Her throwback beach image—barefoot, bareback on a horse, clad in a bright swimsuit—continues to capture the imagination and admiration of fans across generations. Her athleticism, muscle tone, and radiance are testimony to her active lifestyle and appreciation for the outdoors.

Her training routines often include outdoor activities, from horseback riding to walks along the beach, reflecting Brinkley’s commitment to staying fit, healthy, and attuned to nature.

Behind the Scene: Making the Iconic Ad

The Cover Girl commercial that remains so beloved was filmed on location, leveraging the sweeping vistas of the beach and the chemistry of the Brinkley family. The behind-the-scenes camaraderie was as genuine as it appeared on camera, with the commercial capturing candid laughter, real affection, and the authentic relationship Brinkley shares with her children and pets.

Brinkley’s philosophy toward aging—”I love being the age I am. I just don’t wanna look it,” she jokes in the ad—underpins both her advocacy for positive aging and her career-long partnership with Cover Girl.

Iconic Moments and Career Highlights

  • Brinkley’s status as a supermodel and media icon is cemented by her recurring ability to create memorable, cross-media moments—from magazine covers to commercials to social media posts.
  • Her openness in sharing personal memories—from commercial shoots to family milestones—endears her to fans and brightens her public persona.
  • She continues to champion family, friendship, and joyful living in all her public endeavors.

The Power of Nostalgia: Why Brinkley’s Throwbacks Matter

Nostalgia is a powerful force, and Brinkley’s curated throwbacks offer more than just a reminder of past successes—they are a celebration of love, resilience, and joy. By revisiting these moments, Brinkley invites her audience into her world, blending glamour and relatability. The shared histories of her children, pets, and beloved horse, all captured on camera, serve as a testament to her enduring values.

  • Fans see not just a model, but a devoted mother, animal lover, and advocate of healthy living.
  • The interplay of public persona and private affection makes Brinkley’s content resonate far beyond traditional celebrity fare.

Memories of Goodbar Miss and Maple Sugar

Brinkley’s heartfelt references to her late horse Goodbar Miss and her dog Maple Sugar underscore the depth of her attachments, both human and animal. Their cameos in the commercial become tributes to the lives shared and the love that remains even after parting.

Fitness Inspiration: Brinkley’s Active Lifestyle

In her 60s and 70s, Brinkley is regularly captured in athletic poses—riding, walking, swimming—showing off toned legs and healthy form. Her dedication to movement, whether spinning, swimming, or horseback riding, is a beacon for those seeking to emulate her positive lifestyle at any age.

From the Hamptons to the Polo Field: Brinkley’s Equestrian Enthusiasm

When at home in the Hamptons, Christie Brinkley often engages with local community events, especially those centered on horses and the outdoors. Hosting or attending polo matches is a summer tradition, allowing her to combine her love of horses, outdoor activities, and bringing people together.

  • Brinkley describes the beauty of polo: “It’s amazing to see the horses and the riders galloping around. They are so passionate, and I love activities that bring people together, especially when it brings people outside.”

Christie Brinkley’s Legacy: A Model for All Generations

Christie Brinkley’s career spans decades, but her relevance remains undiminished. Each throwback post, whether it’s a swimsuit-clad bareback ride or a beaming family portrait, is met with warmth from fans old and new. Her story is one of evolution, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to joy, health, and love.

Table: The Many Facets of Christie Brinkley’s Throwback Beach Ride

AspectDescription
CommercialCover Girl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Makeup, featured Brinkley, her son, daughter, horse, and dog on the beach.
FamilyIncluded Jack and Sailor Brinkley-Cook, former husband’s daughter Alexa Ray Joel often featured in other posts.
Animal CompanionsHorse “Goodbar Miss” and dog “Maple Sugar” added affection and nostalgia to the shoot.
MessageCelebration of ageless beauty, family love, active living, and fond memories.
Fan ReactionUniversal admiration, nostalgia, celebration of positivity and lifestyle inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What was the significance of Christie Brinkley’s beach horseback ride?

The throwback features footage from a Cover Girl commercial, highlighting Brinkley’s ageless beauty and close family bond while riding bareback along the beach with her children and pets.

Q: Who appeared in the iconic commercial alongside Christie Brinkley?

The ad starred her son Jack Brinkley-Cook, daughter Sailor Brinkley-Cook, their horse Goodbar Miss, and dog Maple Sugar. Alexa Ray Joel, her other daughter, did not appear in the ad but is featured in other family tributes.

Q: How do fans react to Christie Brinkley’s throwback posts?

Fans routinely respond with nostalgia and admiration, celebrating her beauty, active lifestyle, and the warmth evident in her family-centered content.

Q: What role do horses play in Brinkley’s life?

Horses have been a passion since her youth, leading to competition in cattle cutting and ongoing participation in equestrian sports and polo events in the Hamptons.

Q: What is Christie Brinkley’s perspective on aging and beauty?

Brinkley embraces her age but prefers not to “look” her age, as she shared in the Cover Girl commercial, exemplifying confidence, positivity, and healthy living as the foundations of her ageless appeal.

Summary

Christie Brinkley’s legendary beach horseback ride and Cover Girl ad offer a masterclass in combining beauty, family, nature, and nostalgia. Her ability to inspire, foster strong bonds, and remain ever-relevant ensures her legacy as a true icon—both on and off the beach.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete