Irina Haller: on Horses, High Fashion, And Building a Life That Move With Purpose

Irina Haller was born in Hanover, Germany, and raised in a rural environment surrounded by horse stables and riding facilities. Her deep passion for horses and equestrian sports began at an early age—she was riding before she could walk. At just four years old, she competed in her first tournament with her pony. Dressage became her life’s focus for over 20 years, during which she competed nearly every weekend across Germany, achieving numerous notable successes up to the highest level of the sport. She credits her parents for their unwavering support, which was instrumental in her success.

Tragically, her champion horse Starlight, a stunning black Oldenburg stallion, sustained a career-ending injury. With a heavy heart, Irina decided to retire from professional equestrian sport alongside him.

After completing her high school diploma (Abitur), she began working in her parents’ real estate company while studying architecture. In 2020, her father fell seriously ill and passed away shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. This loss forced Irina to step up and take over the family business, proving her strength and capabilities as a businesswoman. She successfully restructured the company, allowing her to manage it remotely with full flexibility.

Irina lives a highly active lifestyle, with healthy eating and regular training being essential parts of her daily routine. She also shares her life with a spirited Jack Russell Terrier.

Another of Irina’s great passions is fashion. In December 2024, she was discovered as a model by designer Pia Bolte. Thanks to her height of 1.82 meters, she quickly entered the high-fashion scene. In February 2025, she walked the prestigious New York Fashion Week, followed by photoshoots in Cape Town and runway appearances in Los Angeles. As of April 2025, she has graced the covers of seven magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar, her biggest achievement so far. Next up is the Miami Swim Week, followed by more modeling engagements in New York.

Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with Irina Haller an exceptionally talented equestrian, real estate business women and a fashion model, here she talks about her fitness routine, her diet, and her success story.

Namita Nayyar:

How has your 20-year dressage career influenced your current fitness regimen? Are there specific skills or disciplines from horseback riding that you still incorporate?

Irina Haller:

My two decades in dressage shaped more than just my body — they shaped my way of being. Every ride demanded strength, precision, balance, and an unwavering connection between mind and movement. Today, those lessons are still woven into my fitness regimen. Endurance remains a core focus, but so does something quieter: the discipline of showing up, the patience to refine, the grace to know that true progress happens one breath, one step at a time.

Dressage taught me that greatness isn’t found in grand gestures — it’s built in the small, unseen moments of consistency. That belief still fuels me, whether I’m training at sunrise or chasing the next version of who I can become.

Namita Nayyar:

Can you walk us through a typical day of training? What types of workouts (e.g., strength, yoga, cardio) are non-negotiable for maintaining your active lifestyle?

Irina Haller:

My days begin in stillness — and then, in motion. Before the world fully wakes, I rise early, greeting the quiet hours with purpose. Training is not just something I do; it is the rhythm that frames my life.
I move through a balance of disciplines: running to build endurance, Pilates to cultivate strength and control, yoga to stay flexible in both body and mind. Some days, there are two sessions — a morning run to ignite the fire, and a quiet Pilates flow in the afternoon to center it.

But beyond the structure, movement is simply part of my essence. Whether it’s a formal workout or the simple act of living actively, each moment of motion becomes a silent promise to myself: to stay strong, to stay present, to stay endlessly in love with the life I am building.

Namita Nayyar:

Do you still ride horses, and if so, how does it complement your current fitness goals?

Irina Haller:

Although I no longer ride regularly, every time I have the chance to sit on one of my friends’ horses, it feels like coming home. Instead of opting for a relaxed trail ride, I always find myself drawn to the training arena, where I can still experience the joy of executing a beautiful canter pirouette. Moments like these remind me that the connection between horse and rider never truly fades. No matter how much time passes, the saddle remains my happiest place — a space where passion, freedom, and deep gratitude come together.

Full Interview is Continued on Next Page

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.

All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness

Namita Nayyar:

How has your approach to fitness evolved since retiring from competitive dressage? Have you faced new physical challenges in modeling?

Irina Haller:

Since retiring from competitive dressage, my approach to fitness has certainly evolved, but many core principles have remained the same. Interestingly, dressage and modeling share more similarities than one might expect — both demand elegance, strong body control, and the ability to create an effortless appearance, even when the movements or poses are incredibly challenging. In modeling, there is the added complexity that not every outfit allows for full freedom of movement, which requires a great deal of flexibility and spontaneity. You must constantly adapt and find creative ways to highlight the outfit’s character while maintaining poise and expression. My background in dressage has given me a deep understanding of posture, balance, and presence, which continue to serve me well in my modeling career.

Namita Nayyar:

What does a day of eating look like for you? Are there specific foods or meal philosophies (e.g., plant-based, macro-tracking) you prioritize?

Irina Haller:

Throughout the years, I have explored various approaches to nutrition, always refining my habits to embrace what truly supports my body and lifestyle in the most sustainable way. Today, my diet is elegantly simple and centered around purity and quality. I prioritize fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, complemented by lean sources of protein. Often, I choose to eat entirely vegetarian or even fully plant-based for days at a time. I have consciously eliminated refined sugars, dairy, white flour products, pasta, rice, alcohol, and carbonated beverages from my routine. For me, nourishing my body with the finest, least processed foods is not just a philosophy — it is a way of honoring my health, my vitality, and the standards I set for myself both personally and professionally.

Namita Nayyar:

How do you tailor your diet to support both high-energy modeling demands and mental sharpness for real estate?

Irina Haller:

To meet the high-energy demands of modeling — which often involves frequent travel — and the mental sharpness required for real estate, I focus on staying well-nourished and hydrated. Especially on busy days, I have to remind myself to eat regularly, as I tend to get so absorbed in work that I forget until my energy dips. To keep my levels steady, I rely on simple, healthy snacks like a small handful of almonds. I also find coconut water incredibly helpful for maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance, especially when I’m on the go.

Namita Nayyar:

Do you follow a strict regimen, or allow flexibility? What’s your go-to “cheat meal”?

Irina Haller:

My approach to nutrition is rooted in discipline — not as a restriction, but as a quiet devotion to my craft and well-being. I don’t follow the notion of “cheat meals,” as each day is a step toward the next opportunity, the next moment in front of the camera. Instead, I find indulgence in refinement: in the pure pleasure of foods that nourish and inspire.

Japanese cuisine holds a special place in my heart, and black cod miso is my ultimate favorite — a dish so delicate, so rich in flavor, it feels like a celebration of balance itself. To me, true luxury is not excess, but the art of choosing with intention.

Namita Nayyar:

Are there supplements, hydration practices, or recovery techniques you swear by?

Irina Haller:

I believe in simplicity elevated to an art form — even when it comes to supplementation. A small, curated selection accompanies me daily: Vitamin C for its timeless strength, magnesium for balance and calm, and collagen to nourish from within. Yet true recovery, for me, is found beyond capsules and powders. It is a ritual — a moment of devotion to my own well-being.

Every two weeks, without fail, I visit Carmen, my trusted therapist, for a Brazilian lymphatic drainage treatment. It is far more than a beauty practice; it is a fusion of wellness, grace, and effectiveness — a sanctuary where body and soul are renewed with every touch. In a life that moves at full speed, these moments of care are my quiet luxuries. And sometimes, the simplest things hold the greatest power — even a warm cup of peppermint tea can be a true beauty secret, calming the body, clearing the mind, and nurturing from within.

Namita Nayyar:

What inspired your shift from equestrian sports and real estate to modeling? How did your prior careers prepare you for the industry?

Irina Haller:

Fashion has always been part of my story — a quiet passion that lived alongside my other pursuits, waiting for its moment to unfold. With a height of 1.82 meters, it felt as though destiny had quietly stitched together my love for beauty, movement, and expression with the physical presence needed for the runway and in front of the camera. My years in equestrian sports taught me discipline, elegance, and the art of silent communication — qualities that translate seamlessly into modeling. Real estate sharpened my resilience, my eye for detail, and the ability to adapt to any environment. When the door to the fashion world opened, it wasn’t a departure — it felt like a natural evolution of everything I had been preparing for all along.

Namita Nayyar:

How does your athletic background give you an edge during photo shoots or runway shows? Are poses or stamina influenced by dressage?

Irina Haller:

There is a quiet discipline that never leaves you once you’ve lived it. Years in the world of dressage taught me to move with intention, to summon strength and elegance in a single breath. During photo shoots and runway shows, I don’t think — I simply become. On command, my body and mind align, ready to deliver emotion, precision, and presence. What looks natural is, in truth, the art of deep control — a way of moving, posing, and expressing that is deeply connected, alive, and unmistakably my own.

Namita Nayyar:

As someone who entered modeling later, have you encountered stereotypes about age? How do you redefine standards in the field?

Irina Haller:

When I entered the modeling world later than most, I expected to encounter boundaries tied to age. Instead, I found a world that is evolving — one that is learning to celebrate individuality over convention.
Today, more than ever, especially with the emergence of AI models, there is a hunger for authenticity — for real presence, real emotion, and the kind of intangible magic that only a living, breathing person can bring. In this shifting landscape, I see an opportunity not just to walk through open doors, but to help reshape the definition of beauty itself: one where experience, character, and soul are seen as the truest forms of luxury.

Namita Nayyar:

What would you tell others pursuing modeling after establishing a different career?

Irina Haller:

My advice is simple: just start. Trust the process and allow yourself to move with the flow. Every experience you have gathered in your previous career — every lesson, every challenge — can become the foundation for something entirely new. Modeling, like any path, rewards authenticity and resilience. If you bring your true self and everything you’ve learned along the way, you won’t just be starting over — you’ll be building on something already rich and powerful.

Namita Nayyar:

How do you juggle modeling, real estate, and self-care without burnout? Any productivity hacks?

Irina Haller:

When passion leads the way, work transforms into a rhythm of joy. Modeling weaves together everything I love — the art of fashion, the adventure of travel, the discipline of fitness — creating a life that feels vibrant and fulfilling rather than exhausting. Real estate has been part of my world for as long as I can remember; under my father’s guidance, it became more than a profession — it became a second language, spoken with ease and quiet confidence.

Yet even in a life built on passion, the soul needs its sanctuary. After the intensity of a Fashion Week, I find renewal in the simplest of luxuries: unhurried days at home, long walks with my dog, laughter shared with my mother on quiet afternoons. In those moments, far from the spotlight, I reconnect with the truest parts of myself — and find the energy to begin again.

Namita Nayyar:

Did the focus required for dressage translate to entrepreneurship and modeling? How do you stay motivated?

Irina Haller:

Absolutely. The focus and precision that dressage demanded of me have become the pillars of how I approach both entrepreneurship and modeling. I am always looking ahead, setting new goals, and reaching for the next evolution of myself. Each milestone is not a finish line, but a new beginning — a platform to build upon.

There is a saying by Socrates that resonates deeply with me: “He who believes he is someone has ceased to become anything.” It reminds me to stay humble, to stay hungry. I am endlessly grateful for every step of this journey, but my true motivation lies in the quiet promise I make to myself every day: to keep growing, to keep striving, and to always seek the highest version of who I can be.

Namita Nayyar:

Beyond diet and exercise, what mental or emotional practices keep you grounded (e.g., meditation, hobbies)?

Irina Haller:

Beyond diet and exercise, maintaining a strict sleep schedule is my ultimate non-negotiable. Good sleep is, in my eyes, the foundation of everything — it’s where true recovery and clarity begin. I make it a priority to be in bed by 10 p.m. and to start my day at 6 a.m., heading straight to the gym. Before falling asleep, I like to quietly reflect on the day, revisiting what I’ve accomplished and mentally manifesting the goals I’m working toward.

And when I feel the need for a little more action and adrenaline, I happily indulge another passion of mine — fast cars. A few spirited kilometers on a German autobahn have a wonderful way of clearing the mind and putting life’s little problems back into perspective.

Namita Nayyar:

How do you measure success now versus during your equestrian career?

Irina Haller:

There was a time when I measured success in medals, titles, and moments of triumph under bright lights. It was a beautiful chapter — one where excellence had a finish line and victories could be held in your hands.

Today, success is quieter, richer, and infinitely more personal. I measure it in the life I have created — in how deeply I am able to live, love, and grow. True success, for me, is waking up every morning feeling grateful, fulfilled, and at peace with who I am, walking my path with purpose — and the quiet confidence that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

It is no longer about reaching a destination; it is about building a life that feels like home.

Namita Nayyar:

Do you mentor athletes or models navigating career transitions? What’s your core message to them?

Irina Haller:

I believe deeply that each of us is the author of our own success story. Whenever I speak with athletes or models that are facing transitions that are the first truth I remind them of: your journey is yours to write, with all its turns, challenges, and triumphs.

There will always be voices around you — but the only voice that truly matters is your own.
No one is you — and that is your greatest superpower.

The world doesn’t need another version of someone else; it needs the fullest, most fearless expression of who you are. Trust your path, honor your uniqueness, and know that every chapter, even the uncertain ones, are shaping you into exactly who you are meant to become.

Namita Nayyar:

What’s next for you? Are there uncharted passions or industries you’d like to explore?

Irina Haller:

At this stage in my journey, my heart is open to new adventures.
The world still feels wide open to me. I speak English, German, and French — each language a door that has led me somewhere new — and I dream of opening even more.
Modeling has given me the gift of travel, of standing in places I once only imagined, of calling different corners of the world “home,” if only for a while.
And yet, my permanent home remains unwritten — a chapter still waiting to be lived.
My work allows me the freedom to choose any place, any horizon, and perhaps the next step will be just that: finding a new city, a new language, a new rhythm that feels like mine.
The beauty of the unknown doesn’t frighten me — it excites me. Because sometimes, the most extraordinary destinations are the ones we haven’t yet dreamed of.

This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.

All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness