CLICK HERE to view the May Issue of GoMag
About the Cover
Style, confidence, and authenticity never go out of fashion, and no one represents that better than Deanna Willis, the cover star of GoMag’s May Fashion Issue. Always known for her polished presence in and out of the show pen, Deanna has built a reputation for bringing originality and elegance to every look. For the cover, Deanna is photographed in a taupe fit-and-flare dress from L’Academie, styled with a custom tooled belt from Lundy’s Leather and her AQHA World Champion buckle – a look that perfectly captures her refined Western-meets-fashion-forward aesthetic.
Sharing the cover spotlight is her talented partner, Consider Me Southern, known around the barn as Dalton. The stunning 2020 bay stallion is by Its A Southern Thing and out of Consider Me Best. Deanna has been fortunate to lease the standout stallion from friend Natasha Humphries, of Australia, and campaign him successfully in the Amateur All-Around events. Together, they compete in horsemanship, trail, hunter under saddle, and western pleasure, while husband, Casey Willis shows him in western riding. Performance halter is also next on the agenda this summer.
When it comes to horse show style, Deanna doesn’t believe in blending in. “I always try to wear something that doesn’t look like everyone else’s outfits,” she says. That fearless approach has made her one of the most recognizable fashionistas in the industry. She also loves incorporating themes into her show clothing, including a memorable look with the stallion Top Gunn. “It was super fun,” she says.
Choosing a favorite outfit from the years is nearly impossible, but one look still stands out. “The metallic gold outfit (pictured left) we did with my youth mare, Blazinmytroublesaway, was definitely the most memorable,” she says. The design, created by Paula Diuri with inspiration from her stepmother Katie Green, became one of her most unforgettable show-ring moments.
While many competitors look for rules to follow, Deanna’s fashion philosophy is refreshingly simple: wear what makes you feel beautiful. “I think we should all wear what makes us feel confident and beautiful, regardless of what the normal is,” she says. “There’s no right or wrong.”
That same confidence carries into her beauty routine. Deanna, a professional makeup artist, describes her show-pen makeup style as “full glam.” She loves a bold look but appreciates understated beauty as well. “It just depends on a person’s preferences and style,” she explains.
Deanna’s must-have product for long horse show days? L’Oréal Infallible Setting Spray, which she praises for lasting all day while staying budget-friendly.
With elegance, individuality, and a fearless sense of personal style, Deanna Willis continues to make her mark both in the show pen and far beyond it.
CLICK HERE to view the May Issue of GoMag
Cover Photo: Keagan Phillips – Cover Design: EM Design
The deadline for the June Summer Shows & APHA World Show issue of GoMag is Thursday, May 28th. To reserve your space, call or text Suzannah Fuhrman, GoHorseShow’s Co-founder and Executive Vice President at 214-449-8716 or email her at Suzannah@GoHorseShow.com. She will be happy to answer any of your questions and can help design an advertising package to fit your needs and budget perfectly. GoHorseShow…Where The Winners Go.
