Press release from Traverse City Horse Shows

U.S. grand prix rider Georgina Bloomberg is getting her groove back with 14-year-old Australian Warmblood Tulara Colmine. The Pan American Games team gold medalist is staging a comeback to the sport’s top level after welcoming her second son in November of 2023. Bloomberg seemed to be finding her rhythm again in Friday’s $32,000 CSI3* Welcome during the fourth week of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders. 

Bloomberg, 41, was one of eight to return for a tie-breaking jump-off built by course designer Marina Azevedo (BRA). Tulara Colmine was the ride of fellow American and protégé of Bloomberg—Spencer Smith—while she focused on her family over the last year. Now back under the guidance of Bloomberg, the Gotham Enterprizes-owned mount crossed the final timers one second faster than runner-up and current leader Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX).

“Throughout the last couple of years, [Tulara Colmine] has become my top horse,” said Bloomberg of the Australian-bred stallion (Colman x Quinar Z). “He’s a horse that I love; I have a soft place in my heart for him. 

“He has all the scope in the world, but he is not the most careful and he gets ahead of himself,” continued Bloomberg. “The more he jumps, the better he gets. He’s a bit of a difficult, quirky ride, but I’ve always liked a horse that’s just a little bit different and a fighter. We get along, I trust him and it’s a nice feeling to have a horse that I know I will enjoy every ride on.”

Bloomberg broke the timer beam in 43.97 seconds, while Parada Vallejo guided Bordeaux, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Centadel x Contefino 2) owned by Jose Pablo Salgado, to a time of 44.90 seconds for second. Quentin Judge (USA) added another podium finish to his list of top ribbons during GLEF, taking third aboard HH Chaccothargo, a 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Chacco-Blue x Conthargos) owned by Double H Farm. They stopped the clock at 44.99 seconds.

Speaking about her return to the international ranks, Bloomberg noted, “Physically, I’m trying to be forgiving of myself and take my time. I only do as much as I feel comfortable with. Thankfully, in my two top horses—Tulara and Cassina—I trust them and know that they’re helping me out.”

Bloomberg and her oldest son Jasper are both competing during GLEF and enjoying their time in the Traverse City region. “It’s been a great two weeks; I love coming here,” she concluded. “I love the town, the horse show, they do a wonderful job. When riders are happy, they tend to ride better and I’m truly happy here.”

Three-star competition comes to a peak on Saturday in the $120,000 The Dexter CSI3* Grand Prix in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring.