Press release from Traverse City Horse Shows, edited by World of Showjumping

Daniel Bluman (ISR) had a last-minute change in travel plans that brought him to the Traverse City Spring Series, resulting in a win for him and longtime partner Gemma W in the week’s first major international event, the $62,500 CSI4* Welcome Stake. Against a top field of international athletes, including world number one-ranked Kent Farrington (USA), Bluman and Gemma W were blazingly fast in the jump-off to secure the top spot on the podium.

“Gemma is such a special mare,” Bluman said of the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare (Luidam x Unaniem), owned by Over The Top Stables LLC. “She’s just brilliant and I’m very happy that she gets to take the win today.”

Bluman, currently ranked 12th in the world, has been campaigning Gemma W since 2018, beginning in young horse competition in Europe before showing the world what the mare had to offer. They’ve had a tremendously successful partnership all the way up to the CSI5* level.

​In Thursday’s class, Bluman had an earlier draw, and he was the third of eight to jump clear over Meghan Rawlins’ first-round track. Farrington had two jump-off entries, one of which followed Bluman, so he knew he couldn’t leave it to chance.

Coming home clear in 36.51 seconds, Bluman and Gemma left it up to the remaining riders to catch him. While a few came close to the leading time, rails down kept them from threatening Bluman’s leading position. Ultimately Hunter Holloway (USA) kept all rails intact, placing second with Henry Jota Ariel (Picadilly Tame x Casparo), followed by Roberto Teran Tafur (COL) rounding out the podium with Dez’ Ooktoff (Colandro x Lys Rouge).

“Gemma is naturally very fast,” Bluman continued. “She really is a top player and my goal was to be speedy knowing we had some fast riders coming after us. My plan worked pretty much as I anticipated. I did the final two lines really quickly and it worked out today. I’m delighted.”

The exciting class set the stage for a strong week of CSI4* competition, and Bluman was proud to start his week with a win against top competitors.

“The riders that are here are very good so you definitely want to get a top result in one of the two [big] classes or both,” Bluman reflected, looking ahead to Saturday’s $116,500 Turtle Creek & Casino CSI4* Grand Prix. “To start the week already like this is awesome.”

While this week wasn’t on his long-term plan, a quick trip up to Traverse City was in the cards for Bluman and his older son, while the rest of the crew will return with him later in the season. 

“We’re always very present in Michigan; we love it here,” he shared. “It’s always a great time and the place treats me well. I have a lot of success here so I’m always happy to be back.”

After Traverse City Spring 2, Bluman plans to return to compete for Israel in the CSIO3* Nations Cup during the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival before coaching a student through the FEI North American Youth Championships. He’s also got his eye on the FEI World Cup Qualifier and the American Gold Cup to close out the season in Northern Michigan.

Competition continues Friday at Flintfields Horse Park with the $31,000 CSI4* 1.45m Speed and the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.