Perfect footwork from Landon sees Mark Bluman flying high
Colombia’s Mark Bluman is on cloud nine thanks to his recent partnership with Landon De Nyze. “I’ve never ridden a horse of such caliber,” said Mark of the 13-year old gelding after the pair won the CSI4* $116,100 WEF Challenge Cup on the grass of the Derby field during week four of the Winter Equestrian Festival [WEF]. “He’s careful. He tries hard and we were suited from the first moment.”
Mark’s opportunity to compete on Langdon came after his cousin Daniel purchased the horse at the beginning of last year, but after a trial period decided that Mark would be a better match.
“We all knew in the family when Daniel purchased the horse that this was a horse that maybe could suit me,” said Mark. “But then Daniel wanted to take a little bit of a go and see how it went. And after the Royal [horse show] in Toronto [in November], he just said, Mark, I think he’s gonna suit you better. We’ve done two shows and he’s won both times. So I’m just very thankful for him and for the opportunity to ride a horse like this one.”
Mark and Landon debuted in December at the Desert International Horse Park $182,000 CSI5* qualifier in California. Landon’s record with his previous rider, world number one’s Kent Farrington, includes a team gold and individual silver medal at the Pan American Games in 2023. Kent had some advice for Mark as they planned a campaign this week on the Derby Field at WEF, warming up with a 1m40 class, the day prior to the Challenge Cup victory.
“I speak with [Kent] all the time,” said Mark. “I spoke with him this week and he said [Landon] loves this field. Every time I show [Landon], I send him the videos. And yesterday when I schooled, he told me not to ride him so slow to try to make it easier for him. And today I was trying to do that.”
One of only two competitors to jump double clear in the WEF Challenge, the 35-year old Colombian set a time of 50.15 seconds and Canada’s Erynn Ballard and Dior were the only horse and rider combination to threaten this lead, finishing in 50.59 seconds to take the runner up slot.
Mark and Landon plan to be back in action on Saturday for the CSI4* $215,000 Grand Prix and have their longer term sights set on the pinnacle class and finale of WEF, the $1,000,000 CSI5* US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, under the lights in week 12.
“I have very big hopes for him in the future,” said Mark, who heaped praise on the talented Zangersheide chestnut. “He jumps in perfect style. He’s super athletic. It’s a matter that we trust each other. And he fights for me. That’s the biggest thing with a horse like this one. Get him on your side so whenever you need him, he can fight for you. Try to give him the best chance possible every time he goes in the ring to perform.”
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