WELLINGTON, Fla.--Colombia’s Mark Bluman on Landon de Nyze won the $116,100 WEF Challenge Cup Round 4 on the grass derby field on Thursday during Week 4 at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Mark Bluman on Landon (Photo by Sportfot)In six international starts together over two competitions, Bluman and Landon have won twice.
The Challenge Cup was competed over Anderson Lima’s two-round grand prix qualifier course, with the top 12 returning with their faults carrying over to the jump-off.
“I’m very thankful for him, I’ve never ridden a horse of such caliber; he’s careful, tries hard, and we were well-suited from the first moment,” said Bluman of Landon, a horse previously ridden by his cousin Daniel Bluman and World No. 1 Kent Farrington before that.
With Farrington, Landon won a team gold medal and an individual silver medal for the USA at the 2023 Pan American Games.
“WE ALL KNEW in the family when Daniel purchased the horse, it was one that could suit me, and I took over the ride in November,” said Mark. “We haven’t had that much time together, but we trust each other, and he fights for me. I think 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.”
Blumman was clean in 50.15 seconds.
Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard on Dior was the only other clean, finishing in 50.59 seconds.
Lillie Keenan on Emerlon had the fastest second round time but carried forward a rail from the opening round to finish third in 47.85 seconds.
Bluman said he had spoken to Farrington earlier in the week, who told him that Landon loves to get out on the derby field at Wellington International.
“I speak with him all the time and send him videos every time I show Landon,” said Bluman. “He told me not to ride him so slowly, which would make it easier for him. Today, I was trying to do that.”
