Daniel Bluman, a Colombian-born show jumper representing Israel, has established himself as a formidable force in the equestrian world. With a current ranking of 15th on the Longines FEI World Rankings and a string of impressive victories in 2023, including international Grand Prix wins and a crucial Nations Cup victory that secured Israel’s spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Bluman’s success is undeniable. Following his back-to-back wins at The Hampton Classic 5* Grand Prix and the Saugerties 4* Grand Prix in September, Bluman shared insights into his training philosophy and the structure of his equestrian business with The Plaid Horse.
Bluman Equestrian operates on three core pillars: the sport itself, a comprehensive training program, and the development of young horses. Bluman’s personal motivation stems from his lifelong dream of competing at the highest level, a pursuit supported by a dedicated team of professionals, including grooms, managers, veterinarians, farriers, fitness trainers, partners, and mentors. He emphasizes that success in this demanding sport is a collective effort, requiring a supportive “village.”
The training program offered by Bluman Equestrian focuses on sharing the expertise gained from years of top-level competition. Bluman aims to mentor students, imparting knowledge acquired from esteemed horsemen and his own extensive experience. The overarching goal is to ensure that riders of all levels enjoy the sport while achieving their individual objectives. This philosophy is fundamental to the success of riders like Alexa Schwitzer, who has benefited from Bluman’s guidance. [cite:1, cite:2]
Furthermore, Bluman highlights the critical role of developing young horses in his professional career. He credits his ability to select and nurture young talent with horses as a turning point, leading to the consistent production of top-tier equine athletes within Bluman Equestrian. With dedicated facilities in Belgium and Colombia, specialized teams focus exclusively on this crucial aspect of the sport.
Structuring a Successful Equestrian Business
Bluman Equestrian’s training business is meticulously structured to cater to riders across all experience levels, from beginners to those competing at the five-star level. The program is divided into two distinct entities: Blue Star Equestrian and Bluman Equestrian.
Blue Star Equestrian, with bases in Long Island, NY, and Wellington, FL, is designed to introduce young riders to the sport, guiding them through pony, hunter, and equitation disciplines, as well as lower jumper divisions. This program is expertly managed by Pamela Polk and Katie Brown, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership.
The Bluman Equestrian program, led by Daniel Bluman himself, alongside trainer Aline Domaingo and his cousins Steven, Mark, and Ilan, operates from multiple locations. These include North Salem, NY, during the spring and fall, European show grounds in Belgium, and their winter facilities in Palm Beach Point and Wellington, FL. Ilan Bluman’s year-round presence in Florida ensures continuous training and competition opportunities for clients throughout all seasons. This program concentrates on the jumper discipline, with a focus on creating tailored strategies and personalized plans to help clients achieve their goals. They leverage a global network to connect riders with suitable horses and guide them toward becoming proficient riders, competitive athletes, and, most importantly, skilled horsemen.
Bluman emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, stating, “Regardless of their level, our shared goal is to ensure students are enjoying the sport while reaching their objectives.”
Balancing a Competitive Career with Student Development
Despite an intense international show schedule, Daniel Bluman effectively balances his personal competitive ambitions with the demands of training students. He attributes this success to his skilled professional team. Aline Domaingo serves as his “right hand,” managing day-to-day training responsibilities. Her extensive equestrian background and coaching expertise ensure that clients’ objectives are met through a well-established routine and a tailored show schedule. This allows Bluman to pursue his own competition calendar while remaining in constant communication with his team regarding student progress.
Steven and Mark Bluman also contribute to client training but primarily focus on the development of young, promising horses. Together, Aline, Steven, Mark, and Daniel have cultivated a fully integrated program where each member plays a vital role, stepping in and out as needed. This collaborative approach fuels continuous growth and improvement within the team and the sport. Bluman’s participation in elite global events keeps him at the forefront of equestrian knowledge, an insight he readily shares with the Bluman Equestrian program, benefiting all involved.
Advice for Aspiring Show Jumpers
For young individuals aspiring to excel in show jumping, Daniel Bluman offers crucial advice. He recommends seeking out the best possible training program, one with a proven track record and a dedicated team of professionals committed to the student’s success and passionate about their work.
Bluman strongly advises focusing on fundamental skills and consistent daily work with horses. Setting achievable intermediate goals, he explains, can prevent major frustrations and help visualize the attainment of long-term objectives. Success in show jumping, like in any demanding endeavor, requires significant dedication, resilience, and patience.
The Evolving Landscape of Equestrianism: Horsemanship, Fitness, and Mental Health
The equestrian community has recently seen a growing discussion regarding the emphasis placed on mental health and fitness among younger generations of riders, sometimes at the perceived expense of horsemanship. Bluman views all three aspects—horsemanship, fitness, and mental health—as equally vital. He observes that in the United States, the depth of horsemanship training might differ from Europe, as many American barns provide comprehensive care, including feeding, exercise, and training programs, as well as health management. This setup means students often focus solely on riding, with less direct involvement in the behind-the-scenes operations. However, Bluman believes that any interested individual can actively seek opportunities to deepen their understanding of horsemanship.
Bluman himself incorporates fitness training off the horse, working with an equestrian fitness trainer and utilizing programs like Rider Balance, which he finds significantly beneficial to his riding. He strongly recommends additional fitness training alongside riding. Mental health is also paramount for managing nerves and performing under pressure, whether the pressure originates internally or externally, such as in Nations Cups or championships. Bluman openly shares his past struggles with anxiety and nerves, underscoring the importance of mental well-being.
The Advantage of an Equitation Foundation
Regarding the value of a strong junior equitation career for success in show jumping, Bluman notes that his own upbringing in Colombia did not involve formal equitation training. The traditional path to competition there, and still largely today, begins in low-level jumper divisions. Bluman spent his formative years immersed in riding, learning, and studying high-level sport through videos. He believes that consistent practice is key to mastery.
He acknowledges that junior U.S. Equitation competitions serve as valuable tools for building a strong foundation. These competitions provide ample opportunity for riders to develop a keen sense of stride, position, track, and pace through repetitive practice.
Daniel Bluman’s 2023 Highlights
As of the press time, Daniel Bluman has amassed over $13.7 million in prize money according to USEF records. His notable achievements in 2023 include:
With Ladriano Z:
- Winner, $425,000 CSI5* Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, Winter Equestrian Festival 9
- Winner, Hampton Classic Grand Prix
- Nations Cup victory, securing Israel’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics
With GEMMA W:
- Winner, World Cup in Toronto
- 2nd Place, World Cup in Lexington
- Winner, $75,900 CND MLSJ IND Competition, American Gold Cup
- Winner, $300,000 FEI CSI4* Grand Prix, HITS on the Hudson VIII
- Winner, $425,000 Longines HC Grand Prix-CSI5*, The Hampton Classic
- Winner, $146,000 CSI 5* Adequan WEF Challenge Round 12, Winter Equestrian Festival 12
With Cachemire de Braize:
- Winner, $76,000 CND Grand Prix 1.45 m, American Gold Cup
- Winner, $30,000 Grand Prix of Princeton, Princeton Summer Welcome
- Winner, $38,700 1.45 m, Old Salem Farm May II
- Winner, $77,300 FEI 1.45 m Grand Prix, TerraNova Hunter Jumper 1
- Winner, $38,700 1.45 m Welcome, Split Rock Sarasota
With Lady Applaus:
- Winner, $200 7 Year Old Jumper, HITS on the Hudson VIII
With Corbie V.V.:
- 2nd Place, $145,100 FEI CSI 3* Grand Prix, Traverse City Spring Horse Show
- 2nd Place, $30,000 Grand Prix of Princeton, Princeton Summer Welcome
- 5th Place, $77,300 Grand Prix CSI 2* FEI, Great Lakes Equestrian Festival VI
