The National Horse Show is the 10th competition Israel’s Daniel Bluman has challenged aboard Ladriano Z this year, but Saturday night’s win was a long time coming. “It’s good to have a win. [Ladriano Z] has been second multiple times and third, but tonight he won. It’s great for the horse. I’m really happy that he gets to put his name on a prestigious horse show like this one,” said Bluman about the 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding’s victory.

He and Ladriano Z gave it their all in the $215,900 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Lexington. The first round consisted of course designer Guilherme Jorge’s 1.60-meter, 16-effort course inside the Alltech Arena. Seven pairs advanced to the jump-off. With a time allowed of 75 seconds, Bluman and Ladriano made easy work of the course. They tripped the timers at 68.79 seconds with all the rails up.

‘Edge Him In the Turns’

In the jump-off, Bluman and Ladriano Z were the quickest of the seven contenders to get around the eight-effort track. The horse-and-rider combination went fast and clear in 35.13 seconds to claim victory. “I had the chance to watch Devin [Ryan] go,” who was the first clear round in the jump-off, “and I thought he was actually very fast … . My plan was to do a little bit of what I saw he did and try to edge him in the turns.”

He continued, “For me, jump number three was a very, very difficult jump in the jump-off, because [Ladriano Z] spooks at the wall.” Bluman’s approach to the wall, despite the possibility of his horse hesitating, ended up being a tight turn to a short distance. “My plan was not to take a big risk, but then I just did.” That risk resulted in their first FEI World Cup win. Ladriano Z is owned by Bluman, Blue Star Investments and Over the Top Stables.

First World Cup Appearance

In second close behind Bluman was USA’s Nicholas Dello Joio aboard Cornet’s Cambridge. Cambridge is a 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by the Berry Group, LLC, with a time of 35.47 seconds.

Dello Joio shared that his goal for the National Horse Show was for Cornet’s Cambridge to have a good experience. “We’re not trying to show him to get points. We were looking at [Indoors] like this is a good experience for the horse in his development.”

He added that this is his mount’s first year jumping over 1.45 meters. It also is Cornet’s Cambridge’s first World Cup. “Second in his first World Cup—I’m really happy.”

Holloway: Eyes on Omaha

Rounding out the top three was USA’s Hunter Holloway. She piloted Pepita Con Spita, an 11-year-old Westphalian mare owned by Hays Investment Corp., to podium position in 35.99 seconds.

The young talent received a boom of applause from the audience as she cleared the last jump. “I really enjoy jumping for a crowd,” said Holloway. “I’m sure [Daniel and Nicholas] do, too. And the horses always rise to the occasion.”

Based in Topeka, Kansas, Holloway has her eyes set on the 2023 FEI Jumping World Cup Finals in Omaha, Nebraska. “Omaha, for me, is only two hours from home. So, that would be really cool for me to be able to be qualified for it and be able to compete there this coming year.”

Keep Up with the 2022 National Horse Show

For full results, click here.

Competition resumes tomorrow, November 6, at 7 a.m. EST with the ASPCA Maclay.

To watch the 2022 National Horse Show live, click here.

Thanks to Cosequin for our coverage of the 2022 National Horse Show, including rider interviews, competition reports, photos, videos and more!⁣