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Bluman Makes it a Double at Fairfield June Show

  • Writer: Catie Staszak
    Catie Staszak
  • Jun 21
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jun 22

Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Rebelline de Kwakenbeek. All photos by SEL Photography
Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Rebelline de Kwakenbeek. All photos by SEL Photography

For Daniel Bluman (ISR), jumping at the Fairfield June Show was a new experience—something that doesn't happen often for the three-time Olympian.


As he entered the arena for the $15,000 Grand Prix, he did so not only as a competitor, but also as a part of the organizing committee. Bluman Equestrian formed a strategic partnership with Fairfield County Hunt Club - Stables at the onset of the year, committing to bringing a new era to the historic riding program and its horse shows.


The June Show—recognized by US Equestrian as a Heritage competition, the highest honor a horse show can receive in the United States—was the first major event hosted by the Club since the alliance was formed, welcoming the greater equestrian community and the general public for five days of competition in Westport, CT. Most notably, Grand Prix show jumping returned to the schedule after a brief hiatus.


"The conditions were perfect. We have had beautiful weather, and the Fairfield County Hunt Club has worked really hard to get this field where it is today. I know obviously how much work everyone is putting in to make this event happen," Bluman said. "We really enjoyed it out there, and we're looking forward to continuing to have this show for many years as it's been and have it in the best condition possible."


Bluman is never one to shy away from competition, and he used the June Show as an opportunity to both support the event and further the development of an exciting 8-year-old in Rebelline de Kwakenbeek. The pair topped the $15,000 Grand Prix Saturday, adding to a victory in Thursday's $5,000 Welcome Stake. 


Matthew Boddy (GBR) & City of Stars; Colin Syquia (PHI) & Quintano TF


"We thought it was a great class to bring her here, to jump a little bit in the grass field," Bluman said of his winning partner. "She is only eight. We've had her for a couple of years, and she's actually really game and always wants to jump clear rounds. The idea is that she starts to jump her first international competitions this year."


Saturday's win came over a nine-horse jump-off, as they crossed the timers of Chris Jones' (CAN) 1.40m short course in 34.091 seconds. Matthew Boddy (GBR) and City of Stars finished second (34.972s), with Colin Syquia (PHI) third aboard Quintano TF (35.118). Lucas Mejia Fanjul (USA) and Camillo du Perchet put the most pressure on the winners, coming home fastest, but a rail relegated them to sixth (4/33.877).


"The best part about today's jump-off was that we were competing among family and a lot of really cool friends, so we were having a great time," Bluman said. "I wanted to do what was best for my horse. I know there were some people that could have gone a little faster. Matthew almost got me, and Lucas had one down, but he was faster. I think you got to see a little bit of everything, and sometimes it just goes your way. My horse jumped great."


$15,000 Grand Prix

Horse Name / Rider Name / Nationality / Owner / Faults / Time


1. Rebellline de Kwakenbeek / Daniel Bluman / ISR / Daniel Bluman / 0/0 34.091

2. City of Stars / Matthew Boddy / GBR / Harris Equestrian, LLC / 0/0 34.972

3. Quintano TF / Colin Syquia / PHI / Virginia Strauch / 0/0 35.118

4. Twindam Z / Hannah Isop / USA / Pablo Mejia Equestrian, LLC / 0/0 36.777

5. Ohio Dream / Matthew Boddy / GBR / Harris Equestrian LLC / 0/0 37.627


Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Rebelline de Kwakenbeek stand for the winner's presentation. Photo by SEL Photography
Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Rebelline de Kwakenbeek stand for the winner's presentation. Photo by SEL Photography

On Thursday, the $5,000 1.30m Welcome Stake, sponsored by Manestream, saw Bluman and Rebelline de Kwakenbeek take their first victory of the week. Close behind him were a pair of up-and-coming U25 riders. 


Mejia Fanjul (USA), 19, finished second aboard his Camillo du Perchet, with 18-year-old Mary Rose Canterbury third aboard her own Extase Ste Hermelle.


"It was not an easy class to win after Lucas and Mary Rose. They have a rivalry going on themselves...Then they make it very difficult for the other ones to compete in the class, because then we have to go extra fast," Bluman said. "I'm happy it worked out and we ended up winning."


Lucas Mejia Fanjul (USA) & Camillo du Perchet; Mary Rose Canterbury (USA) & Extase Ste Hermelle


For Mejia Fanjul, the strategy was simple: Contend at speed. 


"Go as fast as I could," he said. "I knew that I had Daniel and Mary behind me, so I didn't want to leave much up to them, and then I hoped for the best."


"The course was great—beautifully decorated," Canterbury added. "I tried to save some [energy] for the Grand Prix, but my horse had fun out there."


Canterbury is a newcomer to Fairfield, while Mejia Fanjul knows the venue well. A New York native, he is now studying at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Science. 


"For me, this area is home, he said. "The grass is great and the jumps look very nice. It's really fun to be able to come back and jump here."


Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Rebelline de Kwakenbeek following the $5,000 Welcome, sponsored by Manestream. Photo by SEL Photography
Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Rebelline de Kwakenbeek following the $5,000 Welcome, sponsored by Manestream. Photo by SEL Photography

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