Edited Press Release
Six-time Olympian Mclain Ward left his mark on the inaugural Silo Ridge Masters by jumping to a victory in the $32,000 Stoneleaf Partners 3* Jumper Classic aboard La Serra on Saturday, October 5. The Silo Ridge Masters debuted this week at the historic Keane Stud in Amenia, NY, with elite-level international show jumping as well as national classes starting at 1.05m, all in the stunning foothills of the Hudson Valley.
Ninety-three horses comprised the CSI3* rider list for the week, which included athletes representing 12 different nations. The USA’s Ward and 10-year-old La Serra, a Holsteiner mare (Casall x Lacros) owned by Susan Heller topped a 12-horse jump-off in a time of 35.95 seconds.
“I always thought highly of this horse when it was young, and I thought I’d like to develop her; she’s very athletic and careful,” said Ward, who got the ride on La Serra in January. The mare was previously piloted by Ward’s student, Vanessa Hood. “She’s been coming along slowly, but the last several months is getting solid and the horse has a ton of quality.
“This is a home show for us in a lot of ways,” continued Ward, who is based in Brewster. “I toured this property before there was anything built, and I think it’s going to be an exciting place for the future of our sport, as well as the development of the equestrian community around here. It’s a spectacular effort, a great setting and we’re very proud to be here.”
Ireland’s Philip McGuane finished second for Evergate Stables riding Linguini de la Pomme, a 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Marius Cladius x Tinka’s Boy). Rounding out the podium, Mark Bluman (COL) took third aboard S&L Maracana, a 10-year-old Italian Sport Horse gelding (Lucky du Reverdy x Pronto) owned by S&L Farms.
Click here for full competition results.
Words From the Winner
A Plan Comes Together for Ilan Bluman
Colombia’s Ilan Bluman added another win to an already banner week at the Silo Ridge Masters on Saturday. He jumped to the top in the $10,000 Orvis 1.25m Classic riding Simona VS. A day earlier, he said he made a plan to win the opening international class of the week and did just that in the $32,000 Premier Equestrian 3* Speed on Acajou after also topping the Storm Ridge Capital 1.25m on Friday.
“Our home is here in New York like 50 minutes away from here, and I think shows like this are really important for us and the people who have barns close to here,” said Bluman, whose family-owned Bluman Equestrian is based in North Salem, NY. “I’m really impressed—I love the place, and it feels like the place to be. I feel good, the horses feel good, and it doesn’t feel like you’re showing just anywhere. I’ve loved it from the beginning.”
Bluman bested Hannah Selleck, who finished in second in the irons of Rumpleteazer DF, owned by Descanso Farm. Lauren Skowlund finished third to cap the podium riding Charlyn, owned by Raquel and Alexandra Lopez, Inc.
Click here for full competition results.
