A Win for Team Israel in $75,000 CSIO3* Nations Cup at Traverse City
Israel earns its first Nations Cup victory on American soil with a commanding performance in Traverse City.
After assembling their team at the last minute, Israel prevailed Thursday evening in the $75,000 CSIO3* Nations Cup, taking the first win on American soil for Israeli international show jumping. Daniel Bluman, Steven Bluman, Ilan Ferder, and Stella Wasserman finished on a total score of 4 faults to claim the victory by a convincing margin.
In its second year highlighting week four of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, the CSIO3* Nations Cup drew an enthusiastic crowd and an impressive slate of top international show jumpers. Olympic veterans and team rookies alike battled it out over Peter Grant’s (CAN) course for a chance at the top of the podium.
Daniel Bluman was Israel’s anchor rider, bringing home a double-clear effort aboard Malina, an up-and-coming horse in his string.
“It was a great day,” Daniel reflected. “It was very fun to ride after [my teammates] rode such great rounds, so we’re very excited.”
After round one, Israel sat in a promising position on zero faults, with the next closest team — Ireland — on 16. But they knew they couldn’t let their guard down because the competition could change in an instant.
The United States, sitting in third after round one, had an incredible run in round two, with the first three riders – Hunter Holloway, Lacey Gilbertson, and Savannah Jenkins – putting in clear rounds, so anchor rider Callie Schott didn’t even have to jump.
Team Israel kept its cool, knowing the United States was heating up. They managed to keep their second-round score to just 4 faults, leaving that comfortable margin in place and securing the win. The United States finished in second, with Ireland ultimately in third after a pair of rails down in round two.
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A Win for Team Israel in $75,000 CSIO3* Nations Cup at Traverse City – Traverse City Horse Shows
