Daniel Bluman: Trusting the Process, Learning from the Horses

Few riders have built a career as consistently as Daniel Bluman. From starting the sport without an equestrian background to becoming one of the world’s top-ranked show jumpers, his journey has been shaped by hard work, curiosity, and a constant desire to improve. Along the way, his horses have played a central role, teaching lessons that extend far beyond the competition arena.

In this exclusive interview with HSJ.TV, Bluman looks back on the moments that changed his career, the partnerships that influenced him most, and the mindset that continues to guide him. He also shares why he believes success comes from the daily process, how representing both Colombia and Israel has shaped him, and the one round he would most like to ride again.

Building a Career Without a Roadmap

Bluman’s path into elite sport looked very different from many of his competitors. Without family roots in equestrian sport, he had to create his own foundation.

“I am convinced that you are a result of the experiences that you live and accumulate. I started in the sport with no equestrian background and limited access to information. As a result, I’ve had to look for that knowledge and information and evolve.”

That uncertainty became part of his development.

“I was never sure if what I was doing was correct and if I was in the correct path to acquire knowledge I needed to succeed.”

Several milestones reassured him that his approach was working.

“I’ve had multiple moments that defined the course of my career and how I saw myself. Moments that showed me I was on the right path.”

Among those defining achievements, he highlights his first international Grand Prix victory in Toronto in 2009 with Fatalis, his first five star Rolex Grand Prix victory in Wellington in 2012 with Sancha, his Rolex Grand Prix of Rome victory in 2019 with Ladriano, and competing at the 2022 World Championships with Ladriano after returning from what had been considered a career ending injury.

The Horses That Teach

Throughout his career, Bluman has partnered with exceptional horses. For him, every new partnership begins with understanding the horse before asking for performance.

“I try to feel their intelligence and willingness to learn. See how sensitive they are and try to understand what they’ve been taught before me.”

He believes every horse leaves an important lesson.

“I’ve learned something from pretty much every horse that I worked with. They are the best teachers.”

Looking back, he is especially grateful for the horses that helped him develop as a young rider.

“I was blessed to have incredibly generous horses like Fatalis, Sancha, and Ladriano who at a very young and naive moment of my career, forgave my many mistakes and allowed me to keep learning and competing at a high level of sport. Without their generosity, I wouldn’t had had the chance to experience and learn so much.”

Taking a Leap Into the Unknown

Leaving Colombia to pursue an international career required faith as much as ambition.

“The biggest challenge was to wake up every day to work without knowing if I was going in the right direction. I had very limited knowledge. It took a lot of faith and resilience.”

That willingness to embrace uncertainty ultimately opened the door to competing at the highest level.

Representing Two Nations

Bluman has represented both Colombia and Israel during his international career, with each chapter carrying its own meaning.

“Both countries mean very much to me. In their unique ways they have shaped me as a person.”

His international career began under the Colombian flag.

“I started my international career for Colombia where I had the chance to ride and compete with friends and riders I admired growing up.”

His move to represent Israel marked another important step.

“Representing Israel took my career to another level. We had a dream of making Israel shine at the highest level of show jumping, and with a group of supporters and teammates, we are achieving those goals.”

Confidence Comes From the Process

For Bluman, confidence is never built on results alone.

“I am a process oriented person. The results are a consequence of the process we do every day.”

Whether the outcome is good or bad, his approach remains consistent.

“After any good or bad result, I try to understand what I can do better on my process and training and I keep working.”

His belief is simple.

“A great process and routine builds huge confidence in your ability to perform.”

Mistakes are unavoidable, but they should never define an athlete.

“We all make mistakes. That’s inevitable. We have to accept them and continue to work in our processes to improve our skills.”

Advice to His Younger Self

If he could speak to the young rider dreaming of one day competing at the Olympic Games, his message would be straightforward.

“Never stop chasing your dream. Have faith, work hard, and surround yourself with people that know more than you.”

The Evolution of Show Jumping

Bluman has witnessed significant changes in international show jumping over the years.

“The number of high level competitions in the calendar and the access to good information from knowledgeable horsemen and trainers.”

He believes the sport has become increasingly competitive.

“Sport has evolved. Many more good riders and competitive riders now than years back. And it keeps growing every year.”

Reaching the World’s Top Ten

Becoming one of the top ten riders in the world represents years of consistency, but for Bluman it has never been the ultimate goal.

“I don’t need much motivation to keep improving. It’s my natural personality to strive to be better every day.”

Instead, he views the ranking as recognition for the entire team behind him.

“Having accomplished the milestone of being top 10 in the world is a great recognition to my entire team.”

What makes the achievement especially meaningful is how it was accomplished.

“I always said that I was never going to chase the ranking. I would stick to my plan and do what’s best for our horses.”

He takes particular pride in reaching that milestone while protecting his horses.

“We made the top 10 with fresh and healthy horses.”

One Round He Would Relive

Among all the rounds of his career, one remains unforgettable.

“First round of the final of the World Championships in Herning.”

He recalls making one small mistake before entering the arena.

“I forgot to show the wall to Ladriano as I normally did before starting any round with him. He spooked at it and ran out. We circled and finished clear.”

Bluman believes the outcome could have been very different.

“I am convinced Ladriano would’ve jumped two clear rounds that day.”

After everything horse and rider had overcome together, the memory remains emotional.

“We did a beautiful process preparing for that championship after bringing Ladriano back from a career ending injury. He was in great form and it was totally my fault what happened in the ring. I didn’t stick to the routine.”

Despite the disappointment, his pride in Ladriano remains unchanged.

“That’s a round I would like to relive and enjoy. Ladriano was in top shape and I was so proud of him and his effort.”

Valentina Sozzi. Catie Staszak

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