Mark Bluman Joins Israeli Equestrian Team Ahead of World Championship

Mark Bluman, a 35-year-old show jumping rider and cousin of Israeli equestrian Daniel Bluman, has officially joined the Israeli national equestrian team. Originally from Colombia, Bluman immigrated to Israel and significantly strengthens the team that competed in the Olympic final at the Paris 2024 Games. Currently ranked 39th globally, Bluman is expected to break into the top 20 in the upcoming July rankings following numerous victories and podium finishes in June.

Bluman trains alongside Daniel Bluman, Israel's top rider ranked 12th worldwide. His addition enhances the team's depth as they prepare for the World Championship in August, with the full team roster to be announced next week. The National Equestrian Sports Federation expressed gratitude to attorneys Tomer Warshe and Omer Retnovsky from the Warshe-Weitzen law firm for facilitating Bluman's transfer process. Thanks were also extended to Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, and officials from the Foreign Ministry, Interior Ministry, and the FEI legal department for their assistance in expediting the move.

The team’s future prospects are further bolstered by the recent inclusion of 21-year-old Stella Wasserman, who is set to debut in July at the Nations Cup in the United States. Additionally, young riders Yehli Kaz (17) and Ella Asher will compete in the European Junior Championship in Germany this July, with Kaz in the under-18 category and Asher in the under-14 category. The strengthened squad is focused on qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.