| Sporting philosophy / motto |
"Every horse, every day, you learn something new - the horse will teach you. Horses will teach you everything. And then, when you think you know everything, you know nothing." (sidelinesmagazine.com, 06 Sep 2018) |
| Other information |
TOKYO MISS
He was unable to compete at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as his horse Gemma W's registered ownership nationality was US and not Israeli. For the 2020 Olympic Games, horses entered had to be registered with the International Equestrian Federation [FEI] as the property of owners of the same nationality as the rider by 15 January 2021. He had an appeal to the FEI Tribunal dismissed in June 2021. (worldofshowjumping.com, 30 Jun 2021)
FROM COLOMBIA TO ISRAEL
In 2016 he announced his decision to begin competing for Israel. He had represented Colombia at the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016, but is eligible to represent Israel through his mother Orly Bluman. "Everything came together with the right timing to allow me to make the decision and a smooth transition. There were a lot of things to consider. I love Israel and I love everything that it means. I have always been very close to Israel. I went to Hebrew school growing up, and my grandfather, who is a Holocaust survivor, spent three years in Auschwitz. I remain Colombian, I love the country, I love my teammates, but this is an opportunity I cannot let pass. It felt a bit like my duty. My wife Ariel is also Israeli, so it has come full circle." (fei.org, 21 Sep 2020; cartanglobal.com, 17 Sep 2020; worldofshowjumping.com, 18 Sep 2019; noellefloyd.com, 22 Dec 2016)
RELOCATION
In 2007 he moved from Colombia to Wellington, FL, United States of America, in order to further his equestrian career. In 2010 he set up Bluman Equestrian with his cousins Mark and Ilan, and now has bases in Wellington and New York, as well as one in Belgium. "That [moving to the US] was a game changer. I had access to world-renowned riders doing their thing. It motivated me and inspired me to keep working, keep learning, and to find my way to be a part of it. I only had one horse for quite a long time. To cover the expenses I rode for other people, bought and sold some horses, gave lessons, and was lucky to be able to win some big money classes that helped me finance my way up." (phelpssports.com, 21 Sep 2020; blumanequestrian.com, 11 Nov 2018; noellefloyd.com, 18 Sep 2018; sidelinesmagazine.com, 06 Sep 2018; esmtoday.org, 19 Sep 2013)
MENTAL HEALTH
He has worked with a sports psychologist to help control his emotions, and believes he has been affected by anxiety and panic attacks at competitions since he was a boy. "When you're younger, and you're competing, you feel these common sensations. But it's not always easy to identify your emotions. Anxiety, fear, nerves - they can all feel the same way. So, frequently, when I felt those normal, minor competition nerves that everybody feels, it would all start to snowball. Riding became a trigger for my panic attacks. But I really loved the sport. I loved competing. My mother knew, as a psychologist, what was going on. She helped me work on my mental strength and she taught me to control my emotions and my thoughts. Finally, I had a very big breakdown when I was 12 or 13. That's when I started on medication, and that pretty much changed everything. I was able to find out what it's like to feel normal anxiety like any other athlete. Honestly, it's amazing the difference between that sensation, and the alternative, when I couldn't control my body or my brain. I suffered a lot, and I faced a lot of challenging moments. But on the other side, it has made me who I am." (noellefloyd.com, 10 Mar 2021)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
He and his wife Ariel have supported a number of charitable organisations, including the UJA Federation, the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association [INTRA], and Antorchas de Vida. "I try to give back and give as much as possible where I can. I try to help those in need whenever possible. I also parti |
FEI Database
blumanequestrian.com 
www.facebook.com/blumandaniel 
twitter.com/danielblumand 
instagram.com/danielbluman 
