U.S. grand prix rider Georgina Bloomberg is getting her groove back with 14-year-old Australian Warmblood Tulara Colmine. The Pan American Games team gold medalist is staging a comeback to the sport’s top level after welcoming her second son in November of 2023. Bloomberg seemed to be finding her rhythm again in Friday’s $32,000 CSI3* Welcome during the fourth week of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders.
Bloomberg, 41, was one of eight to return for a tie-breaking jump-off built by course designer Marina Azevedo (BRA). Tulara Colmine was the ride of fellow American and protégé of Bloomberg—Spencer Smith—while she focused on her family over the last year. Now back under the guidance of Bloomberg, the Gotham Enterprizes-owned mount crossed the final timers one second faster than runner-up and current leader Arturo Parada Vallejo (MEX).
“Throughout the last couple of years, [Tulara Colmine] has become my top horse,” said Bloomberg of the Australian-bred stallion (Colman x Quinar Z). “He’s a horse that I love; I have a soft place in my heart for him.
“He has all the scope in the world, but he is not the most careful and he gets ahead of himself,” continued Bloomberg. “The more he jumps, the better he gets. He’s a bit of a difficult, quirky ride, but I’ve always liked a horse that’s just a little bit different and a fighter. We get along, I trust him and it’s a nice feeling to have a horse that I know I will enjoy every ride on.”
Bloomberg broke the timer beam in 43.97 seconds, while Parada Vallejo guided Bordeaux, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Centadel x Contefino 2) owned by Jose Pablo Salgado, to a time of 44.90 seconds for second. Quentin Judge (USA) added another podium finish to his list of top ribbons during GLEF, taking third aboard HH Chaccothargo, a 10-year-old Oldenburg stallion (Chacco-Blue x Conthargos) owned by Double H Farm. They stopped the clock at 44.99 seconds.
Speaking about her return to the international ranks, Bloomberg noted, “Physically, I’m trying to be forgiving of myself and take my time. I only do as much as I feel comfortable with. Thankfully, in my two top horses—Tulara and Cassina—I trust them and know that they’re helping me out.”
Bloomberg and her oldest son Jasper are both competing during GLEF and enjoying their time in the Traverse City region. “It’s been a great two weeks; I love coming here,” she concluded. “I love the town, the horse show, they do a wonderful job. When riders are happy, they tend to ride better and I’m truly happy here.”
Three-star competition comes to a peak on Saturday in the $120,000 The Dexter CSI3* Grand Prix in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring.
For full results, click here.
The day’s schedule in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International ended on a high note with 14-year-old JJ Torano of Wellington, FL, winning his first ever grand prix in the $30,000 Traverse City National Grand Prix. He piloted Vitus K for owner JET Show Stables and bested a 37-horse field of both amateurs and professionals with more than a second to spare. Francisco Goyoaga Mollet finished second on The Diamant Rose Z, while Nicole Shahinian-Simpson rounded out the podium with Cashgirl 7.
For full results, click here.
Isabelle Ehman and Story Hour Save Best for Last
Junior hunter riders concluded their week at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by B&D Builders, on Friday with Isabelle Ehman of Milton, GA, taking top call in the Junior Hunter Classic. The classic included all divisions of junior hunter riders in the 15 & Under and 16-17 age groups. Ehman saved the best for last and scored an 89 in her final round to take the win.
Ehman and the Story Hour, a horse that has already amassed a winning record in the derby ranks with professional Jacob Pope, combined the 89 with an 85 from the first day of competition. Their combined total of 174 beat out the longtime lead of JJ Torano and Disney.
Ehman’s partnership with the 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Don Stewart has been a rewarding development, as Ehman began with the horse at the age of six. “He’s been a project for us so it’s always very satisfying when you’re able to get a high score and win a class. It shows that the work has paid off,” said the 17-year-old. “He’s great, he moves amazingly and he jumps incredibly. It’s awesome to be a part of his journey.”
Ehman’s classic lead was followed by Torano of Wellington, FL, and Disney, owned by Isalou, Inc, who finished just a point behind on scores of 88 and 85 for a 173 total. Taking the third-place spot was Madison Stewart of King George, VA, and her own Lantos finishing on an 84 and 88 for a 172 total.
“The courses today were very fluid,” said Ehman. “There was nothing you had to take back or reset, you were able to take your time and make it look nice. That’s always my favorite part with [Story Hour] because he’s got a big stride so he can cover the ground like he’s floating.”
Competing in her final junior year, Ehman is soaking up every second with her hunter partner while preparing for the indoor show season coming in the fall. “This will be my last indoor season as a junior and his first indoor season fully competing in the junior hunters. I hope to finish out strong and then hopefully he can find a great home to go to and keep continuing his progress.”
As for Ehman’s post-junior plans, she will continue her training under the direction of Katie and Henri Prudent at Plain Bay Farm and focus her efforts on growing in the jumper arena. Her current goal is to compete at the three-star level.
GLEF IV hunter action will culminate with Sunday’s $25,000 Platinum Performance USHJA International Derby, taking up the spotlight in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring.
For full results, click here.
