Mark Bluman Holds a Hot Hand in the $125,000 Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge CSI 5*-W

By Jumper News on 2025-11-14

Toronto, Ontario – November 13, 2025 – Mark Bluman (COL) of Colombia blazed to his second victory in as many days in the $125,000 Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge CSI 5*-W on Thursday evening, November 13, at the Royal Horse Show CSI5*-W, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

After winning the McKee Family International Speed CSI 5*-W one night earlier, Bluman rose to the occasion once again in the Mad Barn Big Ben Challenge, this time aboard Ubiluc, owned by Daniel Bluman and Over The Top Stables. Mark attacked the short course designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. of Germany, and laid it all on the line as he flew to the final obstacle, a delicate vertical. Ultimately, he set an uncatchable time at 35.62 seconds.

The German-bred Ubiluc has been a part of the Bluman Equestrian program since the 13-year-old gelding (Ubiko x Lucian) was six. Ridden by Mark as a six and seven-year-old, his cousin, Daniel, then took over the ride and developed the horse to the international level. He handed the reins back to Mark in 2023 and, since then, the pair have collected an astounding 44 top 10 international finishes.

The familial partnership was on full display on Thursday night in the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

“I told Daniel to watch the jump-off because I wanted to concentrate on warming up the horse correctly,” said Mark, 34, who is competing at the Royal Horse Show for the first time. “He told me exactly what I needed to do to make it happen and it paid off. He’s a very fast horse so I had that to my advantage.”

**Nina Mallevaey** (FRA) & **Nikka vd Bisschop**

Also making her Royal debut, Nina Mallevaey (FRA), 25, of France jumped a foot perfect jump-off to finish three tenths of a second off the winning pace. She and Nikka vd Bisschop settled for second on a time 35.93 seconds for owners the Rein Family and Tara Dow-Rein.

**Brian Moggre** (USA) & **MTM Vivre le Reve**

Brian Moggre (USA), 24, of the United States rounded out the podium placings in third riding longtime partner MTM Vivre le Reve, owned by Major Wager. They stopped the clock at 36.42 seconds.

Of his competitive debut in Toronto, Mark said, “Winning the Big Ben, named after a legend in the sport, here at The Royal, a very prestigious horse show, is one of my biggest wins with him. I came with big expectations and wanted to make a statement and try to be top five in every class.”

In addition to his two victories, Mark stayed true to his plan and finished fifth in the opening Strength & Speed Welcome on Wednesday.

“This is an unbelievable horse show,” he continued about his experience at The Royal, now in its 103rd year. “It’s not only a horse show, but also an event and one of the best shows I’ve ever been to in my life. The crowd is so involved, and the atmosphere when the crowd is cheering for you is the most amazing feeling. It’s what I have enjoyed the most about being here.”