Mark Bluman (center), Jessica Mendoza (left) and Natalie Dean (right) on the podium for the Highlands Cup, presented by Miller Motorcars, with Pedro (left) and Juan Torres (right). Photo © Shannon Brinkman
Amenia, N.Y. – October 12, 2026—From a starting field that included six of the world’s top 10 riders, Israel’s Mark Bluman lifted the coveted Highlands Cup after riding Landon de Nyze for owner Aram Ampagoumian, LLC, to win the $340,00 Highlands Cup 5* Grand Prix, presented by Miller Motorcars, on Sunday, the final day of the Autumn Invitational at Highlands.
“Coming in, I was hungry to get it done,” said Bluman following his win. “I had a bad day in the qualifier this week with three rails down, so I was worried about what would happen today.”
The Highlands Cup was the fourth stop on the Major League Show Jumping tour for 2026, and welcomed a rider list that included the world’s top three in Richard Vogel (GER), Kent Farrington (USA), and Shane Sweetnam (IRL), as well as reigning Olympic champion Christian Kukuk (GER). A star-studded jump-off saw 12 return to decide the winner over tracks built by Olympic course designer Gregory Bodo (FRA).
“This is the beauty of Major League right now: it’s attracting a lot of top riders,” continued Bluman. “Having six of the world’s top 10 here is unbelievable, but when I’m in there, I don’t think about who’s better than me—I try to do my best and be at my best every time I’m in the ring.
“It takes a village to get results like this,” continued Bluman of his second 5* Grand Prix victory with Landon, former championship mount of American Kent Farrington. “My girlfriend Lucy flatted Landon for me yesterday and told me I was going to be fine—he felt great and was ready.”
Bluman and Landon de Nyze, a Zangersheide gelding sired by Comilfo Plus Z out of a Quadrillo mare, delivered a jump-off performance in 36.32 seconds, setting a formidable target for the remaining competitors. The closest challenger, Jessica Mendoza (GBR) rode Amman Equestrian’s Ascadina PP Z to second in 37.31 seconds, while USA’s Natalie Dean rounded out the podium on Acota M in 37.65 seconds for Marigold Sporthorses.
Event creator Pedro Torres commented on the growth and success of the Autumn Invitational, saying, “This was a dream only two years ago, so to see it today—the crowd that turned out even in imperfect weather—is very rewarding.
“Our team has worked tirelessly to curate an experience that now includes top show jumping; an unmatched rider experience at all levels; the debut of the Alliant Private Client Gallery; the second annual Bridlemont Concours; and opportunities to give back to the community around us through the Highlands Charity Challenge and Pursuit of Purpose event on Saturday evening,” he continued. “Seeing it all come together and be this successful is exceptionally rewarding. I can’t wait for next year.”
Complete results from the $340,000 Highlands Cup 5* Grand Prix, presented by Miller Motorcars, are available HERE.
Earlier in the day, Abigail Kazam of Pine Plains, N.Y., won the $10,000 GGT Footing Junior/Amateur 1.10m Classic riding her own Union Star Z.
“Union Star is just incredible; he loves to jump, he loves to win, and he is the ultimate partner. Everything worked out perfectly for us today,” mused Kazam, who rides with Judy Torres at Higher Ground Farm, making the event a home win for her. “This is such a special show. It’s the best feeling to be in this ring and on this podium after riding courses designed by an Olympic designer. The riders love it, the horses love it, the spectators love it.”
Wrapping up national competition during the Highlands Cup, Paige Perry of Chittenango, N.Y., topped the $5,000 Alliant Private Client Junior/Amateur 1.0m Classic aboard her own Kattleya du Chapitre.
“Three or four months ago, I made a switch from the two-foot hunters to the jumper ring, so it has been a big change,” said Perry, 13, whose family assists her in commuting from near Syracuse to Old Salem Farm in North Salem, N.Y., to ride with Sarah Schering. “I like to go fast, this horse likes to go fast and she tries to go clear every time. We make a really good pair. Yesterday, I didn’t place at all so winning [the classic] today was a big surprise. I’ve never done anything like this, so it’s really special.”
Rounding out the day, Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard won the Bridlemont Concours 5* Winning Round riding Genius de Rance for owner Ilan Ferder.
Complete results from the final day of the Autumn Invitation at Highlands can be found HERE.
Second Annual Bridlemont Concours Crowns Winners
The second annual Bridlemont Concours welcomed an unparalleled gathering of automotive icons on Sunday. From collectors to enthusiasts, horsepower came in many forms during the Autumn Invitational at Highlands. View this year’s winners below and learn more about the Bridlemont Concours HERE.
2026 Winners
Best in Show
1966 Abarth Periscopio OT 1300 – Nikolay Stoytchev
Legacy Collector
Juan Gonzalez
Competition Excellence
1997 Ferrari SP 333
Two-Wheeled Icon
2002 Ducati MH900e – Henry Shamamian
1991 Bimota Tesi 1D – Philip Richter
Spirit of Preservation
1985 Porsche Carrera 3.2 Targa – Robert LaForty
Design Innovation
1957 Dual Ghia D500 – Ed & Carole Blumenthal
Curators Award
1953 Jaguar XK120 FHC – Rob & Clare DiNuzzo
Next Gen
1976 BMW 2002 – Carter Kramer
People’s Choice
1957 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe – Jill Verrester
2015 LaFerrari – Ted Vlock
1966 Type 2 Model 251 Microbus Deluxe VW Bus – Wilson Stavaros
About Highlands Hudson Valley
Highlands is a 1,000-acre destination in New York’s Hudson Valley where world-class equestrian competition, luxury hospitality, automotive culture, art, and philanthropy come together. Home to The Autumn Invitational—a collection of signature events including the Discovery Land Company Masters, Highlands Cup, and Bridlemont Concours—it creates immersive experiences that celebrate sport while supporting meaningful community impact throughout the Hudson Valley. Highlands activations include The Gallery Experience, curated by acclaimed artist Brendan Murphy, as well as a Kid Zone, Fan Zone, The Shops at Highlands, and more. Highlands Horse Show Inc. is a New York 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. To learn more, visit www.highlandshudsonvalley.com.