Mark Bluman & S&L Hello Sunshine are presented as winners of the Baobab Collection 3* Two-Phase by Abigail Monk of Highlands Hudson Valley. Photo © Shannon Brinkman
Amenia, N.Y. – September 30, 2026—Set against the stunning autumn backdrop of New York’s Hudson Valley, Mark Bluman (ISR) opened the 2026 Discovery Land Company Masters by winning the Baobab Collection 3* Two-Phase riding S&L Hello Sunshine to open international competition at Highlands during the Autumn Invitational.
“You can’t win them all if you don’t win on the first day,” said Bluman after the victory aboard S&L Hello Sunshine, a 9-year-old Diamant de Semilly son.
Ireland’s Christian Coyle set an early target in the speed phase, clocking 28.39 seconds on his own Chicago CM, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding (San Patrignano Cassini x Carpaccio). Bluman answered back in 28.16 seconds to settle Coyle in second by less than three-tenths. Rounding out the podium, USA’s Megan McDermott piloted Nintendo, a 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Nintender x Chaco Blue), to third in 29.12 seconds for owner Counter Balance, LLC.
“I didn’t see Christians round, but I was really fast to the oxer before the last line, and I think that is where I made up the difference,” said Bluman of S&L Hello Sunshine’s speed across course designer Nick Granat’s (USA) two-phase track. “Hello Sunshine is quite the competitor—he knows exactly what his job is, and that’s his biggest strength. You don’t need to do much or jump big at home; you just need to keep him happy and he comes to the show to win.”
Bluman got the ride on S&L Hello Sunshine during the stallion’s 7-year-old year and will aim him at Sunday’s featured Discovery Land Company 3* Grand Prix.
“They do an unbelievable job with this event,” said Bluman, who recently carried the Israeli flag at the FEI World Show Jumping Championship in Aachen, Germany. “The season is still quite long for me, but it’s very nice to be here in such a beautiful place this time of year.”
Complete results from the $31,300 Baobab Collection 3* Two-Phase can be found HERE.
Competition during the Discovery Land Company Masters features exceptional offerings for amateur athletes in a breathtaking setting, as well as three-star FEI competition culminating in Sunday’s featured Discovery Land Company 3* Grand Prix. General admission is free all week, and streaming is available at ClipMyHorse.Tv. For more information on ticketing, special events and schedules, visit www.highlandshudsonvalley.com.
Ballard, Pérez Bilbao Top Podiums in National Ranks
Canadian Olympian Erynn Ballard piloted New Star vd Berghoeve, owned by Ilan Ferder, to win the INEOS 1.40m over USA’s Lillie Keenan earlier in the day. With less than a second separating them, Ballard crossed the timers in 33.008 seconds over Keenan’s 34.831, riding Agana van het Gerendal Z for owner Chansonette Farm.
“This mare is Ilan’s favorite horse, and he gets a lot of joy out of watching her compete—he does all the schooling, and then I take over at the shows,” said Ballard, who stepped New Star vd Berghoeve down in height for confidence building this week after a summer campaign at the international level, which was highlighted by a 2* and 3* win in Michigan.
“I look forward to these two weeks all year,” concluded Ballard. “The weather is usually gorgeous, and you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting.”
Keenan also found success as an owner on opening day of the Discovery Land Company Masters. Spain’s Diego Pérez Bilbao piloted her Conlantum U.P. to christen the day and win the Salem Farm Supply 1.30m. The 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Conditus X Quantum) joined Keenan’s string a month ago after she spotted him competing in Germany.
“This was my first time competing him, and I think he’s lovely,” said Pérez Bilbao, who campaigns many of Keenan’s up-and-coming mounts and is making his Highlands debut this week. “He’s everything you could ask for—really easy with good balance, a good mouth, and a great brain.”
Competition at Highlands continues on Thursday with juniors and amateurs taking to the ring at 1.20m height, as well as the Evergate Stables 3* Speed. Complete results from Highlands Hudson Valley can be found HERE.
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.