Mark Bluman and Phelina de Septon Keep Streak Alive
Mark Bluman & Phelina de Septon. Photo ©Sportfot
Wellington, Fla. – January 15, 2026 — During the two months ahead of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Mark Bluman (COL) and Phelina de Septon collected nine international top 10 finishes together. They kept that streak alive on opening day of FEI competition during WEF 2 by winning the $32,000 Dodd Technologies CSI3* 1.45m Speed on the grass derby field at Wellington International on Thursday.
The one-round speed set by course designer Olaf Petersen, Jr. (GER) was the perfect stage for Bluman and Phelina de Septon to put their natural speed to good use and finish more than a second ahead of nearest challenger Ben Maher (GBR) riding Ginger-Blue for owner Jane Forbes Clark. The former Olympic champion stopped the clock at 63.44 seconds, while Bluman and his 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare (Jenson Van’t Meulenhof x Landor S) owned by Mario Deslauriers broke the timer beam in 62.2 seconds.
USA’s Chloe Reid rounded out the podium in 64.85 second aboard Chelsea 179, owned by Live Oak Plantation.
“This field is a beautiful place to be, and it feels great to be back,” said Bluman, who got the ride on Phelina de Septon in May of 2025. “This is my first [WEF] season with her, but since I started with her, it’s been unbelievable — we’ve had an unbelievable run.”
Scott Stewart Takes High Performance Conformation Title
Scott Stewart and California Love started off their season at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with a champion tricolor in the Wellington Regional Medical Center High Performance Conformation division.
Stewart and the 10-year-old Holsteiner stallion by Daytona Love won three times over fences as well topping the under saddle and model to take top call for owner Dr. Betsee Parker.
After a recent break from the show ring, California Love Daytona Love came out strong scoring 89, 87, and 84 over fences. “We don’t show him that much and the last time he’s shown was The National in late October,” said Stewart of Wellington, FL. “The focus is always keeping him fit enough for jumping.”
Starting the season on a high note, Stewart is hoping California Love can continue with consistent rounds in the high performance and conformation classes. Their major goal is to shine during the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week halfway through the season.
Wellington International
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