THE next generation of show jumping elite stars were born into the world this week (with the exact same birthday) when both Germany’s Simone Blum and USA’s McLain Ward welcomed newborns.

Blum, who was crowned the world champion in 2018 with DSP Alice, gave birth to her first child with husband Hansi this week. Hanna Sophie Blum was born on Monday, February 17th, and announcing the news on her Instagram, Simone said: “All are well, infinitely happy and grateful for the little miracle.”