Sahar and Whitman piaffe their way to the top to win the Grand Prix at The Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association (ESDCTA) Summer Days Dressage Show in Gladstone. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Lynne Photography)
Gladstone, NJ (August 2, 2017) — Throughout his years as a successful dressage trainer, Sahar Daniel Hirosh has seen and developed many talented horses – but he’s still in awe of one of his current mounts, Whitman. Whitman, aptly referred to as “The Amazing Whitman” by Hirosh, is a 2003 KWPN gelding (Rhodium x Camora, Saluut) owned by Salomon and Jane Suwalsky. At the Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association (ESDCTA) Summer Days Dressage Show in Gladstone, New Jersey, on July 26-27, Hirosh and Whitman put in excellent performances to win two back-to-back Grand Prix classes with stellar scores of 67.800 and 68.100 percent.
“Whitman was just amazing,” Hirosh beamed. “This was only our second show together! He was just awesome through it all. Whitman’s talent and heart shine through in every ride. He gives me 100 percent of himself every time.”
Hirosh has been riding Whitman since January, and has been adding to their collection of blue ribbons ever since. “Every day that I ride him, there is more in him – he just never stops offering. He’s getting more and more fit. I’m gaining more confidence in him, and our partnership is growing every time we go down centerline.”
After kicking off their blue ribbon Grand Prix streak earlier this summer, Hirosh and Whitman’s latest victories add to their high hopes for a future of continued success. “Our next show will be a CDI in New York,” Hirosh planned. “We feel confident going into CDI’s now, so that’s our next project. We’re also working on the Freestyle and Grand Prix Special with an eye on competing at the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon – with this horse I feel like the sky is the limit!”
To Hirosh, the journey with Whitman is somewhat of a dream. “There are so many people and horses to be thankful for… I have an amazing team, sponsors, friends, and family who support my dreams.” He is especially grateful to owners Salomon and Jane Suwalsky, and Whitman’s farrier Justin M. Galli. “I have to say I have an incredible team behind me — from my grooms and my assistant — to the owners and sponsors. Everybody just works together. Jane is out of this world – she’s out there every day with Whitman and I.”
Of course, even the most talented teams need the right equipment to keep them performing at their peak potential. “KEP Helmets and Beth Haist at The Horse of Course make sure I’m protected in style. Lisa Wallace of Dressage Sport Boots ensures that Whitman’s legs stay safe and sound. I’m so thankful to Custom Saddlery and my saddle fitter Frank Tobias – not only does our saddle look amazing, but it allows Whitman and I to perform at our best. Our backs have never felt better!”
Pictured left to right are team Sahar members: Karen Ramsing-Bixler, Alex Poggi, Sahar Daniel Hirosh, Lisa McCaffrey (Photo courtesy of Stacy Lynne Photography)
Hirosh also acknowledged the support of sponsor Premier Equestrian, “Winning starts from the ground up — proper footing is everything. I am so grateful to Heidi of Premier Equestrian for installing world-class footing where I train at Sheila Buchbinder’s Hope Acres Farm in Stockton, New Jersey.
With all the ingredients for the formula for success on hand, Hirosh and Whitman are ready to take on the next show ring. To find out more about Sahar Daniel Hirosh and the business he owns and operates – SDH Dressage based at Hope Acres Farm in Stockton, New Jersey — visit www.sdhdressage.com and follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sahar.hirosh.
