Outstanding achievement in the sport of dressage gives rise to sincere congratulations ... and appreciation of what has gone into the success.
The conclusion of the 2008-2009 competition season highlights the success of a special stallion who is sure to remain "the standard against we measure the best" ... for many years to come!
In April 2009 Shiraz won back to back, Champion of Champions awards at the prestigious Dressage of the Stars event and became the first Australian horse to do this. He was beautifully ridden by Gitte Donvig, who was highly commended by Ulf Möller from PSI (Performance Sales International) in Germany who officiates at this event.
At the Victorian Dressage Club's annual Awards competition on the weekend of the 12th and 13th of September, 2009, Shiraz Black took out two of the awards for highest achievement over the past 12 months. He was named the VDC's top performer at both Novice and Elementary levels - he was ridden by Gitte Donvig in the events for this season.
Gitte's mum and Victorian State Dressage Coach, Mary Hanna took over the ride following his DWTS win, and they have progressed up the grades to Medium and Advanced level. At the weekend's competition Shiraz Black put his name forward as a strong contender for the coming season's prize by winning two championships at Medium and Advanced level, with his owner Mary Hanna in the saddle.
Shiraz Black has 3 great paces, but it is his wonderful canter that many believe to be his special talent and gives him the expression and talent for the high scoring flying changes and lateral canter work.
The imported son of Sandro Hit had a very successful 2008 stud season and Statene Park principal Mary Hanna said "We had almost 100% fertility with mares on the first try, this makes breeding a pleasure and very easy. Shiraz has well and truly lived up to our most optimistic expectations in every way, I am loving working with him and thank Gitte for the terrific job she did with him in his early days."