Jeanette Sassoon with Cherokee and Valiant.
The lights dimmed and a quiet hush fell over the 2014 American Horse Publications (AHP) Annual Awards Banquet as a movie illuminated the room. The attendees of the 2014 AHP Annual Awards Banquet were the first to witness a preview to the Valiant Documentary, but now the opportunity to share in the journey of Jeanette Sassoon and the blind dressage horse named Valiant that captured the hearts of a nation is available for you to view.
Valiant wasn’t always a champion dressage horse competing with the best of the best on a national and international level in Wellington, FL. After he went blind he ever so slowly rehabilitated his body and mind and regained his trust with the unconditional love and care of his owner. He never recovered his sight but through the eyes of his human companion he surpassed all expectations of ever reaching a normal life – he reached the impossible dream by anyone’s standards. Sassoon was invited to the 2014 American Horse Publications Annual Awards Banquet, where she presented Silke Rottermann with the Valiant Human-Animal Bond Award, sponsored by Luipold Animal Health, manufacturers of Adequan® (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan). The preview for the feature length documentary was a success, with tear filled eyes and a standing ovation resounding as it concluded. Everyone is talking about the documentary, and Valiant’s legacy; it’s time for you to join the conversation by visiting http://valiantdocumentary.com/.
Please view the final performance given by Valiant at the Rolex 3 Day Event, held at the Kentucky Horse Park in the Alltech Arena in 2013. You will also see Cherokee’s first performance from the opening “Polo West Brings Western to Wellington” event, located in Wellington, FL, in May 2014.
Sassoon stated, “Valiant’s message of hope and inspiration transcends all equine disciplines, all geographic locations, all people and all periods of time. His story is an example of how all types of relationships work best, without confrontation and without force and with the right intention coming from honesty. Acceptance of what life offers, and understanding there are lessons to learn from all these trials and tribulations, was an important personal awareness of our journey together.”
Valiant passed in November 2013, but he certainly will be remembered through the Valiant Human Animal Bond Award and his best buddy and stablemate ‘Cherokee,’ who is also blind. Cherokee was passed the torch and will carry on in Valiant’s memory and legacy.
PoloGear® is the exclusive supplier of the Valiant Collection. The Valiant Collection of apparel is inspired by the blind dressage horse named Valiant and designed by his loving owner Sassoon and dedicated to him and all the wonderful messages and virtues he acknowledged throughout his lifetime. The Valiant Collection is made exclusively by the prestigious company that makes clothing and equipment for all disciplines throughout the equestrian world. PoloGear® has been a staple in the Wellington equestrian community since 1993.
PoloGear’s dedication to quality and attention to detail is never lost in their production. For more information on PoloGear® USA and to order products, visit www.PoloGearusa.com.
For more information about the Valiant Feature Length Documentary, and to join the conversation, please visit http://valiantdocumentary.com/.
Media Contact: Kendall Bierer
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com