Wirasnik 'tall in saddle' during 'rookie' season

by Nancy Jaffer/For The Star-Ledger

Saturday February 07, 2009
 

Photo courtesy of Pat Wirasnik

The Delaware Valley Horsemen's Association, marking its 60th anniversary this year, has a unique down-home appeal stemming from the variety of its shows, reasonable entry fees and the volunteer workload that members share.

The organization turned out to be a perfect fit for the Wirasnik family of Pittstown. It was evident at DVHA's high-score awards dinner last month that they have taken advantage of the many opportunities available at the showgrounds in Sergeantsville, which are buzzing with competitions each weekend from mid-April until early November.

The Wirasniks did well in several categories, but what meant the most was a surprise "specialty" honor. Jim Wirasnik, 55, who runs a construction company and didn't get really involved with horses until two years ago, was "shocked and thrilled," as his wife, Pat, put it when he was presented with the Outstanding Adult Beginner title for driving.

That was in addition to his Gentleman to Drive championship and a reserve championship with the family's North American Spotted Draft Horse mare, E.B. Lily, in the draft horse division. His son Marc, an 18-year-old senior at North Hunterdon Regional High School, was champion in that division with their Percheron, Sky Run's Black Rolling Thunder.

Wirasnik simply used to watch as his son and his 20-year-old daughter Kristen, a student at Centenary College, went about their equestrian pursuits.

"You could tell how badly he wanted to do it," his wife said, "but it took a little coaxing. He didn't want to take it away from the kids. He should have started a year or two earlier. 'You're not taking it away, you're going to enhance it,'" she told him, and she was right.

His wife noted he and his son are constantly setting goals.

"It's all they talk about," she reported, as they discuss everything from taking part in parades to starting combined driving and the possibility of someday having a six-horse hitch.

E.B. Lily was the DVHA's all-around horse with Kristen Wirasnik two years ago, excelling in jumping as well as in driving and draft classes.

"Everybody is impressed when we hook the horses up to the carts," Jim Wirasnik said.

"We drive them on the roads. You'd be amazed at the people who stop and take pictures. For the size of these horses, you would think you have to do a lot of pulling, but it's almost like driving a sports car," he contended.

Whether he's caring for the horses in his backyard, taking lessons or just going for a drive, Wirasnik values his involvement.

"It's my peace time. I can relax and get away from the stress," he said.
 

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