Coming soon: A Search for Collection: Science and Art in Riding, a new book by Paul Belasik. See Media page for more information
 

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Paul Belasik is a highly respected international rider, trainer, writer and teacher, and an avowed proponent of classical equestrian ideals. It has been said that his diversity of qualities and skills place him firmly in a lineage of riding masters that traces all the way down from the Renaissance, but also marks him out as exceptional in a modern era that places ever more emphasis on specialization.

A graduate of Cornell University, Belasik has ridden and trained at every level in dressage, from young horses to beyond Grand Prix, and has successfully competed at the highest levels in international competition. He also has had extensive experience training and competing through the upper levels of eventing, which

encompassed the early part of his career, before turning solely to his first and true love of classical dressage. Belasik has sought wisdom from great riding masters such as Dr. HLM van Schaik and Nuno Oliveira, and his wide-ranging studies include the concepts of Zen Buddhism and martial arts..


That there is still a thirst for 'the wider picture' is evident in the reception given to Belasik's trilogy, Riding Towards the Light, Exploring Dressage Technique and Songs of Horses. These books have already gained Belasik a large and appreciative international following. In these books he proved himself unique among equestrian writers in that he has the ability to weave the academic, the artistic, the spiritual and the physical into an enthralling narrative with universal appeal. Whether the reader was a novice, one-horse owner or an international trainer there was something to think about, something to be gained from every page.

In 2002, this charismatic trainer, rider, and philosopher produced a major work-Dressage for the 21st Century-that covers all aspects of riding and training and marries a genuine adherence to classical principles with modern thinking. Drawing analogies from a wide range of arts, science, and philosophies, and firmly grounded in the works of the

equestrian masters, this is nevertheless an extremely practical book that takes the reader from early work with the young horse to the airs above the ground. The beautiful photographs demonstrate that not only is Belasik someone who can teach it, he can do it as well.

Paul Belasik gives clinics, lectures, and demonstrations internationally, and trains a wide cross-section of clients at his Pennsylvania Riding Academy at Lost Hollow Farm, where in particular, his celebrated short courses concentrating on the rider’s position have brought him acclaim from students from all over the world. Belasik has helped all levels of riders from all around the world for over thirty years. They are a diverse group as members of various national and international equestrian teams, a North American Endurance Champion, Handicapped champions, as well as riders of various levels with no interest in competition. His training methods focus not only on the practical, physical point of view, but also with a keen eye toward the artistic, scientific, and philosophical components of horsemanship as well.