Reviews

"[Belasik is] an enjoyable and entertaining writer. He has an ample intellectual view of the world that layers his work, plus an unabashed love of the natural world, combined with a scientific rigor regarding the role of equine biomechanics. It is rare stuff, indeed." —Dressage Today

“Bringing Together part history lesson, part biography, a dash of hope, and a pinch of unvarnished truths, Paul Belasik knits together a professor’s tale of dressage theory, taking us on a journey through his travels around the world both by air and by studied text, narrating his experiences along the way. Visiting Germany, Portugal, France, Spain, and Austria either by foot or by research, he weaves us through the varying faces of classical dressage and how it intertwines between cultures and schools of thought on a search for where collection truly resides. Once again Mr. Belasik proves the journey itself is far more important than the actual destination.” —Jeremy Steinberg, USEF High Performance Rider, Former USEF Dressage Youth Coach

"I could go on and on reveling in the quotes from this important book, but I hope I have written enough that you will be determined to go out and get your own copy. The great thing about a book like this is that while you may not agree with every word, it makes you think. Think. Think about that." —The Horse

"Belasik challenges riders to forget the allure of prizes and remember that the true reward of riding is finding harmony with horses." —UnTacked

“Dressage for No Country in short, is a rare, topic-transcending book. It’s about dressage, but it covers teaching styles, history, it touches on breeding and conformation and examines training systems and objectivity in judging, to the point that the autobiographical aspect seems almost an afterthought. I’d consider it almost as much a guide to life as a book about dressage." —Horse Nation

"Belasik has a unique writing style that enraptured me and transformed his book from a training manual into a peek inside his personal diary." —Practical Horseman

About the Author

Paul Belasik is a highly respected international rider, trainer, writer, and teacher, and an avowed proponent of classical equestrian ideals. Belasik has ridden and trained at every level in dressage, from young horses to Grand Prix and beyond. He also has had extensive experience in eventing, which encompassed the early part of his career, before turning solely to his first and true love: classical dressage and the art of riding. 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. Belasik has authored eight books, and he gives clinics, lectures, and demonstrations internationally while training a wide cross-section of clients at his Pennsylvania Riding Academy at Lost Hollow Farm www.paulbelasik.com.