Riding Towards the Light: An Apprenticeship in the Art of Dressage Riding

by Paul Belasik

The story of Paul Belasik's apprenticeship: 13 years spent studying centuries of literature and observing the masters. A wise, honest, and inspiring book.

Genres: Horses, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1990

Reviews

[Sid · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're one of those people that wonders - well if I don't want to show at those prissy horse competitions, then what is the point of practicing dressage? Paul Belasik might give you a clue or two into that. At least he started to show me how to ride towards the light.

There aren't many books that speak to the intersection between the worlds of spirituality and dressage. In Riding Towards the Light, my interpretation of his work is that Paul Belasik articulated a journey down that path. At the same time, although he brings in eastern spirituality during his apprenticeship, he leaves the intersection of these discliplines largely unarticulated - probably a wise idea. I feel this might be one of those things that are best experienced, as opposed to articulated. Specifically, perhaps experiencing a spiritual connection between yourself and your horse or just within yourself (as can happen on the Yoga mat) while moving your mount through a set of dressage movements might just be one of those. Perhaps I'm overstating Belasik's intent; however this is what I'm beginning to feel when I'm on my horses and is possibly a destination on my journey through the art of dressage. Loved the book.

[^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very, good. I have never ridden a horse in my life (only the odd pony or two, on a leading rein, in my childhood); but Mr Belasik’s writing is so technical, yet fluid, fully descriptive and exact, that I almost feel that I am there with him, thinking his thoughts, feeling every muscular move of my mount beneath. This book is a truly remarkable piece of writing. I have watched TV coverage of Olympic dressage events, but have never watched the discipline live, and have never even begun to think about, let alone understand the anatomy of a horse and how it moves. After reading this book I felt both humbled and sad; sad because dressage doesn’t have the higher profile and wider audience which it deserves. OK, without knowledge and understanding dressage is not ‘exciting’ to watch. But then, so much in Life requires a personal investment in time and learning, before reward can be reaped. This book makes an excellent channel towards that necessary learning.

My copy is a 1992 reprint.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most amazing book I've ever read about riding. It's not about HOW to ride. It is about the journey of riding and learning.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy the account very much! The final chapters helped me personally to understand the journey.