This short book examines the history, origins and unintended consequences of the commonly used and widely accepted practice of “long and low” riding and training in dressage. International rider, trainer, writer and teacher Paul Belasik explains the little-known origins of the mysterious practice that has evolved into a major modern-day controversy.
Long and low riding has negative effects on the quality of dressage at the highest levels of the sport and widespread confusion for riders of all levels. This important book seeks to educate riders on why it is taught, where it came from, and how the unintended consequences have played out for riders all over the world. It is essential reading for all dressage riders, and any event riders and jumpers wishing to better understand the origins of long and low.
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Birth of Long and Low: Germany 1832-1852
Chapter 2 The Bones of the Revolution
Chapter 3 Postwar Long and Low - On the Front Lines
Chapter 4 1980-1990: The Gloves Come Off
Chapter 5 1900’s - 2000’s A Giraffe is a Giraffe, No Matter What You Want to Call It
Chapter 6 “A Parallel Universe”
Conclusion
References
Biography
Paul Belasik is a highly respected international rider, trainer, writer and teacher. An avowed proponent of classical equestrian ideals, he has published eight books on dressage and riding including the perennial favorite Riding Towards the Light, and most recently, Dressage for No Country.
A graduate of Cornell University, Belasik has ridden and trained at every level in dressage, from young horses to beyond Grand Prix into airs above the ground. He has successfully competed at the highest levels in competition. He also has extensive experience training and competing through the upper levels of eventing, which encompassed the early part of his career before he turned 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. Paul has also been a lifelong breeder of horses, first with Trakehners and then Andalusians. Paul’s Andalusian stallion Excelso successfully competed in international Grand Prix competition and sired a number of upper-level horses, including offspring which have competed through Grand Prix.
Paul Belasik gives clinics, lectures and demonstrations internationally. He trains a wide cross-section of clients at his Pennsylvania Riding Academy at Lost Hollow Farm, where his short courses concentrating on the rider’s position have brought him acclaim from students who have come to the farm from all over the world.
Belasik has helped all levels of riders from around the world for over forty years. They are a diverse group: members of various national and international equestrian teams, a North American Endurance Champion, Handicapped champions, and riders of various levels with no interest in competition. His training methods focus not only on the practical, physical point of view, but also keep a keen eye toward the artistic, scientific, and philosophical components of horsemanship. In 2002, Belasik produced a major work, Dressage for the 21st Century. This book covers all aspects of riding and training and marries a genuine adherence to classical principles with modern thinking.
His website is https://paulbelasik.com/index.php/paul-belasik/
“So much of the material in this book is completely enthralling. I need to have it on my shelf so I can read, then re-read it.”
Anne Wilson, author of Unity between Horse and Rider and classical riding teacher
