News

One of the greatest French equestrian minds, Alexis-Francois L’Hotte said, “Calm, forward, straight..."

05/01/2023

Paul's New Article in The Horse Magazine!

03/30/2023

We have an opening for a horse in training this spring at our lovely classical dressage facility, Pennsylvania Riding Academy.

02/13/2023

Part Two of Starting the Young Horse: First Rides. Rose and her young horse Zane demonstrate early stages of the riding process.

11/10/2022

Why does collection supersede rhythm? Why is it important in competition? Read Paul's new article, published in The Horse Magazine.

11/10/2022

Early training of classical longeing with Rose's new prospect, a 3 year old gelding by Sir Gregory called "Zane.

10/22/2022

“Lily” is a three-coming-four year old striking deep bay PRE mare, 16 hands. Phenomenal disposition, very smart, loves to work.

09/28/2022

Paul's latest article in The Horse Magazine is on longeing in side reins, a cornerstone of classical dressage training.

06/05/2022

In many parts of the country, this is the beginning of the show season. This message goes out particularly to young professionals who are about to feel a little under appreciated and might think their work is going to be unnoticed.

05/27/2022

We are listening to you, and the Pennsylvania Riding Academy has a new option for our immediate 2022 Internship Opening! Aside from our usual rider training internship, we are now offering a barn management internship position.

05/15/2022

Too many people assume that they have the right to ride the horse without respect for some proper communication. They have the right to this authority without granting any authority to the horse; without any reverence for the process; without any willingness to be ordered or changed by the horse...

04/30/2022

Barry Lopez wrote, "What we do to animals troubles us - the horror of laboratory experiments, trophy shooting, factory farming - and our loss of contact with them leaves us mysteriously bereaved. If we could re-establish an atmosphere of respect in our relationships, simple awe for the complexities of animal's lives, I think we would feel revivified as a species..."

04/10/2022

Looking for a unique internship in dressage? Everyday can be a masterclass – it is up to you. We are passionate about sharing dressage with riders who have an interest in theory as well as riding.

03/19/2022

Richard Watjen, who has been considered to have sublime position once said, “No fault in rider position was ever corrected by suppleness. Suppleness is the result of riding in the correct position for years.” Related posts: New Article: Notes on Piaffe Search for Collection in...

03/19/2022

A new article, by Paul Belalsik, about dressage and the military. Why does this linking of dressage to the military and military movements persist, and to this day sometimes overpower the well-documented artistic evolution of dressage?…The provenance of dressage being guided by artistic forces is...

02/17/2022

Australia’s The Horse Magazine has just published Paul’s latest article, click the link to read “How to Take a Riding Lesson and Get Your Money’s Worth,” sure to be a topic of interest to many riders. Related posts: No related posts.

10/28/2021

Bakhita is a 2017 16h+  gray PRE Andalusian mare, both parents imported from Spain. Related posts: New Article: Notes on Piaffe For Sale: Nashville SSH New! Upcoming Prospect: Cataldo FCF For Sale: Jacandara – granddaughter of Evento

10/24/2021

This fall, an opening is available for a horse in dressage training with Paul Belasik and Rose Caslar Belasik. For more information, contact paridingacademy@aol.com or (610) 247-8689. Related posts: Current Opening for Horse in Training Review of demo lecture on Developing a Successful Practice Opening for Horse...

10/06/2021

An Elegant 2012 Lusitano gelding.  Related posts: SOLD: Varo For Sale – Andalusian/Hanoverian IALHA Mare Caposalda

09/26/2021

Alvaro is a very special american mustang, registered AWSSR, who was born wild on BLM land in Nevada and has become a successful dressage horse. Related posts: Sold: Seneca – Remarkabe pure Andalusian gelding SOLD: Haida – 3.5 year old Andalusian cross mare New! Upcoming...

08/24/2021

Here we see Rose and her Hanoverian Sparrow practicing one-tempis flying changes. When you start training and practicing flying changes, your horse probably knows shoulder in, haunches in, all the lateral work. It knows to move over from the leg aids. If you continue to...

04/16/2021

Contact us at paridingacademy@aol.com to book clinics with Paul Belasik for 2021! Related posts: Now booking 2020 clinic dates Short Course Openings, Clinic Available September 15/16 Announcement: 2020 Lecture Demonstration Series Dates Opening for Horse in Training: October

11/25/2020

Paul’s classical training scale, as featured on our History of Dressage Poster, ends with High School. This series celebrates the launch of Paul Belasik’s wall poster that charts the history and heritage of the classical tradition of dressage. Related posts: The Horse Magazine Features Paul’s...

11/17/2020

Very beautiful Andalusian/TB gelding with a disposition to match. Once in a lifetime companion and partner, schooling PSG. Related posts: Seneca – pure Andalusian gelding, 16.2 hands SOLD: Trapunto – Andalusian Gelding by Grand Prix Stallion Sold: Seneca – Remarkabe pure Andalusian gelding Don’t Allow...

11/16/2020

Paul’s classical training scale, as featured on our History of Dressage Poster, continues with Collection. This series celebrates the launch of Paul Belasik’s wall poster that charts the history and heritage of the classical tradition of dressage. Related posts: The Horse Magazine Features Paul’s Classical...

11/11/2020

Paul’s classical training scale, as featured on our History of Dressage Poster, continues with Balance. This series celebrates the launch of Paul Belasik’s wall poster that charts the history and heritage of the classical tradition of dressage. Related posts: The Horse Magazine Features Paul’s Classical...

11/09/2020

Paul’s classical training scale, as featured on our History of Dressage Poster, continues with Communication. This series celebrates the launch of Paul Belasik’s latest project – a wall poster that chart the history and heritage of the classical tradition of dressage. Related posts: The Horse...

11/05/2020

Paul’s classical training scale, as featured on our History of Dressage Poster, begins with Trust. Related posts: The Horse Magazine Features Paul’s Classical Training Scale #2: Communication The Horse Magazine Features Article Series on Heritage of Dressage Poster New Poster Available for Sale! The History...

11/03/2020

This is a four or five part series that Chris Hector of the Horse Magazine is doing on the poster. Related posts: The Horse Magazine Features Paul’s Classical Training Scale #3: Balance The Horse Magazine Features Paul’s Classical Training Scale #2: Communication The Horse Magazine...

11/03/2020

For more information contact: paridingacademy@aol.com Related posts: Current Opening for Horse in Training Current Opening for Horse in Training Current Opening for A Horse in Training Short Course Openings, Clinic Available September 15/16

10/02/2020

On a single page, Paul Belasik has presented a beautiful, frameable poster that should hang in every dressage stable. It is a synopsis of dressage history from the Renaissance to modernity. The genealogy of five centuries of different national schools is a telescope into the...

09/30/2020

A sizeable audience, including a good representation from Pony Club, attended our most recent lecture demo, “Dressage for Everyone.” Related posts: No related posts.

09/24/2020

On a single page, Paul Belasik has presented a beautiful, frameable large poster that should hang in every dressage stable. It is a synopsis of dressage history from the Renaissance to modernity. Related posts: “Modern Study of Expertise” from “Dressage for No Country” Classical Riding...

09/24/2020

Registration is now open for our September Lecture/ Demo, “Dressage for Everyone.” Related posts: New 2019 Lecture/Demo Series At Lost Hollow Farm Announcement: 2020 Lecture Demonstration Series Dates Review of demo lecture on Developing a Successful Practice New Article: Notes on Piaffe

09/10/2020

Students and friends, as Pennsylvania approaches our ‘yellow zone,’ lightening restrictions from Covid 19, the Riding Academy will be resuming lessons and clinics. Related posts: Now Offering: Video Lessons For Sale: Nashville SSH SOLD: Haida – 3.5 year old Andalusian cross mare Short Course Openings,...

04/28/2020

Due to recent changes in travel, Paul and Rose will be offering video lessons for riders unable to train with them in person. Related posts: Announcement: 2020 Lecture Demonstration Series Dates Riding Academy Resuming Lessons and Clinics in May New Article: Notes on Piaffe

03/24/2020

Judging from my mailbox, dressage riders seemed perplexed about how competition judges are currently evaluating some horses’ piaffes at the international level. What is high quality and what is faulty? In this article, I will address two major faults in piaffes of popular riders that...

03/03/2020

We are pleased to announce that Equine America magazine is publishing an excerpt of Paul’s book, Dressage for No Country, in its winter issue. Related posts: Classical Riding Expert Charles de Kunffy Reviews Paul’s New Book “Dressage for No Country” “Modern Study of Expertise” from “Dressage for No Country”...

02/12/2020

Do you have a young horse you would like to have started classically? Are you feeling stuck with your horse’s training? Do you wish to advance your horse’s training and your knowledge? Related posts: Current Opening for Horse in Training Current Opening for A Horse...

01/23/2020

Following the popularity of last year’s lecture/demonstrations here at the farm, we are pleased to announce our 2020 series of dates and topics. Related posts: New 2019 Lecture/Demo Series At Lost Hollow Farm Recap: Rider Position Lecture/Demo Recap and Video Clips of Longeing and Work...

01/15/2020

Lecture given on January 11, 2020 for Potomac Valley Dressage Association Related posts: No related posts.

01/14/2020

See this link to a marvelous review of Dressage for No Country posted by Horse Nation! Related posts: No related posts.

12/16/2019

Nashville SSH is a 16.2, 2016 double registered PRE Andalusian gelding. This premium prospect has a fantastic mind, doesn’t shy, and comes in ready to work each day. He is a beautiful mover and a joy to train. Related posts: For Sale – Andalusian/Hanoverian IALHA Mare...

12/12/2019

Paul’s new book, Dressage for No Country, is featured in the November/December issue of the Chronicle’s “Untacked” Magazine! Thanks to Kieran Paulsen for the in-depth review, and remember what a great stocking stuffer this book is for anyone who loves to ride. Related posts: No...

12/09/2019

We have a holiday gift for you! Introducing our fledgling podcast, Dressage Notes with Paul Belasik. Our first topic is “Walk and the Myth of the Significance of Overtracking.” Find it on Soundcloud, subscribe and share. Related posts: No related posts.

12/09/2019

  Paul is now booking clinic dates for 2020! Please contact us at paridingacademy@aol.com to secure your preferred dates. Related posts: No related posts.

10/15/2019

Need inspiration? Want to see Paul in person? Paul’s fall travel schedule includes many dates and locations around the United States and in Canada. Related posts: No related posts.

10/04/2019

  To recap our last lecture/demo of the season, we have a special treat of some brief video clips! Paul gave a lecture on the history of longeing, followed by an explanation of our equipment with a live horse model and discussion of other methods...

10/04/2019

2016 Andalusian gelding, a very fancy horse in a smaller package. Athletic 15.2 with some room to grow and a loveable personality that aims to please. Related posts: For Sale: Nashville SSH SOLD: Varo Seneca – pure Andalusian gelding, 16.2 hands Riding Academy Resuming Lessons...

09/18/2019

Rose Caslar Belasik’s unique book about her first year riding with Paul Belasik is a special opportunity for those interested in classical dressage and Paul’s system to dive headfirst into a detailed firsthand account. Related posts: Classical Riding Expert Charles de Kunffy Reviews Paul’s New...

09/18/2019

Nashville is a kind, elegant 2016 PRE gelding, 16.2. He is a premium prospect and we have been very pleased with his demeanor and trainability Related posts: No related posts.

09/18/2019

Please call 610 247 8689 or email paridingacademy@aol.com for more information about bringing your horse into training with us. Related posts: No related posts.

08/19/2019

Our August lecture/demonstration on Developing Collection was another fun opportunity for riders to learn more about Paul’s method and approach to training, which has been carefully developed over 45 years. Related posts: No related posts.

08/19/2019

Save the date for our next lecture event on August 11 at the Pennsylvania Riding Academy: Developing Collection. Have you wondered what collection really is and what it isn’t? Related posts: No related posts.

07/29/2019

Our latest lecture/demonstration event at Lost Hollow Farm was an in-depth, practical look at effective use of correct rider position. Related posts: Recap and Video Clips of Longeing and Work in-Hand Lecture/Demo Review of demo lecture on Developing a Successful Practice New 2019 Lecture/Demo Series...

07/26/2019

    In Dressage for No Country, Paul Belasik has written a “page-turner” book that one is reluctant to put down. In a charming and conversationally intimate style, Mr. Belasik discusses many of the important principles inherited by the classical riding tradition. He reminds us that this...

07/23/2019

From “Dressage for No Country:” The Road to Mastery and The Modern Study of Expertise.     I have noticed a nagging weakness that shows up in a lot of riders. They have an aversion to studying theory. Related posts: Paul’s New Book: “Dressage for...

07/23/2019

Caposalda is a 15.3 hand 2011 registered Half Andalusian (IALHA). “Cappy” is a comfortable, responsive mare with easy lateral work and extensions. Schooling flying changes (see video.) Lovely gaits and potential to go much farther. Related posts: SOLD: Haida – 3.5 year old Andalusian cross...

06/18/2019

  In every dressage competition test, at every level, in every country, the horse and rider will start and finish the test with a halt. The beginning of the test may read, “A: Enter working trot. X: Halt, Salute. Proceed collected trot.” Related posts: New...

05/29/2019

  Our second lecture demonstration of the year, Developing a Successful Practice, was a comprehensive overview of principles for both the rider and the horse. Related posts: Review of Musical Freestyles Demo: Expression and Design New 2019 Lecture/Demo Series At Lost Hollow Farm Recap: Rider...

05/29/2019

Sold: Three year old pure Andalusian gelding. 16.2 hands. One of the nicest prospects we've been able to offer. No weaknesses in his gaits, beautiful balance for a young horse.

05/29/2019

The weather could not have been better. There was bright sun, a light breeze, and 72 degrees for our first lecture demo of the year. We broke the afternoon into three sections.In the first section,

04/26/2019

281 Lost Hollow Road Dillsburg, PA The Pennsylvania Riding Academy is pleased to announce a new lecture and demonstration series for 2019. Paul Belasik will conduct six sessions, once per month April through September. Related posts: Review of demo lecture on Developing a Successful Practice...

04/07/2019

A beautiful passage for Spring, from one of Paul's books.

03/26/2019

I think many people make a big mistake when they initially seek instruction in any field. Whether the person is an adult looking for help for themselves or a parent looking for lesson for a child, the logic usually goes something like this: I’m just...

03/07/2019

He spent a lifetime studying and traveled the world in search of “true” dressage. This is what he found.   Related posts: “Modern Study of Expertise” from “Dressage for No Country” Classical Riding Expert Charles de Kunffy Reviews Paul’s New Book “Dressage for No Country”...

01/29/2019

This is the second part of a two part blog. The first was about music in the daily existence of a dressage stable.  Related posts: Review of Musical Freestyles Demo: Expression and Design Teaching, Criticism and Self Esteem Review of demo lecture on Developing a...

01/29/2019

This is a two part blog. The first is about music in the daily existence of a dressage stable. The second will be about musical freestyles. Related posts: No related posts.

01/18/2019

In an article recently published by the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, a question is framed in bold type: “Should we redefine equine lameness in the era of quantitative gait analysis?” The article begins, “An international team of researchers, including [some] from the Royal...

01/02/2019

Here is a glimpse of one of our exciting prospects that will be available in 2019. Seneca is a 2016 pure Andalusian gelding, 16.2 hands. This gelding has three comfortable, excellent quality gaits and a phenomenal disposition. Incredibly kind and responsive, he is a pleasure to work with.

12/26/2018

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  – Children’s rhyme. Related posts: Musical Freestyle: Your Horse is Not a Large Drum The essence of the halt – few judges understand what it is Asymmetry and Soundness: Analysis and Selling...

12/17/2018

We have selected a few of Paul’s past lectures from old recordings to share with you that illuminate Paul’s extensive research, knowledge and philosophy of riding horses. In many cases, these podcasts have been converted from tape recordings, so we ask for the listener’s patience...

12/11/2018

Just released in 2018! At the core of this book is a series of ‘state of the art’ experiments in which the author participated, designed to establish whether certain classical ideas about true collection could be scientifically proved. Related posts: New Paperback Edition of A...

09/09/2018

Have you been dreaming about coming for a short course to study with us to improve your riding position and technique, further your understanding of theory, and observe firsthand horses in training from green to Grand Prix? Related posts: New 2019 Lecture/Demo Series At Lost...

07/30/2018

Unusual Andalusian gelding, brown bay, 4 years old. 16.2 hands, by Grand Prix stallion Fiero LFA. Truly exceptional prospect, excellent temperament, comfortable gaits. Related posts: Sold: Seneca – Remarkabe pure Andalusian gelding Seneca – pure Andalusian gelding, 16.2 hands SOLD: Haida – 3.5 year old Andalusian cross...

07/27/2018

16.1, 7 year old gray PRE Andalusian mare, IALHA registered. This beautiful granddaughter of Spanish Olympic horse Evento, is very safe, has excellent movement, and comfortable gaits. Related posts: For Sale – Andalusian/Hanoverian IALHA Mare Caposalda SOLD: Haida – 3.5 year old Andalusian cross mare...

06/27/2018

The Pennsylvania Riding Academy currently has an opening for a horse to come into training. Related posts: Musical Freestyle: Your Horse is Not a Large Drum New 2019 Lecture/Demo Series At Lost Hollow Farm Short Course Openings, Clinic Available September 15/16 Review of Musical Freestyles...

06/27/2018

In paperback for the first time, A Search for Collection will be reprinted by Crowood Press. Related posts: Search for Collection in paperback from Crowood Press Equestrian Magazine Equine America Features Dressage for No Country Paul’s New Book: “Dressage for No Country” Spring: From Paul’s Book “Nature,...

05/14/2018

3.5 year old Andalusian cross mare. Rich bay with white blaze. Related posts: Sold: Seneca – Remarkabe pure Andalusian gelding SOLD: Trapunto – Andalusian Gelding by Grand Prix Stallion For Sale – Andalusian/Hanoverian IALHA Mare Caposalda Seneca – pure Andalusian gelding, 16.2 hands

12/04/2017

Paul’s new novel, Gyre, is now available for order! Related posts: New Paperback Edition of A Search for Collection Spring: From Paul’s Book “Nature, Nurture and Horses” Paul’s New Book: “Dressage for No Country”

11/25/2017

Related posts:

New Paperback Edition of A Search for Collection Spring: From Paul’s Book “Nature, Nurture and Horses” Paul’s New Book: “Dressage for No Country”
Sales / 28.09.2022

“Lily” is a three-coming-four year old striking deep bay PRE mare, 16 hands. Phenomenal disposition, very smart, loves to work. No shying, mature beyond her age. Very comfortable gaits, exceptional character. No mareish behavior, calm, secure, and a joy to work with. Unlimited potential, has begun lateral work. Absolutely sound, vetted with x-rays. A rare prospect. SOLD.
Wisdom / 30.04.2022

"Too many people assume that they have the right to ride the horse without respect for some proper communication. They have the right to this authority without granting any authority to the horse; without any reverence for the process; without any willingness to be ordered or changed by the horse.
Books, Wisdom / 10.04.2022

Barry Lopez wrote, "What we do to animals troubles us - the horror of laboratory experiments, trophy shooting, factory farming - and our loss of contact with them leaves us mysteriously bereaved. If we could re-establish an atmosphere of respect in our relationships, simple awe for the complexities of animal's lives, I think we would feel revivified as a species.
Announcements, Lost Hollow Farm / 19.03.2022

Looking for a unique internship in dressage? Everyday can be a masterclass – it is up to you. We are passionate about sharing dressage with riders who have an interest in theory as well as riding. As Alois Podhajsky said, “there must be a balance between theory and riding. Without this balance, riders go from one system to another with no understanding of biomechanics or history. They just ride each day, making mistakes that have already been proven to be ineffective.”
Books, Wisdom / 19.03.2022

Richard Watjen, who has been considered to have sublime position once said, "No fault in rider position was ever corrected by suppleness. Suppleness is the result of riding in the correct position for years."
Articles, Dressage, History / 17.02.2022

A new article, by Paul Belalsik, about dressage and the military. Why does this linking of dressage to the military and military movements persist, and to this day sometimes overpower the well-documented artistic evolution of dressage?...The provenance of dressage being guided by artistic forces is overwhelming.
Horses, Sales / 24.08.2021

Alvaro is a very special american mustang, registered AWSSR, who was born wild on BLM land in Nevada and has become a successful dressage horse.
Horses, Training / 16.04.2021

Here we see Rose and her Hanoverian Sparrow practicing one-tempis flying changes. When you start training and practicing flying changes, your horse probably knows shoulder in, haunches in, all the lateral work. It knows to move over from the leg aids. If you continue to use strong lower legs you will almost certainly get crooked changes. You must teach the changes off of your hips and seat. The horse follows the rider's hips like a child skipping in a straight line. One of the reasons straight changes are so important is that they can be proof of the horse and rider's connection through the back and seat, and not a trick off the cue of heel and spur.
Announcements, Merchandise / 30.09.2020

On a single page, Paul Belasik has presented a beautiful, frameable poster that should hang in every dressage stable. It is a synopsis of dressage history from the Renaissance to modernity. The genealogy of five centuries of different national schools is a telescope into the past, and illuminates some of the outstanding contributors to classical dressage around the world.
Articles, Dressage, Wisdom / 03.03.2020

Judging from my mailbox, dressage riders seemed perplexed about how competition judges are currently evaluating some horses’ piaffes at the international level. What is high quality and what is faulty? In this article, I will address two major faults in piaffes of popular riders that have appeared in recent performances, and seem to be confusing viewers.
Horses, Sales / 12.12.2019

Nashville SSH is a 16.2, 2016 double registered PRE Andalusian gelding. This premium prospect has a fantastic mind, doesn't shy, and comes in ready to work each day. He is a beautiful mover and a joy to train.
Articles, Blog, Dressage, Horses, Sales, Wisdom / 02.01.2019

In an article recently published by the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, a question is framed in bold type: “Should we redefine equine lameness in the era of quantitative gait analysis?” The article begins, “An international team of researchers, including [some] from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London, have strongly advised on the need to discriminate clearly between “asymmetry” and “lameness” when assessing a horse’s gait.”