Paul Belasik - The Songs of Horse

[Dizzy]

I'm reading this book at the moment - and loving it. I have just finished the chapter, The Riding Artist. Does anyone know who this lady is/was?

She did choreographed riding exhibitions to music and toured Europe. At the end of the chapter she explains to Paul Belasik what drives her.

'There is no hope for us if we don't teach all the songs of horses. It is not enough just to promote out particular art form. We must teach an appreciation of the horse and with all the mythological connections which in the end is all of nature. If we don't succeed, they'll just eat them. We have some obligation to our friends, the horses, if we think they and nature are important. We have to educate people's aesthetic awareness. This why sometimes I move so far away from a technical plan. I don't hate technique, I love it. But it can cloud the issue and make some people look at the wrong thing. Technique will not make men cry .

I am always looking for new ways to catch peoples attention, enthral them, show them something that they can feel. To show them why they should care about horses.'

I've shortened a bit, but I've read that chapter several times, each time I read what drives her I have tears streaming down my face.

I'd love to know more about her

Lesley

[Heather]

I don't know who it is based on, if anybody, as the book is fictitious. I think that the Grand master was based on the Classical master Nestor, but will ask my friend Lynda who is going over to Paul in June again, if it was someone in particular that he had in mind- think it was, but can't remember who.

Heather

[Dizzy]

Just beneath the title of the chapter it has, Italy 1895. I must admit when I read that date, then looked at his photograph I thought 'wish I was wearing aswell as him!'

I've just had another look at 'The Grand Silence (Master), I see what you mean by fictitous - his date is 1735.

I'll definitely be reading his other books, and look forward hopefully to learning more about 'The Riding Artist'.

Lesley