Michel and Catherine Henriquet of France became friends through the Portuguese connection. I was a guest at their beautiful home at Versailles for much of the research I had to do for the French section of Dressage, The Art of Classical Riding (later translated into both French and German!). Michel regularly taught officers of the Cadre Noir of Saumur at that time and was good enough to introduce me to the Commandant Durand and other dignatories and to study the work in progress. As an erudite writer, he was more than generous with his time and in between lessons we watched Catherine preparing her Lusitano stallion Orphee for the Olympics. An exacting master of the classical art and former student of Oliveira, Michel very much confirmed my work on the Classical Seat, allowing me to quote extensively from his own books on the subject.

From America, I count Paul Belasik and Charles De Kunffy as special friends. Not only are they highly acclaimed writers, Charles de Kunffy's The Ethics and Passions of Dressage is a masterpiece and both trainers feature in the Classical Riding Club Trainers Directory. We correspond as much as possible, when times permit with Paul having stayed at our home in the UK. Like me, he is constantly searching for the light. His book Riding Towards the Light has become a classic and we both know, that in exploring horsemanship to its depths, one always wants to learn more. The fact is one never stops.

Paul Belasik and Sylvia Loch in earnest discussion

I guess that is what Classical Dressage can do for you too. You will find something that fascinates you, challenges you, opens you up, turns you around, and never lets you go. Once you are on that merry-go-round with the dancing horses beckoning to you - you will want to stay on it - in balance - as they come alive for you. It really is a magic roundabout and brings so much worth to your life that you will realise that is far more than just riding correctly. It balances you as a person and represents in its way, the whole circle of life. So seize the moment and as God watches over you - for He loves horses too - enjoy the quest!

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