Brilliant Reflection Farm

03/10/2025

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine took his young, promising FEI horse to a big indoor show—their first after a season of success in outdoor competition. The Grand Prix went well. But in the freestyle, his poor horse was overwhelmed by the environment and utterly lost the plot. My friend had to pil...

03/03/2025

great article!

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03/01/2025

When thinking about collecting a horse, many riders only think of closing him longitudinally from hocks to bridle. However, one must realize that one closes the horse also laterally from outside leg to inside rein and from inside leg to outside rein, like an X. Half pass and the shoulder-in, for instance, are exercises that utilize this concept of closing the horse laterally. In the half pass, when the horse is closed correctly, he lowers his outside hip and thrusts his pelvis toward the inside shoulder. In the shoulder-in, the inside hock is supposed to reach so deep—not just across but deep forward—that it reaches level with the outside stifle. The rider who fails to close the horse longitudinally as well as laterally will fail to engage him.
- Charles de Kunffy

02/27/2025

I always loved driving onto the farm where I boarded my horse. After long days at work and managing a week of kids’ activities at home, my time at the barn was essential for my well-being. I only left that boarding barn to start my own horse boarding business. For the past 15 years I have run a 50...

02/26/2025

Interesting

02/24/2025

Two common surgical techniques do relieve symptoms of kissing spines, but veterinarians still don't know exactly why they work

02/19/2025

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02/18/2025

“If you school dressage, show dressage, and/or have an interest in learning more about judging dressage, ‘On the Levels’ is a terrific, inexpensive foundation for visual learning...”

In this Group Member Organization (GMO) Newsletter Award winning article from Lehigh Valley Dressage Association, an adult amateur shares why the USDF-produced video series On the Levels is such an amazing resource. From helping you memorize the tests you’ll be competing at this show season, to gaining a better understanding of the quality of movements needed to achieve your desired scores, this rider raves about how midway through the test cycle, On the Levels is just as valuable of a resource for your dressage knowledge bank as it is when it was first released.

Read on here: https://yourdressage.org/2025/02/13/2023-on-the-levels-adding-to-your-dressage-knowledge-bank/

02/16/2025

New winter blankets for sale, still in bags. Price includes shipping from Ortonville, MI. Venmo or Zelle accepted. PM for more information.

1. SOLD - Size 81- Weatherbeeta Comfitec Plus Dynamic II Detach A Neck Medium Weight 220g - $170 - SOLD
2. SOLD Size 81 - Weatherbeeta Comfitec Genero 1200D High Neck Medium - $130 - SOLD
3. Size 82 - 1200D Calgary Heavyweight Turnout Blanket 350g - $120
4. Size 81 - Smartpak Classic 1200D Standard Neck Medium Weight 220g - $120
5. Size 84 - Smartpak Deluxe High Neck Turnout Medium Weight 220g - $130

02/13/2025

02/09/2025

Selling a brand new size 81, 220g WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Genero 1200D High Neck Turnout Blanket. Still in the bag, never used. Available for pick up in Ortonville, MI or will ship.
Here's the description from SmartPak:
This warm turnout blanket has everything you need to keep your horse protected at a price that won’t break the bank. The outer is made from 1200D ripstop nylon that resists tears and is waterproof to keep him dry in rainy weather. The high neck design offers additional protection and provides a great fit for horses with high withers. The smooth nylon lining is comfortable for your horse and, along with the fleece wither padding, protects against rubs. It’s also equipped with two buckle front closures, cross-belly surcingles, and leg straps for a secure, adjustable fit. Plus, a tail flap keeps rain and wind gusts away from your horse’s hind end.
Asking $130 which includes shipping. Venmo or Zelle accepted. No holds or returns. PM for more information.

02/09/2025

Lameness & The Lameness Exam_ What Horse Owners Should Know

02/06/2025

My archives: Behind the scenes schooling at Aachen '95. Reiner Klimke on Biotop the day before the competition. A lovely warmup in the snaffle. Lateral work ...

02/06/2025

Let’s make a slightly delayed New Year’s resolution, horse professionals: 2025 is going to be the year that you look at your savings and retirement plans, or lack thereof, and put some actual plans in place. I know, I know, horse people never retire, we just subsist on coffee and ibuprofen and y...

02/02/2025

Equine Charts

02/02/2025

Equine Lunging Training System