If you missed Part 1, read that first! At this point, the quest for my perfect Morgan horse began in earnest. My teenage self, the one with polo shirts and hairnets and perfectly shiny boots, was baffled. But my true…
Monthly Archives: July 2013
Meet Amanda and “Gracie”
Success Profile: Saving Grace “Gracie” Breed: Thoroughbred Cross Age: 11 Discipline: Dressage Owner: Amanda Starr Gracie and I do lower level dressage work and compete at local schooling shows. I started her on SmartFlex II Support Pellets two years ago…
Shortening Thin Manes
How do you shorten a mane that’s very, very thin, almost to the point of being “wispy”? I’ve been a traditional mane puller all my life, but the top and bottom third of my horse’s mane has become too thin…
Posted in Ask The Groom
The Myth of the Bad Horse
What’s this horse’s problem? Some people may say that his bad attitude is “just the way he is,” but if you get to the root of the problem, you may be able to find the solution for a happier, healthier…
Posted in Health & Nutrition
A Hunter/Jumper Goes to Eventing Camp
On the morning of Friday, June 21st, I pulled into the driveway at Valinor Farm in Plymouth, MA, feeling equal parts nervous and excited. I had signed up for a three-day adult eventing clinic, and it was the first morning.…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
Meet Lorie and Dugan
Success Profile: Dugan Age: 8 years old Breed: Lab/Heeler Owner: Lorie Rambo When we started walking and hiking with Dugan every day, we noticed that he was getting sti ff and uncomfortable. Within a month of starting him on SmartCanine Joint…
Posted in Canine Lifestyle
Peek in Our Paks – Katie T.
I began riding when I was in 5th grade and have been hooked since. Growing up as a kid I was always at the barn doing stalls, cleaning tack, and taking care of any horse that needed a little extra TLC. I was an avid Pony Clubber competing in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation as well as dressage and eventing.
Juliet came into my life a year and a half ago. She was a school pony but was not quite working out (she likes to scoot at anything out of the ordinary). She has a lot of personality in a little package. Juliet is one of the sweetest mares who LOVES attention and thinks she’s pretty cute. Over the last year we’ve been competing in small dressage and 2-phase events with the hope of doing some eventing soon.
Posted in Success Stories
Meet Jennifer and Presumido HU
I bought Presumido HU two years ago for his natural dressage talent and attractiveness. I started him on SmartDigest Ultra because training and competing can be stressful and I worry about his digestive health. Since he started on the supplement he has been eating well, has had no digestive upset, and maintains an excellent body condition. I like SmartDigest Ultra so much that we are putting all of our competition horses on it!
Keeping up with the SmartPakers: Weekend Update – July 22, 2013
During the week, you know our life is no mystery: we are here working hard to make you happier and your horse healthier. But what do we do on the weekend, you ask? The mystery is revealed! Read about what…
Posted in Stories & Adventures
The Numbers Don’t Lie
60% of lameness problems in horses are related to osteoarthritis 20 bones in your horse’s legs 6 bones in each hock Hock injections can set you back up to $1000 50% of jumpers and grand prix dressage horse studies have…
Posted in Health & Nutrition
Finding Her Oasis: One rider’s journey from short stirrup kid to A-circuit trainer
As a hunter/jumper rider, SmartPaker Susan has admired Kristy (McCormack) Herrera’s approach to training horses and their riders. As Director of SmartPak’s Barn Programs, Susan has enjoyed making sure we’re doing everything we can to make life easier for barn…
Posted in Blogs
Meet Heather and “Sarge”
Success Profile: Koshari Flash “Sarge” Breed: Appaloosa Age: 17 Discipline: Dressage/Eventing Owner: Heather Lingle After giving Sarge SmartFlex III Resilience Pellets for several years, I recently switched him to SmartFlex IV Ultimate Pellets. Because of his past injuries, his age,…
Meet Robin and Sunny
Success Profile: Sunny Breed: Quarter Horse Age: 8 Discipline: All-Around Owner: Robin Hartle Ward I started Sunny on SmartDigest Ultra and right off the bat I was sold on the SmartSupplements brand. I also wanted Sunny to get support for…
4 Reasons to Love Rockin’ SP
1. Obsessive attention to quality and detail We wanted Rockin’ SP to be a cut above your average working tack. With over a year in development, more than 20 different iterations, and test rides on over 30 horses, we finally…
Posted in Gear Review
