As a former barn manager and current full boarder, I thought I would share some tips on how to maintain a successful partnership with your fellow boarders and your barn professional. Pay your bills on time Horse keeping is expensive.…
SmartPak Equine
Healthy Horses, Happy Riders
Blog Archives
Preparing for the Unexpected
When people ask me “Why do you ride when it’s so dangerous and expensive?” (which, unfortunately, is true) I explain that my love of horses and a passion for riding make it something I’m driven to do. I’ve been riding…
Posted in How To, SmartPak Features
How to be a great client for your farrier!
Top 10 tips for getting the most out of your relationship with your hoof care professional A consistent trimming/shoeing cycle is necessary for your horse’s hoof health, and will make your hoof care professional’s job much easier. Schedule your appointments…
Posted in How To
Recipe for a Shiny Coat
Find out the key ingredients to your horse’s ultimate show-ring shine! Blue Ribbon Shine Makes: One shiny horse Prep time: 60 days 30 g daily SmartShine® Ultra with omega 3 fatty acids from flax seed and fish oil 1 each…
Barn Dogs: How to Make Good Manners STAY!
“When you walk into the barn with your dog, what is the reaction of other boarders and riders?…”
Blanketing Uncovered
Have no fear the next time you hear the word “denier”! Get the answers to all your blanket questions here (even the ones you never thought to ask!).
Smart Tips for Winter Rides
As New Englanders, we SmartPakers love the fall. It’s a beautiful season full of glorious riding weather and two of the best holidays. But it’s also the warm-up act for winter, which is slightly less awesome when it comes to life in the barn.
How to Make a SmartSicle
“Treats comes in all shapes, sizes and temperatures at Lucky Horse Equine Rescue in Bolton, MA. This summer, everyone’s been enjoying SmartSicles made from SmartPak’s SmartLytes® Supplement…”
10 Tips for Picture-Perfect Pony Portraits
“You’ve already got a bracelet with your horse’s name, a bumper sticker telling the world how much you love your pony, and heart-shaped doodles all over your notebook with your horse’s name inside. There’s just one thing missing: a portrait of your favorite four-hoofed friend. But before you decide to drop a hefty sum on a professional photographer, you might want to consider taking the photos yourself…”
Posted in How To
Bridle Fitting 101
Whether you’re buying a new bridle or just trying to get the perfect fit for your current bridle, we’ve put everything you need-to-know in this short how-to video. Shop our entire collection of bridles »
How to Measure for Tall Boots
What You’ll Need • a cloth tape measure • a chair • your regular breeches and socks • a friend to measure you Measuring Calf • Put on the breeches and socks you normally wear with tall boots. • In…
How To Wrap Your Horse’s Legs
Wrapping a horse’s legs is a barn skill every owner should master. From applying polo wraps for exercise to shipping bandages for trailering to standing wraps overnight in the stall, there are many reasons why the equine limb might need additional support.
Body Clipping 101
As you start spending more time in the saddle, gearing up for spring training and shows, you may have found that you’re having to spend more and more time drying your horse off after winter rides. Instead of furiously trying to sop up that sweat, consider body clipping your horse.
How To Take Your Horse’s Vital Signs
Knowing how to measure your horse’s temperature (T), pulse (P) and respiration (R) is a basic barn skill every owner should have.
