As a horse lover, you know that having well-fitting tack is important for your horse’s comfort and health. Poorly fitted saddles or incorrectly adjusted bridles can cause stress and issues that stem past behavioral. Thankfully, tack and equipment have come…
My horse, Duncan, works extremely hard for me, so I make it my number one priority to do everything I can to keep him feeling great for many years to come. Plus, he’s also a very spoiled boy. We’ve developed…
As equestrians, most of us spend a good majority of our free time at the barn. Sometimes, if you’re anything like me, that can lead to last-minute holiday shopping. Maybe you’re shopping for some great small items for a barn…
As we experience our first cold snaps of the year, I consider how 2020 and now 2021 have been a little different than most years (to say the least). Like a lot of riders, I’ve had to make some adjustments…
Alternatively Titled: People Ask ‘Isn’t It Too Much?’ But I’m Like, ‘It’ll Never Be Enough’ Some people collect saddle pads, bits, or halters… I collect therapeutic gear (and okay, fine, I may collect those things too). When I found out…
After the incessant swarm of flies and the heat of summer, I welcome the cooler weather of fall. The crisp mornings and still warm afternoons are a welcome reprieve. However, with these temperature changes, I have trouble dressing appropriately! What…
Unlike other sports, equestrians typically have a particular fondness for, and obsession with, their equipment. This is so deep-rooted and is due to so many reasons, but I like to believe that it all ties back to the memories. If…
Ahh, fall is in the air. The humidity and rain that was the summer of 2021 is fading to a distant, sweaty memory, and crispness is once again in the air. The geese are honking, and boy is it getting…
When Team SmartPak Rider Silva Martin saddles up, it’s always with a helmet. Silva’s riding career has taken her from Germany all across the world before she settled in the United States in 2007—well before helmets were popular in dressage.…
As Director of Merchandising at SmartPak, I’m extremely lucky to have the opportunity to help develop many of the SmartPak-brand products you see on our website and in the barn. I’ve been horse-crazy practically since birth, begging for pony rides as a…
I don’t own a true tack trunk although growing up I always admired the ones in the tack room at the barn. Now, I have a few tack tubs. I keep one at the barn to store my commonly used…
Grooming is one of my favorite things to do at the barn. In addition to quality bonding time with your horse, there is nothing as satisfying as seeing the end result of your hard work- a gleaming horse (which generally…
When a fluffy little miniature horse made his way into my life, I truly had no idea how wonderful this guy would make the barn environment and how much joy he’d bring my barn family and me. He reminded me of…
The blanket free summer days have come to an end as the cool Fall and cold Winter head our way. My mare Macy is ready for blanket weather and already has her favorite blankets ready to go! Rockin’…
Fall is my favorite time of year at the barn. I love the sunny but cool days that mark less sweaty rides and the end of fly season. It also means its new product launch time at SmartPak, and I…
