What I’ve Learned Since I Quit Horse Showing
I remember a time when my life was just riding and sleeping between horse shows. My summers were spent in anticipation, waiting for the nex…
SmartPaker Stories & Adventures
Newman’s Winter Project: Sidesaddle!
I remember it like yesterday. I was sitting on the bleachers of the demonstration arena at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY on…
The Rider’s Inner Monologue: Attempted Trail Ride
Well, here we are, back again at the barn with a nervous knot in my stomach. If this seems familiar, it may be that you’re remembering the…
How to Make Pony Popsicles
Summer is here and after a long winter, the heat is a welcome visitor! But what do you do when summer rages on and you just can’t seem to…
What’s in Newman’s Journal?
I get a lot of questions about Newman’s Journal, like: what kinds of things do I record in it, how often do I write stuff down, what do I…
Top Tips for Preparing Your Horse for Surgery
The last thing that any of us want to hear as horse owners is that our beloved animals need to have surgery. In some instances, it is an…
Simple Steps to Dressage Musical Freestyle Bronze Medal
Now that Newman and I have earned our United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Bronze Medal for scores at the First, Second, and Third Levels, it’s time to round out our award shelf with a Bronze Bar for scores at First, Second, and Third Level freestyle!
When It’s Just Too Cold to Ride
As a resident New Englander, we are a pretty hardy bunch, and with the good fortune of having an indoor arena, I usually find myself riding…
I Don’t Ride My Horse
At SmartPak, we are well known for being an office full of riders. We go to the barn after work together, talk about the latest color of…
You Know You Own a Thoroughbred When…
I am the very proud owner of an oh so handsome Thoroughbred gelding. His name is Samurai (he will also answer to Sam, Sammy, Samwise the…
Birthdays are Made for Cake: A Horse-Friendly Recipe
Recently, my horse Riker celebrated his 23rd birthday. Now I have to admit, in the nearly 20 years I’ve owned him, I’ve never made a huge…
A Day in the Life of a Dressage Show Scribe
“Needs steadier connection” = 6.5 “Straight on center line, square and secure halt” = 8.0 “Could have better bend and balance” = 7.0 With…
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We Asked, You Answered: Spring Conditioning
SmartPak asked 'what's the best way to bring a horse back into riding after winter'. Here's what our community had to say!
We Asked, You Answered: Winter Must-Haves
SmartPak asked what your must-haves are at the barn in the winter, here's what you had to say!
Pony-Approved Charcuterie
One of my favorite trends is fancy charcuterie boards. However, sunny days and summertime finds me spending lots of hours at the barn over…
SmartPak Equine Valentines
Chestnuts are red, ribbons are blue, Happy Valentine’s Dayfrom SmartPak to you! From all of us here at SmartPak, we’re wishing you a Happy…
Sweat With SmartPak – Episode Three
Welcome back to SmartPak’s Equestrian Exercise mini-series, where SmartPakers Caitlin and Tori demonstrate helpful tips and tricks on worko…
