Boarding or Bust: My Quest for the Perfect Barn
Searching for a new boarding barn can be stressful, if not overwhelming. After three years of horse ownership, my horse Tiger and I have…
SmartPaker Stories & Adventures
5 Things Under $25 Friesian Owners Can’t Live Without
Do you remember the first time you saw a Friesian? It was love at first sight. So many movies and tv shows have romanticized the Friesian…
Getting Back in the Saddle
As equestrians, we get to experience some really cool things. The overwhelming feeling of freedom when the wind blows through your hair rid…
5 Back Saving Tips for Barn Chores
Taking care of horses when you have a bad back can be a struggle. Often you must balance what activities your back can handle and the work…
Hand Feeding – Yay or Neigh? One Rider’s Perspective.
I know people who are adamantly against hand feeding. I know others who are just as adamantly in favor. I find myself in the middle between…
When Your Hobby Becomes Work: How to Balance Life and Horses
I hate to admit this, but lately I’ve been having a hard time getting to the barn. My passion for horses and riding is still burning as bri…
Dressage Seat Equitation: Calling All Adult Amateurs!
What to do when you’ve reached a plateau in competitive dressage: try your hand at earning a Dressage Seat Equitation award from the USDF!
What My Horse Has Taught Me
I was very lucky to start riding as a kid, 23 years ago, and to be able to continue to do so through the years. Initially, I used to ride…
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…
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…
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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…
