Press Releases
| Jan. 16, 2009 |
Top Reiner Slides On Over to Team SmartPak |
| Dec. 19, 2008 |
SmartPak™ Signs on as Title Sponsor of the Training Level Three-Day Series |
| Dec. 19, 2008 |
SmartPak™ Named a Top Place to Work |
| Oct. 6, 2008 |
Blankets for Every Budget at the 3rd Annual Blanket Blowout
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| Sept. 30, 2008 |
SmartPak Custom Shop Takes Customization To a Whole New Level
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| May. 15, 2008 |
SmartPak Continues Commitment in the Fight against Breast Cancer...
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| Aug. 19, 2008 |
SmartPak Introduces Revolutionary New Concept in Multivitamins
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| Sept. 19, 2008 |
SmartPak's Support Reaches Coast To Coast
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| August. 7, 2008 |
Argyle isn't just for socks anymore
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| July. 24, 2008 |
SmartPak Reaches Another Milestone with 150 Million Supplements Served
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| July. 28, 2008 |
SmartPak Retail Store Celebrates 2nd Year
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| June. 24, 2008 |
Celebrate with your dog at the summer barkfest
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| June. 3, 2008 |
SmartPak™ teams up with APHA to present free Stacy Westfall Seminar
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| Mar. 28, 2008 |
Kim Severson and Jan Byyny offer expert advice during Rolex Course Walk
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| Feb. 20, 2008 |
SmartPak Storage Bag offers alternative for storing and dispensing SmartPaks™
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| Jan. 3, 2008 |
HorseGirlTV Partners With Equine Industry Leader SmartPak
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| Nov. 8, 2007 |
Dr. Lydia Gray Elected Vice President of ISVMA
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| Sept. 20, 2007 |
SmartPak Offers Aid to Horses Affected by California Wildfires |
| Sept. 20, 2007 |
SmartPak Announces $25 Million Investment |
| Sept. 7, 2007 |
SmartPak Invites You to Take a Peek at the Pak |
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Aug. 7, 2007 |
Please donate your overweight or cresty-necked horse with laminitis (founder) to the
University of Tennessee |
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July 23, 2007 |
Jane Savoie Joins Team SmartPak |
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June 28, 2007 |
SmartPak to Celebrate 1st Anniversary of Retail Store |
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May 17, 2007 |
SmartPak Equine Joins Avon Walk for Breast Cancer |
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Apr. 25, 2007 |
SmartPak Canine Voluntarily Recalls LiveSmart Weight Management Formula |
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Mar. 26, 2007 |
SmartPak to Hold Another Rolex Course Walk with Olympian Amy Tryon |
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Mar. 20, 2007 |
Dogs should mind what they eat too: Wellness and SmartPak team up to fight canine obesity
through portion control |
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Feb. 28, 2007 |
SmartPak names SmartBlue™ Charities |
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Feb. 8, 2007 |
SmartPak Serves 100 Millionth Supplement in SmartPaks™ |
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Jan. 5, 2007 |
SmartPak taps leading practitioners for Equine Veterinary Advisory Council |
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Nov. 29, 2006 |
SmartPak and Life Data Labs partner to make Farrier's Formula available in SmartPaks |
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Oct. 25, 2006 |
SmartPink Program Receives $5,000 Donation for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness
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Oct. 2, 2006 |
SmartPak CEO named one of the country's best bosses by Fortune Small Business |
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Sept. 27, 2006 |
SmartPak and Nutramax partner to introduce Cosequin, SP |
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Sept. 18, 2006 |
SmartPak named to the Inc. 500 list of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies for
second straight year |
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August 25, 2006 |
SmartPak Store to host "Get Smart Series" on Equine health topics
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August 24, 2006 |
Lilly and Dakota are tops among dog names in the U.S. |
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August 22, 2006 |
Grand Opening Weekend |
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July 20, 2006 |
SmartPak announces Grand Opening of First Retail Store |
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June 22, 2006 |
SmartPak Introduces the SmartPak Canine system for dogs |
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April 22, 2006 |
Official day and time announced for the 2nd annual Course Walk with Kim Severson and
Amy Tryon |
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Mar. 8, 2006 |
2006 USEA Horse of the Year Award to be sponsored by SmartPak Equine |
Feb. 14, 2006
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SmartPak announces SmartCare™ Veterinary Partnership Program led by new medical
director, Dr. Lydia Gray |
Feb. 10, 2006
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Second Annual Rolex Course Walk with Olympians Kim Severson and Amy Tryon |
Jan. 31, 2006
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SmartPak Equine's SmartBlue™ continues charitable donations with focus on supporting
Equine Aid Charities |
Jan. 12, 2006
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SmartPak Equine hires Gray as Medial Director and Staff Veterinarian |
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Oct. 19, 2005
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INC. Magazine Ranks SmartPak the sixth fastest growing Private Consumer Products company
in America |
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Sept. 30, 2005 |
SmartPak Equine invites consumers to 'Get Smart; with new online library of Equine Health
and Nutrition articles |
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Sept. 7, 2005 |
SmartPak Equine offers aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina |
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Aug. 12, 2005 |
SmartPak Equine Reaches $10K in donations towards Breast Cancer research and awareness
and extends its SmartPink™ line
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June 30, 2005 |
SmartPak Equine adds popular Justin Boots, to catalog |
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June 28, 2005 |
Collegiate Riding Programs benefit from SmartPak Equine University |
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June 11, 2005 |
Reining Champion Sandy Collier available for signing at Western States Horse Expo in
Sacramento, CA. |
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May 19, 2005 |
SmartPak receives Award for Innovation |
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April 28, 2005 |
Olympic Equestrians to host course walk at Rolex Championship |
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Feb. 25, 2005 |
SmartPak Equine becomes official supplier to USEF |
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Jan. 6, 2005 |
SmartPak joins forces with ASPC and AMHR:
Offering Smart Solutions for Smaller Equines
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April 17, 2002
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SmartPak Equine, now offers The Mosquito Magnet™ Helping Horse Owners Win the
War Against Mosquitoes
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Dec. 2001 |
Pharmaceuticals Available in SmartPaks!
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Dec. 20, 2000 |
Introducing SmartPak Equine, solving the supplement problem for horse owners, trainers
and barn managers |
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Introducing SmartPak Equine, solving the supplement problem for horse owners, trainers and barn managers |
Medfield, MA – The patent-pending SmartPak has profoundly changed the administration of equine nutritional
supplements. Customized for each horse, the SmartPak system provides daily servings of brand-name supplements in sealed containers
protected from sunlight, moisture and air. Designed for convenience, the daily-dose SmartPaks
have individual wells for each supplement, a peel-off top and come in a reusable dispenser drawer that stacks neatly in
stable feed rooms. With this unique approach, SmartPaks ensure freshness, accuracy and unequalled convenience.
Until now, supplements have been packaged in bulk containers, making their administration a time-consuming task prone to
dosing errors. In addition, failure to reseal bulk containers can reduce the potency of expensive
vitamins and minerals crucial to a horse's top performance. Customers design their custom SmartPak at www.SmartPakEquine.com or by phone at 1-800-461-8898. Once a customer has placed their SmartPak
order it is replenished automatically each month.
According to company founders Paal Gisholt and Becky Minard, both horse riders and owners, the SmartPak was inspired by
challenges of supplement administration. "A typical barn may have 35 horses that require an average of three supplements
each," Gisholt says. "That's 105 bulk supplements to be opened, measured, fed and resealed." Given the large volume
of work, supplements are frequently mis-measured, or worse, forgotten. Many are not resealed properly, exposing the supplements
to oxygen and moisture, seriously compromising their potency.
"The SmartPak completely eliminates these problems," Minard says. Each horse's daily dose of supplements comes in
a sealed container with individual compartments to prevent cross-contamination and reaction. "Everyone wins," says Minard.
" Owners love it because they know their horses are getting their
choice of name-brand supplements, in the exact amount, every day. Barn
managers love it because it is simple. There's nothing to measure or scoop, and the horse's name is on every pack."
Open for business since June 2000, SmartPakEquine.com is making its mark on
the supplement market. Attracting customers from across the country with their extensive product line of over 26 manufacturers,
reasonable prices and automatic replenishment system, SmartPak has been converting traditional bucket users at an exponential
rate.
The SmartPak is the flagship product of SmartPakEquine.com, incorporated in October 1999. SmartPakEquine.com is owned and
managed by riders and horse enthusiasts dedicated to providing high quality products for the care and good health of horses.
SmartPak Equine is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality.
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Pharmaceuticals Available in SmartPaks!
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PEMBROKE, MA – (Dec. 2001) SmartPak Equine, which has transformed the feeding of equine nutritional supplements,
is now poised to revolutionize the feeding of prescription
pharmaceuticals for horses.
"Horse owners across the U.S. have been clamoring to add basic medications such as
bute, isoxsuprine and
Thyro-L to their SmartPaks. There are thousands of horses that require these daily meds, and owners face a lot
of hassle feeding these medications" states Becky Minard, Vice President of Marketing and life-long horse owner.
As a licensed pharmacy (MA Pharmacy #3053), SmartPak is now able to provide prescription medications in custom daily dose
packages shipped automatically every four weeks. To order medications, customers need only fax or mail a copy of a veterinarian's
prescription to SmartPak. With this new service, owners and barn managers won't have to waste valuable time grinding pills
and measuring doses for their horse's daily prescription medications. Customers will be able to order prescription meds
along with over-the-counter supplements, with everything packaged together in a single convenient SmartPak for the simplest
feeding possible.
According to Mike Tomlinson, DVM, the staff veterinarian at SmartPak Equine, this new offering will improve the quality
and consistency of horse care. "When vets administer therapeutic medications for horses, you always know that the effectiveness
of the treatment depends in large part on the consistency of the administration. You can't expect that a horse in need of
bute will thrive if the dosage varies from day to day, dependent on who is feeding in the barn. Or if the barn staff runs
out of a medication and skips a week, it can be a serious problem. SmartPak has been tested by owners, trainers and managers
across the country, and the system works. Deliveries are reliable, the dosages are consistent, and the products are kept
fresh. It makes a tremendous amount of sense to dispense pharmaceuticals in SmartPaks."
The new prescription pharmaceutical products can be ordered online at
www.SmartPakEquine.com. Prices for supplements and pharmaceuticals vary depending on the product ordered, but range
from $7 to $60/month.
Customized for each horse, the SmartPak system provides daily servings of brand-name supplements and pharmaceuticals in
sealed containers protected from sunlight, moisture and air. SmartPak provides a selection of 125 name-brand nutriceutical
supplements and prescription pharmaceutical products.
In addition to new pharmaceutical offerings, SmartPak has added several new over-the-counter products including
Cosequin by Nutramax Laboratories, Grand Complete
by Grand Meadows, Fastrack by Conklin, One AC
(for anhidrosis) by MPCO, Cell-Mass by
Uckele Animal Health, OptiMSM by Select the Best and
Relax Form by KR Naturals. For more information, visit the SmartPak website at www.SmartPakEquine.com or call 1-800-461-8898.
The SmartPak is the flagship product of SmartPak Equine, LLC, incorporated in October 1999. SmartPak is owned and managed
by riders and horse enthusiasts dedicated to providing high quality products for the care and good health of horses.
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SmartPak Equine, now offers The Mosquito Magnet™ |
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Helping Horse Owners Win the War Against Mosquitoes |
Pembroke, MA . It's bug season! And SmartPak Equine, now offers the latest and greatest in control of blood-feeding
insects. The MOSQUITO MAGNET, a fantastic new trap that works without harmful pesticides, can virtually eliminate
your mosquito population in six to eight weeks.
"Our customers won't believe how effective this product is – it actually attracts mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other
blood feeding insects, vacuums them up and dehydrates them. No pesticides. Self powered so you can put it out in the far
paddocks or anywhere it's needed," states Marketing Vice President, Rebecca Minard.
From January to November 2001, the USDA confirms 413 cases of clinical West Nile virus infections reported in horses from
19 states. 24% were fatal. West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes.
The Mosquito Magnet has been proven effective at eradicating mosquitoes from challenging environments including the Florida
Everglades. The secret to the Magnet's success? Mosquitoes generally do not venture more than 200 yards from where they
hatch. Once the egg-laying females are trapped and killed, the mosquito population in the immediate area collapses in six
to eight weeks. Continued use of the Mosquito Magnet will remove mosquitoes brought in by the wind. Also controls no-see-ums,
sand flies and black flies but does not attract beneficial insects.
How does it work? Blood-feeding insects locate their prey by detecting the carbon dioxide we exhale. The Mosquito Magnet
emits carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture, and an octenol attractant. It silently vacuums the insects into a net where they
die of dehydration within 24 hours. Tested by the US Department of Agriculture and the CDC. Powered by propane. Place the
Mosquito Magnet in a remote, upwind location on your property. Empty the collection nets, refill the propane tank and attractant
every three weeks. Ideal for the barn or your backyard.
SmartPak Equine offers three models of the Mosquito Magnet – The Pro, The Freedom and The Liberty. The Pro
covers a 1 acre area and is industrial strength with metal housing and is the best pick for the barns or large properties
(price: $1295.00). The Freedom covers ¾ acre with plastic housing, great for barnyards or backyards (price: $795.00).
The Liberty is the newest model of the Mosquito Magnet and it covers ¾ acre, with plastic housing, and is powered
by electricity in addition to requiring a propane tank for CO 2 emission. This is a great, compact model for barnyards and
backyards (price: $495.00). Propane tank not included. As with all SmartSupplies, shipping is free with a SmartPak supplement
order or $4.95 when shipped alone.
The Mosquito Magnet is the latest in the new SmartSupplies tm product line offered by SmartPak Equine. SmartPak
Equine made their debut in the equine health care market with their flagship innovation, the SmartPak, providing name-brand
supplements and pharmaceuticals in custom, daily-dose packages. The new SmartSupplies product line includes hundreds
of popular and hard-to-find horse health care products from
fly spray and vet wrap to
Adequan and GastroGard.
For more information about the Mosquito Magnet, SmartPak, and SmartSupplies, visit the SmartPak Equine website at www.SmartPakEquine.com or call 1-800-461-8898.
SmartPak Equine is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council and Sponsor of the USEAGold Cup and American
Eventing Championships.
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SmartPak joins forces with ASPC and AMHR: |
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Offering Smart Solutions for Smaller Equines |
PLYMOUTH, MA – (Jan. 6, 2005) For owners of ponies and miniature horses, a balanced diet and proper supplementation
are just as an essential part of equine management as the pint sized wonders' larger counterparts. Relying on plastic bags,
Tupperware, or scooping from countless buckets with really tiny scoops, supplementing for the mighty mini's of the equine
world required owners to manually dose each animal every day - an arduous task for such petite ponies and mini's.
Not any more - SmartPaks can be a huge help for even the tiniest of trotters!
Recognizing the need for reliable and efficient feeding of supplements for all horses, regardless of stature, SmartPak Equine
has joined forces with the American Shetland Pony Club and the American Miniature Horse Registry in a pioneering sponsorship.
Providing innovative products and services for equine management, SmartPak is devoted to finding customized solutions to
every horse owner's needs: large or small.
"Naturally, we are thrilled about our partnership with the American Shetland Pony Club and Miniature Horse Registry," said
Jaralyn Gibson, vice president of new business development for SmartPak. "The ability to meet all of our customers' needs,
on a unique and diverse level, is very important to us. Offering smaller doses for ponies and miniature horses is just one
more way that we can make owners' lives easier." Recently celebrating their five year anniversary, the flexibility for customers
to individualize a supplement program for the specific needs of any horse is a cornerstone of the company's mantra.
Marianne Skillman, an owner of miniature horses for seventeen years, is a SmartPak user and has found the supplement system
both easy and practical for her miniature horse. " SmartPaks are so handy because Mischief Maker is away from home at a
training center right now," said Skillman, whose 6 year old stud, Mischief Maker, is registered in the AMHR. "Because mini's
are so susceptible to gaining weight, I always know that he's getting fed correctly and I don't have to worry."
The SmartPak system, a customized supplement program, allows
owners to select the highest quality, brand name supplements for their horses at specific doses in easy to use daily SmartPaks.
Miniature horse and pony owners can enjoy the same level of ease with SmartPaks as large horse owners, and still have the
flexibility to accommodate their pocket sized pals.
"With the time and energy I need to mix all the supplements, and then pay someone it to feed the miniatures, it is so much
easier, convenient, and ends up being cheaper to do it in SmartPaks," said Skillman. "And the dosages are so much more precise
than if someone else, or even if I were to do it myself."
More than just convenience, for Skillman, SmartPaks offer a piece of mind. "It is so convenient. When one of my horses got
injured, I grabbed a couple of SmartPaks and brought them with me to the vet," Skillman said. "In an emergency it was really
handy. I didn't have to worry about getting her the supplements she needed and packing them up with her. It was great that
they were there."
And when Mischeif Maker makes his debut in the combined driving circuit this spring, Skillman knows that his SmartPaks will
make showing that much easier for her. "Right now, he's on joint and multivitamin supplements to help him with the demands
of strenuous training and also to prepare him for when he starts competing again. When we do start going to shows, the SmartPaks
will be there and ready for when he needs them."
Owners of miniature horses and ponies can look forward to new services and products from SmartPak Equine specifically designed
for horses of small stature. Look online at SmartPakEquine.com
or speak to a product specialist at 1-800-461-8898 about custom supplement options as well as exciting new blankets, supplies,
and other products in miniature and pony sizes.
SmartPak Equine is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of
Quality.
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SmartPak Equine becomes official supplier to USEF |
PLYMOUTH, MA – (Feb. 25, 2005 ) SmartPak Equine™, provider of the patented daily-dose SmartPak supplement
service, is pleased to announce that the company is now an official supplier to the United States Equestrian Federation™.
"USEF and SmartPak both strive to promote the highest standards of horse care. Working with an organization like USEF is
a natural fit for us," stated company founder, Becky Minard.
SmartPak Equine, as many riders know, is the company that makes SmartPaks – your favorite horse nutritional supplements
packaged into custom daily doses, delivered straight to the barn automatically every month. With over 250 supplements and
a complete line of horse care supplies, SmartPak has become the company that horse owners turn to when they want high quality
products and exemplary service.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the United States Equestrian Federation. Our supplement service is
used by many thousands of USEF members. We take a great deal of pride in the trust invested in us by these riders to help
them care for their horses and reach their goals,"stated Jaralyn Gibson, vice president of new business development for
SmartPak.
As part of this new relationship, SmartPak will be donating supplements to many of the US Team riders going to Athens. "SmartPak
is proud to be helping the USEF Team. Everyone at SmartPak will be rooting for these great athletes to bring home medals
and we wish them the best of luck!" said Gibson.
Since 2000, SmartPak Equine has made donations to more than 1,500 individual horse shows and events across the country,
from prominent events like Dressage at Devon, Washington International Horse Show or Galway Downs to hundreds of 4-H events,
Pony Club rallies, reining futurities and barrel races.
In addition to supporting hundreds of individual shows and events each year, SmartPak is also an official sponsor of the
American Eventing Championships, the USEA Gold Cup, and the American Riding Instructors Association.
"Team SmartPak" continues to grow, with more than 20 elite equestrian athletes from all riding disciplines working with
SmartPak. For more information about SmartPak, visit their website at
www.SmartPakEquine.com or call directly at 1-800-461-8898.
SmartPak Equine is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of
Quality.
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Olympic Equestrians to host course walk at Rolex Championship |
WHAT: While most of us only dream of running a four-star course, the next best thing is experiencing it through the
eyes and insights of Olympian equestrians! Attendees of the 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI**** can do just that at the SmartPak
Equine-sponsored Course Walk with Kim Severson
and Amy Tryon. Severson and Tryon will offer their
tips and tactics for riding the toughest cross country course in the U.S. Everyone is welcome to attend this incredible
opportunity; just sign up at the SmartPak booth in advance, and receive a free SmartPak sample. Sign up sheets will also
be available at the start of the walk. In addition, Severson and Tryon will be signing autographs throughout the four-day
championship at the SmartPak Equine booth.
WHO: Kim Severson's recent career highlights include: 2004 Individual Olympic Silver Medalist; 2004 Team Olympic
Bronze Medalist; winner of 2004 and 2002 Rolex Kentucky CCI****; 2002 World Equestrian Games Team Gold Medalist; 2004 and
2002 USEA Leading Lady Rider; 2004 USEF Equestrian of the Year; 2002 and 2004 USEA Horse of the Year (Winsome Adante); 1999
Winner Rolex Kentucky CCI*** w/ Over the Limit.
Amy Tryon's career highlights include: 2004 Team Olympic Bronze Medalist; 2004 Chronicle of the Horse Horseman of
the Year; 2002 World Equestrian Games Team Gold Medalist; 4th 2004 Rolex Kentucky Olympic Modified Division; 3rd 2002 Rolex
CCI****; Team Gold and 4th Individual 1999 Pan Am Games.
SmartPak Equine is best known for its SmartPaks – nutritional supplements for horses packaged into custom daily doses.
With more than 250 supplements and a complete line of horse care supplies, SmartPak has developed a reputation for delivering
innovative products with outstanding service.
WHEN: Course Walk: April 28, 2005 (Meet at the start of X-Country; exact time to be posted on www.SmartPakEquine.com and at the SmartPak booth after ride times are posted) **Date and time subject
to postponement depending on ride times and availability**
WHERE: Rolex Championships: April 28 – May 1, 2005Rolex Championship USEF CCI**** Championship, The
Kentucky Horse Park; Lexington, Ky.
CONTACT: To schedule an interview with Severson and Tryon, contact Jaralyn Gibson at 774-773-1105 .
SmartPak Equine is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council and Sponsor of the USEAGold Cup and American
Eventing Championships.
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SmartPak receives Award for Innovation |
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Previous Winners of the Award Include Staples and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream |
PLYMOUTH, MA – (May 19, 2005) SmartPak Equine announced today that it has received a 2005 Innovation Award
from the Smaller Business Association of New England. SmartPak Equine,
best known for offering custom-packed nutritional supplements in its patented
SmartPak™ packaging, is the first equine company to receive this prestigious award.
The annual award recognizes New England-based businesses that have transformed innovative ideas into a company, product
or service that delivers proven value to customers. Past award winners include some of the most recognizable names in New
England business including Staples, Ben & Jerry's, Nantucket Nectars, Genzyme, Green Mountain Coffee and SmartFoods
Popcorn.
"We are thrilled that the Smaller Business Association of New England has recognized the valuable role SmartPaks play in
helping to make sure horses get fed properly," said Paal Gisholt, the company's president and CEO. "Every day our customers
tell us how much they appreciate how SmartPaks have simplified their lives. But it's particularly gratifying to be recognized
for innovation amongst the large number of innovative information technology and biotech companies we have here in New England."
"We are all just thrilled to have won this award for innovation," said Becky Minard, the company's founder and principal
inventor of SmartPak's patented feeding system. "But as proud as I am of the SmartPak, I think I am even prouder of the
innovative approaches our team has taken to customer care, which has allowed us to provide a level of service to
our customers that is without parallel in our industry."
About SmartPak
SmartPak Equine markets leading name brand supplements custom-packed for individual horses in a patented unit dose package,
the SmartPak. SmartPaks are individually labeled and sealed packs that contain one day's dosage of supplements. They also
protect supplements from the harmful effects of oxygen and moisture, thereby ensuring maximum potency. SmartPaks are automatically
shipped every four weeks and can be sent to a home, office or barn. The SmartPak supplement feeding system was officially
launched in June of 2000, and to date has provided more than 44 million custom-packed supplements to horses in every state
in the country.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company's catalog and
Website. For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com
or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
About SBANE
SBANE is a nonprofit organization established in 1938 to promote and protect small businesses. Its 1,000 member companies
in six states range from sole-proprietorship service businesses and growing high technology firms to large manufacturing
plants.
SmartPak Equine is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of
Quality.
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Reining Champion Sandy Collier available for signing at Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento,
CA. |
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Sponsored by SmartPak Equine |
WHAT: Hundreds of eager equine enthusiasts flock to the Western States Horse Expo every year to soak up knowledge
from top professionals and enjoy a saturation of everything equine. As if this couldn't be topped, SmartPak Equine™
is offering something more for attendees this year - the opportunity to meet Reining Champion Sandy Collier up close and
personal! A member of Team SmartPak, Collier will be making appearances at the SmartPak booth all weekend to greet fans
and sign free photographs. Stop by to say hello, get free samples, ask questions and have a photo autographed by Collier!
All are welcome; giveaways are limited on a first come, first serve basis.
WHO: Collier is one of the world's leading competitors in Reining, a sport that has quickly amassed substantial influence
and popularity . A native of Buellton, Calif., Collier is the only woman to have won the coveted NRCHA title. Additional
career highlights include winning the Snaffle Bit Futurity in 1993, and multiple AQHA and NRCHA World Champion titles. Collier
will be giving three clinics throughout the weekend at the Western States Horse Expo on "The Working Cow Horse".
SmartPak is a proud sponsor of Collier, providing her with equine nutritional supplements on a monthly basis in SmartPaks
– the handy daily packages customized with a horse's supplements and pharmaceuticals. To keep her horses in top shape,
Collier uses Grand Meadows products in all of her SmartPaks. Grand Meadows is just one of the many manufacturers whose quality,
brand name products comprise the SmartPak line of more than 250 supplements.
WHEN: Signing with Sandy Collier: 3 p.m., Saturday, June 11
1:45 p.m., Sunday, June 12
WHERE:Western States Horse Expo : Thursday, June 10 – Sunday, June 12
SmartPak Equine Booth, #3419, Building C
Western States Horse Expo, held at the Cal Expo in Sacramento, Calif.
CONTACT : To schedule an interview with Collier, contact Nina Akerley at
774-773-1120 .
SmartPak Equine is a sponsor of the USEA Gold Cup and American Eventing Championships, and is a member of the National Animal
Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality.
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Collegiate Riding Programs benefit from SmartPak Equine University |
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Now Enrolling for the 2005-2006 Academic Year |
PLYMOUTH, MA – (June 28, 2005) SmartPak Equine announced today that it is accepting applications from collegiate
riding programs for the 2005-2006 academic year for its SmartPak University Program. Going on its second year, this program
offers collegiate riding programs the chance to raise money, get exclusive discounts on products and gain access to industry
experts.
"Many of us at SmartPak came from the ranks of the college riding community," said Becky Minard, vice president of marketing
for SmartPak. "We designed SmartPak University to specifically benefit college and university riding programs where anyone
affiliated with the team, such as instructors, boarders, parents, students and barn workers, are eligible."
Registering as a SmartPak University provides collegiate programs with:
- Money – An annual cash rebate of five percent on any new SmartPak order for any horse in the barn, be it a
boarder or a school horse.
- Discounts – 10 percent discount on a variety of products, including apparel, first aid products, leather care,
supplements, and more!
- Access to Industry Experts – Members of the Equine Quality Alliance can answer faculty and student questions
regarding their respective segments of the equine industry, and may offer educational seminars for students. This is a unique
chance for students to learn about horse products and career opportunities in the equine industry. University teams also
will be able to contact any of SmartPak's experienced product specialists to help you determine their barn's supplement
needs.
Schools currently enrolled include: Mount Holyoke College, Miami University of Ohio, Sweet Briar College and Lake Erie College.
Amy Chenault, the barn manager at Sweet Briar College, commented that as part of the SmartPak University program "we have
been able to fund equestrian events and other resources that wouldn't normally be available." In addition to the benefits
of the SmartPak University program, Chenault went on to say, "I trust the SmartPak system. You know that all the horses
are getting what they need and in the correct dosages."
To register, collegiate riding programs need to complete the SmartPak University registration card, available by calling
toll free at 1-800-461-8898 or send an e-mail to
CustomerCare@SmartPakEquine.com.
About SmartPak
SmartPak Equine markets leading name brand supplements custom-packed for individual horses in a patented unit dose package,
the SmartPak™. SmartPaks are individually labeled and sealed packs that contain one day's dosage of supplements. They
also protect supplements from the harmful effects of oxygen and moisture, thereby ensuring maximum potency. SmartPaks are
automatically shipped every four weeks and can be sent to a home, office or barn. The SmartPak supplement feeding system
was officially launched in June of 2000, and to date has provided more than 44 million custom-packed supplements to horses
in every state in the country.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company's catalog and
Web site. For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com
or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
SmartPak Equine is a sponsor of the USEA Gold Cup and American Eventing Championships, and is a member of the National Animal
Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality.
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SmartPak Equine adds popular Justin Boots, to catalog |
PLYMOUTH , MA – (June 30, 2005) SmartPak Equine proudly announces the addition of a
Justin Boots, series to its catalog line. Renowned within the western riding community and recently making a bold
statement in the fashion world, Justin Boots are a hallmark of fashion and functionality for western boots. SmartPak is
thrilled to offer four unique styles of Justin Boots chosen for their exuberant, sharp looks and durability. Styles include
the Classic Men's Western, Ladies Western , Remuda Ladies Western and Remuda Men's Western boots.
These are not your every day western boots! The Remuda Western Boot for men and women, flaunt beautifully detailed bias
stitching from the crease of the toe all the way to the top of its full height. Featuring bright colors such as deep blue,
pink, light blue and wildfire orange, the Remuda boots are a step above the competition. Each b oot is pre-flexed
and offers the exclusive J-Flex comfort system. These boots were made for walking, whether you're strutting through the
urban jungle or about to wrangle yourself a cowboy or cowgirl!
For those who desire a more traditional look, the Ladies Western and Classic Men's Western boots have timeless style. Offered
in black or brown, their authentic look is adorned with meticulously designed stitching. The new Justin Boots are sure to
give all a fresh bounce to their step and are available in a wide range of sizes and widths. SmartPak Equine is now accepting
orders via its Web site at www.SmartPakEquine.com or by calling toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
About SmartPak
SmartPak Equine is most well known for their patented SmartPak™, the individually labeled and sealed packs that contain
a horse's daily dosage of supplements. SmartPaks are automatically shipped every four weeks and can be sent to a home, office
or barn. With more than 250 supplements and a complete line of horse care and rider supplies, SmartPak has developed a reputation
for delivering innovative products with outstanding service.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company's catalog and
Website. For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call
toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
SmartPak Equine is a sponsor of the USEA Gold Cup and American Eventing Championships, and is a member of the National Animal
Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality.
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SmartPak Equine Reaches $10K in donations towards Breast Cancer research and awareness
and extends its SmartPink?line
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PLYMOUTH, MA – (Aug. 12, 2005) In a mere three months since the launch of its exclusive
SmartPink™ product line to benefit breast cancer research, SmartPak Equine has donated over $10,000 to the
National Breast Cancer Foundation. The NBCF works to increase breast cancer survival rates through education and free access
to mammograms for those in need. With the popularity of the program, SmartPak is adding new winter turn-out and stable blankets
to round out a complete horse clothing line in SmartPink Plaid.
"The SmartPink program is a major milestone for our company," said Jaralyn Gibson, vice president of new business development
for SmartPak. "Giving back to the equine community has always been one of our most important corporate values. SmartPink
is a great way for riders to use their horse dollars to join the fight against breast cancer, and we are proud to be one
of the first equine businesses to offer such a program."
The SmartPink line of products includes fly sheets and fly masks, halters and now a complete line of all-weather horse clothing.
The SmartPink product line is made by Kensington Protective Products and is exclusive to SmartPak Equine. In addition to
the Pink Plaid Textilene, protective sheets available from SmartPak, the popularity and success of the program has lead
to an expansion of the product line to include new striking winter blankets in a matching SmartPink nylon fabric. The eye-catching
SmartPink Stable Blanket is designed with a fashionable European cut and 420 denier channel quilting to keep horses cozy
even in the coldest weather. The matching SmartPink Turnout is 100 percent waterproof and offers superior style and protection
with a Cool Plus Lining that wicks away moisture and prevents sweating.
SmartPak Equine plans to continue donating proceeds from the sale of the SmartPink line to breast cancer research. "The
response from our customers to both the product and the cause has been overwhelming," commented Paal Gisholt, president
and CEO of SmartPak. "In addition to supporting breast cancer research, our customers love the fact that they can coordinate
their horse's fly sheet, blankets, halter, fly mask and saddle pads with their own gear and garment bags. Some barns have
even adopted SmartPink as their official colors, although there is some debate over possible gender confusion among geldings
clad head to toe in SmartPink!"
Whether you have a mare or a gelding, you can check out the full line of SmartPink products and accessories on the SmartPak
Web site or by requesting a free catalog. A trusted retailer to thousands of equestrians, SmartPak Equine is best known
for its SmartPaks – nutritional supplements for horses
packaged into custom daily doses. With more than 300 supplements and a complete line of horse care supplies, SmartPak has
developed a reputation for delivering innovative products with outstanding service.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company's catalog and
Web site.
For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll
free at 1-800-461-8898.
SmartPak Equine is a s ponsor of the USEA Gold Cup and American Eventing Championships, and is a member of the National
Animal Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality.
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SmartPak Equine offers aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina |
PLYMOUTH, MA – (Sept. 7, 2005) In response to the recent disaster inflicted by Hurricane Katrina, SmartPak
Equine announced today that it will be offering free replacement SmartPaks and a 20% discount for victims of Katrina and
their animals. SmartPak will continue to ship orders as scheduled to all their customers and will redirect SmartPaks and
SmartSupplies to temporary addresses for displaced customers as needed.
"Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this tragedy, people and animals alike," said Becky Minard, the company's
founder and principal inventor of SmartPak's patented feeding system.
"All of us here at SmartPak have been deeply moved by the plight of everyone in the Gulf Coast. During this difficult time,
we can only hope that our small gesture will help to lighten the load."
In addition to sending free SmartPaks and discounts towards replacing necessary supplies for horses, cats and dogs, SmartPak
Equine is doing its part to help all the victims of Hurricane Katrina by fundraising in house and donating the funds to
Direct Relief International, a nonprofit relief agency. SmartPak adds Hurricane Relief to its charitable donations, which
includes Tsunami Relief, Breast Cancer Research and Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation to name a few.
For more information on receiving replacement SmartPaks and discounts off replacement supplies, please contact SmartPak
Equine toll free at 1-800-461-8898. While some restrictions do apply, please call and speak with a Product Specialist who
will be more than happy to assist in whatever way possible.
A trusted retailer to thousands of equestrians, SmartPak Equine is best known for its SmartPaks – nutritional supplements
for horses packaged into custom daily doses. With more than 300 supplements and a complete line of horse care supplies,
SmartPak has developed a reputation for delivering innovative products with outstanding service.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company's catalog and
Website.
For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll
free at 1-800-461-8898.
SmartPak Equine is a proud member of the National Animal Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality.
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SmartPak Equine invites consumers to 'Get Smart; with new online library of Equine Health
and Nutrition articles
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PLYMOUTH, MA – (Sept. 30, 2005) SmartPak Equine proudly announced today the unveiling of it's new
Get Smart Library, a collection of educational articles authored by some of the nation's most highly regarded experts
in equine nutrition. The public can access the Get Smart Library on SmartPak Equine's Web site at
www.SmartPakEquine.com under "Get Smart Library."
Partnering with "The Horse", one of the nation's most authoritative publications in equine health and nutrition, the Get
Smart Library offers an extensive collection of articles that up until this point were not available to the general public.
Ranging from overviews to highly detailed analysis, the article topics include general nutrition, sports medicine and special
equine needs. The library will be consistently updated with new articles and information so visitors of the Web site can
enjoy a continuous supply of current information.
"SmartPak is devoted to being on the cutting edge of equine health care and nutrition, and we've always prided ourselves
on providing information to help owners make educated decisions regarding their horse's health," said president and CEO,
Paal Gisholt. "So much more is known today about how a horse's diet can alleviate nutritionally based problems and possibly
prevent them all together. Offering an online library of unbiased equine nutrition articles seemed like the perfect way
to stay informed and offer our customers access to a highly esteemed nutritional resource."
The Get Smart Library is an addition to the company's already extensive repertoire of services and resources available to
customers. As a responsible member of the National Animal Supplement Council, SmartPak offers detailed information on all
of its products including ingredient lists and guaranteed analyses. Don't trust all the hype? Read what other people think
about products in the SmartPak Product Reviews posted with each product! Moreover, the SmartPak Web site offers a glossary
of terms and definitions, toxicity warnings, and disease and special equine health care information under "Horse Health
Care Tips".
To access this information and the new Get Smart Library, simply go to www.SmartPakEquine.com
and enjoy an unabridged library full of equine knowledge and advice from the experts. The information is available to help
and guide consumers, but as always SmartPak recommends consulting with your veterinarian before making any changes to your
horse's diet.
About SmartPak
SmartPak Equine markets leading name brand supplements custom-packed for individual horses in a patented unit dose package,
the SmartPak™. SmartPaks are individually labeled and sealed packs that contain one day's dosage of supplements. They
also protect supplements from the harmful effects of oxygen and moisture, thereby ensuring maximum potency. SmartPaks are
automatically shipped every four weeks and can be sent to a home, office or barn. The SmartPak supplement feeding system
was officially launched in June of 2000, and to date has provided more than 44 million custom-packed supplements to horses
in every state in the country.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company's catalog and
Web site. For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com
or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
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INC. Magazine Ranks SmartPak the sixth fastest growing Private Consumer Products company
in America |
PLYMOUTH, MA ?For the first time in the 22 years since Inc. Magazine began publishing the Inc. 500 list of America’s fastest growing private businesses, an equine business has been named
to the list. SmartPak Equine was ranked the 106th fastest-growing private business in America, and was the sixth fastest
growing consumer products company to make the list. With a growth rate of 868 percent in the last three years, SmartPak
has achieved a recognition never before attained by a company in the equine industry. According to editors, the SmartPak
business model is “half Expedia, half GNC.?BR>
Each year since 1983, Inc. has honored the fastest-growing private businesses in America with its Inc. 500 List. Past winners
include Microsoft, Oracle, Timberland, Domino’s Pizza, and hosts of other companies that went on to revolutionize the industries
in which they participate. To compile this year's list, the magazine contacted more than 500,000 businesses and pored over
the financial statements of qualified applicants. New members of the list must have an operating history of at least four
years and are ranked according to their average annual sales growth.
“The equine business is so competitive that to succeed you need to be different,?said Becky Minard, the company’s founder
and principal inventor of SmartPak’s patented feeding system, which simplifies administration of equine supplements. “We don’t
just sell great merchandise. We view our role as partnering with our clients to help them solve problems and get the maximum
enjoyment from their horse.?Minard attributes SmartPak’s fast growth to the ultra high level of service they provide their
clients. “We’ve hired the most talented, caring and committed team of professionals to lavish a Nordstrom-level of service
on our customers while our efficiency allows us to also offer excellent prices.?BR>
“We take the long view of the customer relationship, and encourage our product specialists to take whatever time they need
to go the extra mile for customers—even if that means referring them elsewhere,?added Paal Gisholt, the company’s CEO. “I can’t
tell you how often our customers tell us ‘finally, a company that really gets it.’”
Looking toward the future and aiming to sustain this high level of growth, SmartPak plans on extending its products and
services to include additional members of their customers?families. “Most of our customers own dogs, and we have been listening
carefully to their needs over these last years,?said Gisholt. “We have some exciting ideas on how we can simplify dog ownership
in the same way we have simplified the challenges of owning a horse.?SmartPak expects this new canine endeavor to surpass
their equine market some day.
Just how big is the equine market? According to a 2005 study1 conducted by Deloitte Consulting, LLC for the American Horse
Council, the horse industry in the United States contributes $39 billion in direct economic impact to the U.S. economy and
supports 1.4 million jobs on a full-time basis. When indirect and induced spending are included, the industry’s economic
impact reaches $102 billion. The study also estimates the horse population in this country has reached 9.2 million.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and Web
site. For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
1. The study, titled “The Economic Impact of the Horse Industry in the United States,?released in June 2005 is
the most comprehensive research document ever compiled on the American horse industry. Media can access a summary of the
report at www.horsecouncil.org.
SmartPak Equine is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council certified to display the NASC Seal of Quality.
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SmartPak Equine hires Gray as Medial Director and Staff Veterinarian
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PLYMOUTH, MA – (Jan. 12, 2006) SmartPak Equine is pleased to announce that Lydia Gray DVM, MA, has joined the
company as medical director and staff veterinarian. In this newly created position, Dr. Gray will help to direct
SmartCare™, SmartPak's new veterinary partnership program, provide technical support, direct research and
development, and enhance existing nutrition educational programs for both staff and customers.
"Dr. Gray brings a unique combination of medical training, clinical experience, and communications expertise," said president
and CEO, Paal Gisholt. "Her extensive connections within the veterinary community and horse industry will be an asset to
us as we launch SmartCare, our new veterinary partnership program that offers a simpler way for equine practitioners to
offer supplements to their clients."
Previously, Dr. Gray was executive director of the Illinois-based Hooved Animal Humane Society. In that position, she wrote
business plans and budgets, led fundraising with direct mail campaigns and grant-writing, educated members through the organization's
magazine and Web site, served as veterinarian and state-approved humane investigator.
Prior to working at HAHS, Dr. Gray was the first-ever director of Owner Education for the American Association of Equine
Practitioners. There she developed methods to deliver horse health information to owners, assisted with the delivery of
continuing education to members and nurtured relationships with students.
Dr. Gray came to AAEP from the Tremont Veterinary Clinic, where she practiced for five years after graduating with honors
from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. She is a 1990 graduate of the University of Illinois
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, with Bronze Tablet honors. In 2002, Dr. Gray completed a Master's
Degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Elected to the American Veterinary Medical Association's Council on Communication in 2005, she also serves as the Communication
Section Coordinator for the association's Annual Convention. Dr. Gray currently chairs the Illinois State Veterinary Medical
Association's Educational Program Committee, which plans the association's annual meeting. She has been active in the Unwanted
Horse Coalition, a newly formed organization dedicated to reducing the number of unwanted horses and improving their welfare.
A horse owner and rider, Dr. Gray recently purchased a four-year-old Trakehner gelding that she plans to train and show
in dressage.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad
line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company's catalog
and Web site.
For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll
free at 1-800-461-8898.
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SmartPak Equine's SmartBlue?continues charitable donations with focus on supporting Equine
Aid Charities
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PLYMOUTH, MA – (Jan. 31, 2006) In response to the wildly popular SmartPink?line, SmartPak Equine is proud to
announce the launch of its new SmartBlue?product line.
Proceeds from the net profit of every SmartBlue product sale will be donated to equine aid charities that promote the well
being of horses through rescue, rehabilitation, retirement and equine health research. The new SmartBlue products will be
available starting mid-March of 2006. “The popularity of the SmartPink line and the support that it engendered for breast
cancer awareness and research throughout the equestrian community was simply astounding,?reflected CEO and president of
SmartPak, Paal Gisholt. “We wanted to do more and felt that supporting the charities that help horses lead happy and healthy
lives was an equally rewarding choice for our new SmartBlue line.?SmartPak is hoping that the SmartBlue line will mimic
the success of their SmartPink line which has contributed over $20,000 to date to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Similar to the SmartPink line, SmartBlue products
include saddle pads, halters, equipment bags, a complete line of all-weather horse clothing and more! All are made from
durable Textiline?Ripstop or nylon in a flashy blue plaid design that will compliment every coat color. The SmartBlue product
line is made by Kensington Protective Products and is exclusive to SmartPak Equine.
“We are very excited about the new SmartBlue line and the opportunity to support equine aid charities,?said Becky Minard,
founder and vice president of marketing for SmartPak. A select group of equine aid charities will be chosen based on their
501(c)(3) status, reputation for ethical conduct, and sound financial and management practices. “Protecting and supporting
horses through the combined efforts of rescue, rehabilitation and research is so important and we are proud to give back
to the animals that we love. Plus, now my gelding, Westley, has the option of wearing a blanket that doesn’t clash with his
chestnut coat or offend his male ego!? For more information on SmartBlue products, visit the SmartPak Equine Web site at
www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
Since its founding in June 2000, SmartPak Equine has emerged as the unquestioned leader in daily dose packaging of equine
medicines and nutritional products. SmartPak Equine is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council certified to display
the NASC Seal of Quality and was named to Inc. Magazine’s top 500 list of America’s fastest growing private businesses in
2005.
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Second Annual Rolex Course Walk with Olympians Kim Severson and Amy Tryon |
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Hosted by SmartPak Equine |
PLYMOUTH, MA – (Feb. 10, 2006) Last April, over 200 attendees joined SmartPak Equine at the start box of the
Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event to absorb the wisdom of Olympians
Kim Severson and Amy Tryon. Encouraged
by the impressive crowd during last year’s event, SmartPak is pleased to announce its plans for a second annual Rolex Course
Walk with Severson and Tryon. The event is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.
“The Rolex CCI**** is such a unique competition and we are thrilled to be able to offer spectators another course walk with
Kim and Amy,?said Jaralyn Gibson Finn, vice president of new business development. “We were fortunate that Kim and Amy chose
to brave the inclement weather last year and are honored that they have agreed to work with us to put on another course
walk this year.?
This year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will be especially interesting as it will be the first opportunity for riders
to compete in the short format at this level in the United States. Severson and Tryon will be addressing their tactics and
theologies in riding the challenging cross country course from start box to finish. Attendees are welcome to participate
and ask questions as the formidable speakers give a step-by-step analysis of riding the course.
Kim Severson is a 2004 Individual Olympic Silver Medalist as well as a Team Olympic Bronze Medalist. She is the winner of
the 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI****. The USEA named her their Leading Lady rider in 2002, 2004 and 2005.
Her famous partner of previous years, Winsome Adante, was named the 2002, 2004 and 2005 Horse of the Year by the USEA making
him the second highest scoring horse in the history of U.S. eventing.
Amy Tryon’s highlights include a tenth place finish at last year’s Rolex Kentucky International three day event with Poggio
II and a fourth place finish with My Beau in 2004. She joins Severson as a 2004 Team Olympic Bronze Medalist and a Team
Gold Medalist at the World Equestrian Games Team in 2002. In addition, the Chronicle of the Horse named her their Horseman
of the Year in 2004.
Interested parties are encouraged to pre-register with SmartPak by emailing Nina Akerley at
nakerley@SmartPakEquine.com with a subject line of “Rolex Course Walk Sign-Up? On Thursday, April 27th, attendees
should stop by the SmartPak Equine tent to check-in or sign-up and receive complimentary gifts (limited amounts available
based on a first come basis). The start time of the course walk will depend on Amy and Kim's ride times and will be announced
via email to those that pre-register on the SmartPak Web site.
For more information on SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPakEquine.com
or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
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SmartPak announces SmartCare?Veterinary Partnership Program led by new medical director,
Dr. Lydia Gray
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PLYMOUTH, MA – (Feb. 14, 2006) SmartPak Equine, the leader in daily dose packaging of equine medicines and
nutritional products, is pleased to announce the launch of its new
SmartCare™ veterinary partnership program. With SmartCare, veterinarians can provide their clients with the
benefits of the patented SmartPak supplement service, while streamlining the commercial sale of daily supplements and medications.
Heading up the program is Lydia F. Gray, DVM, MA, who recently joined SmartPak as their medical director and staff veterinarian.
"I am delighted to be working with SmartPak and eager to get this one-of-a kind veterinary partnership program into the
hands of equine practitioners," said Dr. Gray, previously the executive director of the Hooved Animal Humane Society in
Woodstock, IL, and former Director of Owner Education for the American Association of Equine Practitioners in Lexington,
KY. "The SmartCare program offers so many advantages. It's a simple way to supplement practice income that requires no investment
in inventory and no billing. The best part is that SmartCare helps veterinarians deliver better care by ensuring compliance
with recommendations and providing oversight of supplement usage."
To get started, veterinarians simply enroll in the program and receive their unique vet code. With every new horse they
get started on SmartPak supplements using this code, veterinarians earn a profit and the oversight portion of the program
begins.
The veterinarian and client have over 200 brand name supplements from which to create a custom nutritional program for each
horse, including products such as Cosequin, and Strongid C2X ™. Additionally, when veterinarians sell Strongid C2X
daily de-wormer to their clients through SmartCare, their clients are eligible for participation in the Pfizer PreventiCare™
program.
"The benefit of the SmartCare program is both reducing overhead and inventory while also having the ability to oversee client
accounts," said Dr. Jeffrey Beshear of Old Dominion Equine Associates in Keswick, VA, who has also been a SmartPak customer
since February of 2004 . "I like having the flexibility that the program allows to make switches between different products
for clients almost instantaneously based on the horse's progress. I love that it makes me look smart in front of owners,
and at the same time the clients have access to their account and can make changes so it's a mutual benefit."
Each month, in addition to their profit check, veterinarians receive a list of their clients that are in the SmartCare program
along with the supplements and medications their clients' horses are receiving. A new SmartCare Web site exclusively for
enrolled veterinarians allows for easy, accessible observation of their clients' feeding regimens. With benefits for both
the veterinarian and horse owner, SmartCare enhances the veterinary-client-patient relationship without the addition of
costly fees or complicated inventory programs.
"I want my clients' horses to get the supplements that I recommend every day and SmartPaks help that immensely," said Dr.
Chad Brown of Veterinary Livestock Services in Huntington, WV. "The daily customized Paks along with the ease of administration
and compliance is huge, that sets it apart. That's why we like SmartCare. It makes sense for both the client and for us."
Interested veterinarians should contact SmartPak and request a free introductory kit which includes registration forms,
fact sheets and the latest catalog. Horse owners who wish to take advantage of this unique program should ask their veterinarian
if they have registered as a SmartCare veterinarian.
For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll
free at 1-800-461-8898.
Several criteria exist for eligibility in the Pfizer PreventiCare program, one of which
is that the horse owner must purchase Strongid
directly from their veterinarian. Since under SmartCare the Strongid is being sold by the veterinarian, such sales satisfy
Pfizer's requirement that Strongid be purchased from the veterinarian as outlined in the PreventiCare Terms and Conditions.
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2006 USEA HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARD TO BE SPONSORED BY SMARTPAK EQUINE
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PLYMOUTH, MA – (March 8, 2006) For the first time ever, SmartPak Equine will be sponsoring the United States Eventing Association's coveted Horse of the Year Award for 2006. Honoring the horse
that has accumulated the most points over a competition year, the USEA Horse of the Year award has been bestowed on some
of the sport's most legendary athletes including Winsome Adante, Windfall II and The Foreman. The winner will receive $1,000
plus a year's worth of supplements in SmartPaks!
"To be named the Horse of the Year is an outstanding accomplishment," said Jaralyn Gibson Finn, vice president of new business
development for SmartPak. "It requires an extraordinary level of dedication and attention to every detail. We are honored
to sponsor this award in recognition of not just the horse, but the entire team that works together to achieve this pinnacle
of success."
To maintain the level of peak performance that a Horse of the Year requires, many past recipients have relied on SmartPaks
to simplify the administration of the supplements their horses need to be at their best. Olympic athletes such as Kim Severson,
Bruce Davidson, and Amy Tryon all have their horses' supplements shipped automatically to their barn in SmartPaks. Individualized
to meet a horse's needs, the award winning SmartPak system allows for customized dosages and the flexibility to change products
and shipping schedules. With over 250 name brand products to choose from, providing optimum nutrition for horses at this
level is the easiest part of their regimen!
"The USEA Horse of the Year title is the most sought after on our Leaderboard," said the USEA's Chief Executive Officer,
Jo Whitehouse. "Our thanks to SmartPak for helping us honor this year's winner. As one of the industry's leading retailers
of quality horse care products and the patented SmartPak, they certainly know a thing or two about excellence."
The Horse of the Year award is presented during the USEA's Annual Meeting and Convention in December. Hundreds of representatives
and competitors from across the country converge to celebrate the accomplishments of their contemporaries and discuss topics
and issues of the sport . The 2006 Convention will be held December 7-10 in the Hyatt at Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri.
For more information, visit the USEA website at www.useventing.com.
For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll
free at 1-800-461-8898.
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Official day and time announced for the 2nd annual Course Walk with Kim Severson and Amy
Tryon |
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Hosted by SmartPak Equine |
PLYMOUTH, MA – (April 22, 2006) SmartPak Equine has released official details for their 2nd Annual Course Walk with Kim Severson and Amy Tryon at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day event,. The
course walk will begin at the start box of the cross country course at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 27, 2006, rain
or shine. Propelled by the success of the event in 2005, this year’s course walk has received an outstanding response with
nearly five times as many pre-registered individuals than the year before.
Due to the overwhelming popularity of the event, space is limited to ensure a quality experience for attendees. Pre-registered
individuals are encouraged to check-in at the SmartPak booth Thursday morning to secure their reservation and receive their
free gift bag. All members of the press are welcome to attend.
For more information about the event contact Nina Akerley via email at NAkerley@SmartPakEquine.com
or 774-773-1120.
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SmartPak introduces the SmartPak Canine System for dogs |
PLYMOUTH, MA (June 22, 2006) – SmartPak introduces a revolutionary way to feed our dogs with the introduction
of the SmartPak Canine system. Six years ago, SmartPak's innovation
changed the way horses are fed supplements and medications. Today, SmartPak applies that same concept and ingenuity to the
way we care for our dogs.
SmartPaks for dogs help solve several problems facing dog owners today. They help manage the epidemic of canine obesity
by controlling portion size. They provide the freshest and most wholesome food available on the market. And they simplify
the feeding process, essentially putting feeding on auto-pilot.
Company founders Paal Gisholt and Becky Minard were inspired to launch the product by their labrador retriever "Tally" who
had grown increasingly overweight. After trying several diets, the couple realized that the main issue was portion control.
"Turns out, members of our family couldn't resist topping off the cup when Tally stared up with her pathetic 'I'm starving'
gaze."
Recognizing the benefit of portion control, they turned to the SmartPak to offer owners portion control and other feeding
solutions for their dogs in one simple answer. "It answers so many problems for busy pet owners," says Gisholt. "There's
no longer a need to worry about whether or not your dog is getting the proper nutrition, the freshest food or the right
amount. And from a convenience standpoint, there's no need to worry about running out of food at an inopportune time or
dealing with those big, messy bags of dog food."
In consultation with leading pet nutritionists, SmartPak developed LiveSmart™
Holistic Dog Food, made of pure human-grade ingredients. The company has also partnered with leading dog food brands
in the industry, including Newman's Own. "We are
committed to providing only the highest quality dog food on the market," said Gisholt.
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SmartPak announces Grand Opening of First Retail Store |
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New SmartPak Store will host special grand opening events on August
5th and 6th |
PLYMOUTH, MA (July 20, 2006) – SmartPak proudly announces the grand opening of its first ever retail store
which will be opening its doors on August 1 st. The store, located in Natick, MA, plans to celebrate the occasion by hosting
special events during its first weekend including free give-aways, raffles, fun events and demonstrations for pet enthusiasts.
Featuring a wide array of the newest and most innovative products for horse, rider and dog, the
SmartPak Store also offers the opportunity to talk to a representative about equine or canine nutrition and place
orders for the company's patented SmartPak™.
"Opening the SmartPak Store has been a great aspiration of ours, and we have been working hard to bring this to fruition,"
said Becky Minard, SmartPak's founder and vice president of marketing. "The opportunity to greet our customers face to face
and personally interact with them on a more consistent basis is the next step for us in offering unparalleled service. The
SmartPak store provides the perfect venue. We are excited to bring
an even greater level of customer service coupled with the ultimate shopping experience to our customers."
The Grand Opening celebrations on August 5 th and 6 th will kick off a month of special events and promotions. Throughout
August, the new store will tailor to different themes each week including pet nutrition, equipment care and fashion. Special
highlights include veterinary and vendor guest appearances, demonstrations, raffle prizes and a tack trade-in for charity.
A schedule of the events and details about the themed weekends will be available at the
SmartPak Store and included in weekly newsletter emails.
While the SmartPak Store will offer all of the great products featured in the catalog, the store's staff is eager to create
a unique shopping experience for its customers.
"We are looking forward to setting a new standard in customer service and building close relationships with each of our
customers," said Jennifer Bagley, the SmartPak Store manager and an accomplished eventer. "We plan on offering the same
stunning level of customer service that our customers have come to expect when calling our toll free line, plus the ability
to talk in person to a knowledgeable representative who will help answer any questions and find the perfect products for
you and your horse or dog."
Interested media are encouraged to contact Nina Akerley at 774-773-1120 or via email at
nakerley@SmartPak.comfor details on the special grand opening events or to schedule an interview.
To read more about SmartPak or sign up for the weekly newsletters, visit their website at
www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
The SmartPak Store is the first ever retail store for SmartPak, a company renowned for providing equine and canine medicines
and nutritional products in handy daily dose packages. Located at 30 Worcester Street in Natick, MA, the store will be open
seven days a week (Monday through Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday
from 11am to 5 pm.) For more information, call the SmartPak Store at 508-651-0045.
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Grand Opening Weekend |
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Special Guests Highlight Weekend Event |
NATICK, MA (August 22, 2006) – SmartPak is pleased to report a successful grand opening of their
first ever retail store with special guests helping to commence the
celebrations. Attracting a steady flow of customers, the SmartPak Store has quickly established itself as a local resource
for horse and dog enthusiasts.
"The SmartPak Store is great and they are doing a really nice job," said Olympian, Dorothy Morkis of Dover, MA, who is a
regular at the SmartPak Store. "The prices are great and it's nice to have options. I've already been there four times!"
Special guests helped create a festive atmosphere at the store's grand opening and highlighted the weekend's focus on charity
and community involvement. Local charity organizations, Bay State Equine Rescue and CANTER New England, displayed pictures
of adoptable horses and provided information to curious customers. Items from the popular SmartBlue™ line, whose sale
benefits equine aid charities, were raffled off throughout the weekend.
Joining the equine charities was Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton, who brought along puppies and kittens from their shelter
to play. Two puppies, Envy and Midge, were successfully adopted over the weekend. As a special offer during the grand opening
month of August, SmartPak offered each charity a free month's supply of SmartPaks for any animal adopted through these organizations.
"We are just thrilled with this, our first foray into serving our customers via a retail store," said Paal Gisholt, CEO
and President of SmartPak."We put a lot of effort into creating a unique and enjoyable experience, and it was gratifying
to hear how much our customers appreciated our efforts to make their shopping experience productive and fun. We've been
expanding our selection of leading name brand clothing, footwear, tack and barn essentials for some time now, but the breadth
of our offerings really show when customers visit the store."
Like the catalog and
Web site, the SmartPak Store is designed to make shopping
for horses and dogs easier. A convenient kiosk station allows customers to order SmartPaks or make adjustments to existing
orders. Knowledgeable staff and nutrition resources are on hand to answer questions.
Featuring two substantial floors of horse and dog products, rider apparel, an extensive clearance section and more, the
SmartPak Store offers the opportunity to peruse all the great products normally found in the catalog. Situated on Route
9 at the Natick-Wellesley line, the SmartPak Store is open seven days a week and open late on Thursdays and Fridays so customers
can pick up those last minute must haves.
SmartPak will continue to host special events at the SmartPak Store
to serve as a venue for great shopping and learning more about smarter horse and dog care! For more information or to schedule
a visit to the SmartPak Store, please contact Nina Akerley at 774-773-1120 or NAkerley@SmartPak.com.
To learn more about SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call toll
free 1-800-461-8898.
The SmartPak Store is the first ever retail store for SmartPak, a company renowned for providing equine and canine medicines
and nutritional products in handy daily dose packages. Located at 30 Worcester Street in Natick, MA, the store is open seven
days a week (Monday through Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday from
11am to 5 pm). For more information, call the SmartPak Store at 508-651-0045.
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Lilly and Dakota are tops among dog names in the U.S. |
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SmartPak Canine releases most popular dog names for '06 |
PLYMOUTH, MA (August 24, 2006) - Move over Spot! When it comes to naming their canine family members, it
seems Molly, Max and Maggie are top-dog these days.
According to SmartPak Canine, a catalog company providing unique solutions for canine health and wellness, the top ten most
popular dog names for 2006 are as follows:
- Molly
- Max
- Maggie
- Jake
- Bear
- Sadie
- Buddy
- Bailey
- Lucy
- Daisy
"Dog names seem to follow certain trends, just like human names do," said SmartPak Canine
President Paal Gisholt. "There was a time when Spot and Rover ruled the list. But nowadays, with dogs occupying a more important
spot in the family, people are giving their dogs more creative and often more human-sounding names. They have some fun with
it and try to match the name to their dog's personality. I've seen a number of Newfoundland's named Bear, but I've yet to
meet a Poodle with that name."
Other popular names for 2006 include Shadow, Chloe and Darby. Among the more unusual monikers
on the list? Trouble, Chowder, Crash and Kaleidoscope.
The survey included SmartPak's client list of thousands of dogs across the country. SmartPak Canine specializes in creating
custom meal plans, which include all-natural, high-end dog food, along with supplements and medications particular to each
dog. The meals are shipped monthly in individual servings called SmartPaks. Each pack is recyclable and has an easy peel-off
lid labeled with the dog's name (handy if you have more than one dog).
For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com or call 1-800-326-0282 to request a
catalogue.
Since its founding in 1999, SmartPak has become the leader in daily dose packaging of all natural dog food, supplements,
and medications for busy dog owners. SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine's top 500 list of America's fastest growing private
businesses in 2005 and 2006.
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SmartPak Store to host "Get Smart Series" on Equine health topics |
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From travel safety to colic prevention, the SmartPak Store will host
discussions from noted veterinarian, Dr. Lydia Gray |
NATICK, MA (August 25, 2006) – SmartPak announced today that they plan to offer monthly in-depth
discussions on a range of equine health topics at their new store in Natick, MA
Starting on September 13 th, SmartPak's medical director, Dr. Lydia Gray, will offer the latest research and lead discussions
in such areas as "Traveling With Your Horse", "Joint Supplements: What's Hip and What's Hype?", "Preparing Your Horse for
Old Man Winter" and "Colic Prevention." Dates for the series are September 13 th, October 25 th, November 15 th and December
13 th respectively, with each session beginning at 7pm.
"I hope to make the Get Smart Series an opportunity for horse owners to get comprehensive information on topics relevant
to every horse owner, in a casual, fun and interactive format," said Dr. Gray. "I'm looking forward to presenting the latest
research available and discussing each topic thoroughly with attendees."
"We plan to take the same approach with our retail store that we have taken with our catalog and Web site," says Paal Gisholt,
SmartPak's president and CEO. "Rather than simply 'selling stuff,' we aspire to be the first place serious horse people
turn for information and products to optimize their horse's health and performance. Lydia's background in owner education
has been a huge help to our staff of product specialists, and we are excited to be able to share her knowledge with riders
in the Boston area."
Prior to joining SmartPak, Dr. Gray served as the first-ever Director of Owner Education for the American Association of
Equine Practitioners. She is often quoted and has authored articles in numerous publications including The Horse, Horse
Illustrated, Western Horseman and a variety of veterinary journals and magazines. After graduating with honors
from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and receiving her Master's Degree in Interpersonal and Organizational
Communication, Dr. Gray practiced at the Tremont Veterinary Clinic for several years. She currently chairs the Illinois
State Veterinary Medical Association's Educational Program Committee and regularly speaks at veterinary conferences.
Summaries of Dr. Gray's presentations will be published online in the Get Smart Library at
www.SmartPak.com after each talk.
Located at 30 Worcester Street in Natick, MA, the SmartPak Store is open seven days a week (Monday through Wednesday and
Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5 pm). For more information, call
the SmartPak Store at 508-651-0045 or visit the SmartPak Web site at www.SmartPak.com.
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SmartPak named to the Inc. 500 list of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies for
second straight year |
PLYMOUTH, MA (Sept. 18, 2006) – For the second consecutive year, SmartPak has been named to Inc. magazine's list of the nation's
500 fastest growing private companies. SmartPak's
three-year growth rate of 437 percent earned it the number 312 spot on Inc.'s list, making it the eleventh fastest
growing privately held consumer products company in the country. SmartPak is the only equine company ever named to the list.
With this second mention, SmartPak joins the ranks of Inc. 500 alumni that have graced the list multiple times, including
Microsoft, Timberland, Gateway, Shutterfly and other companies that have gone on shape their respective industries.
"I can't begin to express our appreciation to our exceptional employees, the superb suppliers with whom we have partnered,
and in particular the many kind customers who've gone out of their way to tell their friends about the kind of experience
we provide our customers," said Paal Gisholt, president and CEO of SmartPak."We recognize that riders have many shopping
options, and we are grateful that so many riders have given us a try and have enjoyed the service and value we provide so
much that they've become regular SmartPak customers."
SmartPak's ability to sustain such a high rate of growth comes largely from the popularity of the patented SmartPak supplement
feeding system. While originally targeted at the competitive horseback rider on the show circuit, the number of horses on
the SmartPak system continues to climb rapidly as riders of all levels and disciplines discover the affordable convenience
of using SmartPaks to put their supplement program on "auto-pilot."
Most recently, the company extended its patented approach to simplify the feeding of dogs. SmartPaks for Dogs contain premium
dog food, supplements, and/or daily medications, custom-packed for a specific dog and delivered automatically to the customer's
doorstep each month. The SmartPak feeding system offers convenience to any dog owner, but the system's ability to maintain
tight portion control of reduced calorie food is particularly advantageous for slimming down overweight dogs. Studies have
shown that excess weight can shorten a dog's life by two years, in addition to accelerating the onset of arthritis and other
serious diseases like diabetes, and that portion control is critical to manage a dog's weight.
SmartPaks for Dogs are affordable (2 cups a day of LiveSmart super
premium reduced calorie food runs less than $30 a month) and have taken off even faster than SmartPaks for horses did. In
the six years since SmartPaks for horses were launched, they have been used to dispense over 88 million servings of supplements
and medications to horses across the United States.
SmartPak plans to continue its rapid growth by broadening its product offering while at the same time developing additional
ways of serving its customers. SmartPak recently opened its first retail store in Natick, MA The store showcases a wide
selection of horse clothing, rider apparel, footwear, and tack as well as offering customers great bargains in the catalog
clearance section. SmartPak also recently launched a veterinarian partnership program, SmartCare™, that allows both
small animal and equine veterinarians to offer SmartPaks to their clients.
To learn more about SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call them
at 1-800-461-8898.
Since its founding in 1999, SmartPak has emerged as the unquestioned leader in daily dose packaging of equine and canine
foods, medicines and nutritional products. SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine's "INC 500" list of America's fastest growing
private businesses in 2005 and 2006, received the 2005 SBANE Innovation Award, and received the 2006 Best Bosses Award from
Winning Workplaces, recognizing the potential for progressive management practices and employee empowerment to contribute
to business success.
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SmartPak and Nutramax partner to introduce Cosequin, SP
Special Version of Cosequin Available Exclusively in SmartPaks |
PLYMOUTH, Mass (Sept. 27, 2006) - SmartPak Equine, LLC and Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. announced today that they have jointly introduced a special version
of Cosequin designed for the horse in intensive training and competition. The product, called
Cosequin, SP and available exclusively through SmartPak, contains the exclusive active ingredients that have made
the original researched formulation of Cosequin the #1 veterinarian recommended brand.
Cosequin, SP contains double the amount of high quality FCHG49, glucosamine (7200mg) combined with 1200mg of Cosequin's
researched (TRH122,) low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate, and a full 10,000mg of MSM as well as 2500mg of Vitamin C.
"We have always admired the pioneering role that Nutramax has played in defining the standards for the equine supplement
industry," said Paal Gisholt, SmartPak's president and CEO. "We are delighted to be able to offer our customers the exact
same extensively researched ingredients that have made Cosequin our number one selling product, but with higher levels of
glucosamine and the added benefit of 10,000mg of MSM."
Cosequin SP is available exclusively in SmartPaks and may be purchased either by visiting the SmartPak Equine Web site at
www.SmartPakEquine.com, calling SmartPak at 1-800-461-8898 or by ordering from
a veterinarian participating in SmartPak's veterinarian partnership program, SmartCare™ (see your vet for details).
Since its founding in 1999, SmartPak has emerged as the unquestioned leader in daily dose packaging of equine and canine
foods, medicines and nutritional products. SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine's "INC 500" list of America's fastest growing
private businesses in 2005 and 2006, received the 2005 SBANE Innovation Award, and received the 2006 Best Bosses Award from
Winning Workplaces, recognizing the potential for progressive management practices and employee empowerment to contribute
to business success.
About SmartPak
SmartPak Equine is a privately held company located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The company is best known for its SmartPak™
supplement feeding system, via which over 88 million servings of nutritional supplements and medications have been administered
since June of 2000. The company recently launched SmartPaks™ for dogs: custom packed individual servings of premium
quality dog food, supplements, and medications, delivered to one's doorstep automatically every month. For more information,
visit www.SmartPak.com
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SmartPak CEO named one of the country’s best bosses by Fortune Small Business |
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Paal Gisholt of SmartPak in Plymouth to be featured in October issue |
PLYMOUTH, MA (Oct. 2, 2006) — Winning
Workplaces announces Paal Gisholt, President and CEO of SmartPak based in Plymouth, as one of this year's Best Bosses. He is one of 18 Best Bosses selected nationally - dedicated, passionate, and driven
business leaders representing such diverse fields as investment management, animal health products, web hosting and legal
services.
The winners were announced at the Winning Workplaces conference and celebration in Chicago on Sept. 27 to mark the fourth
annual Best Bosses competition. The winners were evaluated on the personal statement of the leader, and employee and customer
satisfaction ratings and interviews. A related story will appear in the October 2006 issue of FORTUNE Small Business with
the full list of winners available online at winningworkplaces.org and FSB.com.
A key theme among this year's Best Bosses – fully involving their employees in the success of the organization by
offering extensive training, generous benefits, open-book management and direct ownership. "The Best Bosses understand the
connection between employee engagement and the bottom line," says Mary Corbitt Clark, executive director of Winning Workplaces.
"As I learned more about Winning Workplaces, it became evident that this award really recognizes a group's achievement in
building a winning culture," said Gisholt. "Since we started SmartPak six years ago, we've placed tremendous importance
on empowering individuals to make an impact while having fun along the way. I am incredibly proud of our team and the positive
work environment we have fostered."
SmartPak specializes in high-end, customized nutritional programs for horses and dogs. While primarily a catalog/internet
company, they recently opened their first retail store in Natick, MA Gisholt founded SmartPak with his wife, Becky Minard,
in 1999, and now employees close to 100 employees with customers in all fifty states.
This year's winners were selected through a nomination and application process that evaluated employee satisfaction, benefits,
investment in training and the leader's personal vision. The finalists were screened by a panel of judges that included
Winning Workplaces management team and board members, small business owners and workplace consulting experts.
The entire class of Best Bosses for 2006:
- Mellody Hobson, Ariel Capital Management, Chicago IL
- Carl LaMell, Clearbrook, Arlington Heights, IL
- Michael Lacey, Digineer, St. Louis Park, MN
- David M. Pierce, ENA, Nashville, TN
- Mike Faith, Headsets.com, San Francisco, CA
- Timothy Keenan, High Performance Technologies, Inc., Reston, VA
- Linda Dunkel, Interaction Associates, Cambridge, MA
- Dan Hoffman, M5 Networks, New York, NY
- David Williams, Merkle, Lanham, MD
- Pete Snyder, New Media Strategies, Arlington, VA
- Nicholas Thomley, Pinnacle Services, St. Louis Park, MN
- Graham Weston, Rackspace Managed Hosting, San Antonio, TX
- Megan Glasheen, Reno & Cavanaugh, Washington D.C.
- Jeffrey Hollender, Seventh Generation, Burlington, VT
- Paal Gisholt, SmartPak Equine, Plymouth, MA
- Henry Givray, SmithBucklin Corporation, Chicago IL
- Keith Jacob, St. Louis Staffing, St. Louis, MO
- Richard Caturano, Vitale, Caturano & Company, Boston MA
About SmartPak
Since its founding in 1999, SmartPak has emerged as the unquestioned leader in daily dose packaging of equine and canine
foods, medicines and nutritional products. SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine's "INC 500" list of America's fastest growing
private businesses in 2005 and 2006, received the 2005 SBANE Innovation Award, and received the 2006 Best Bosses Award from
Winning Workplaces, recognizing the potential for progressive management practices and employee empowerment to contribute
to business success.
About Winning Workplaces
Winning Workplaces is an Evanston, IL-based not-for-profit, whose mission is to help the leaders of small and midsize organizations
create great workplaces. Founded in 2001, Winning Workplaces serves as a clearinghouse of information on workplace best
practices via a website and a monthly e-newsletter; recognizes outstanding leaders of small organizations through the Best
Bosses collaboration with FORTUNE Small Business magazine; provides seminars and workshops on workplace-related topics;
helps organizations assess their workplaces through employee surveys and other feedback tools.
About FORTUNE Small Business
FSB: FORTUNE Small Business is the premier magazine for – and about – small business owners. FSB is published
by Time Inc. and is distributed 10 times a year through a partnership with American Express, reaching 1 million owners,
partners and top managers of leading companies with fewer than 100 employees. Each issue provides hard-hitting, informative,
inspiring coverage of the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy. Time Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner.
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SmartPink Program Receives $5,000 Donation for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness
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PLYMOUTH, MA (October 25, 2006) -Kensington Protective Products
recently presented SmartPak with a donation in the amount of $5,000 to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation under
the auspices of the SmartPink(tm) Program. This latest donation brings the total contribution to the national foundation
to over $25,000 through the sale of SmartPink plaid products. SmartPak donates 10% of profits from all SmartPink sales.
"The SmartPink program has been a phenomenal success and we are thrilled with this donation to the National Breast Cancer
Foundation," said Becky Minard, founder and vice president of marketing
for SmartPak. "Our partnership with Kensington on the SmartPink line has been a wonderful experience. Facilitating this
and future donations on their behalf is a great honor."
The personal donation from Alan Gatto, president of Kensington Protective Products, and Terri Schulte, a National Sales
Representative for the company, is just the beginning of Kensington's commitment to provide on-going support. The company
plans to continue their involvement with an annual donation based on the growth of the SmartPink program.
"Both Terri and I were touched by the response of customer letters and phone calls resulting from our involvement with SmartPink,"
said Gatto. "Looking ahead, we want to make an even greater contribution through SmartPink to support the National Breast
Cancer Foundation. It has been an immensely rewarding experience to give back to the community in this way."
Kensington worked closely with SmartPak to create the exclusive SmartPink line, the end result has become a must-have-item
in the equine community due to its incredible durability, striking pink plaid design and symbolism of breast cancer awareness.
SmartPink products include a full line of all-weather horse clothing, equipment bags, halters, saddle pads and more!
"The idea just had the right timing and the right people involved," recalled Schulte. "We had the synergy to turn an idea
into a lasting product line that has not only benefited the industry and the people in it but is also a charity of tremendous
importance. We are immensely appreciative to be involved and give back to such a worthy program and cause."
For more information about SmartPink, visit the SmartPak Web site at www.SmartPak.com
or call 1-800-461-8898. To learn more about Kensington Protective
Products, go to their Web site at www.kensingtonproducts.com.
Photographs available.
About SmartPak
Since its founding in 1999, SmartPak has emerged as the unquestioned leader in daily dose packaging of equine and canine
foods, medicines and nutritional products. SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine's "INC 500" list of America's fastest growing
private businesses in 2005 and 2006, received the 2005 SBANE Innovation Award, and received the 2006 Best Bosses Award from
Winning Workplaces, recognizing the potential for progressive management practices and employee empowerment to contribute
to business success.
About Kensington
The Kensington Protective Products team has been designing and manufacturing custom equine protective wear since
1959. The Kensington line was launched in 1987 providing horsewear of uncompromising quality and innovation. They are the
only fully licensed fabricator of US made 2000 denier ripstop Textilene(r) in the equine industry.
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SmartPak and Life Data Labs partner to make Farrier's Formula available in SmartPaks |
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Special Version of Farrier’s Formula Available Exclusively in SmartPaks |
CHEROKEE, AL and PLYMOUTH, MA (November 29, 2006) - Life Data Labs and SmartPak Equine
announced today that they have entered into a partnership to make Farrier's Formula available in SmartPaks. Farrier's Formula
is the original hoof supplement, and has been shown effective in university studies as well as Life Data's own extensive
research.
"Farrier's Formula has been our most widely requested hoof product, and we are delighted to be able to offer it to our customers,"
said Paal Gisholt, SmartPak's President and CEO. "In getting to know the Life Data team, I have had the opportunity to see
their commitment to making a quality product first hand, and their care and attention to product quality is exceptional."
"We are happy to be making Farrier’s Formula available to the many barns and individuals that have adopted the SmartPak feeding
system," said Brian Jones, an executive with Life Data Labs. "We took advantage of the extra protection offered by the SmartPak
delivery system to create a special concentrated version of Farrier’s Formula that contains the same level of nutrients and
benefits of the non-concentrated version. Furthermore, our utilization of vacuum-packaging under nitrogen for delivery to
SmartPak allows us to guarantee high levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, along with Vitamin C, making this concentrate
an excellent choice for skin and coat as well as hoof health."
Under the partnership, the companies agreed to a limited exclusivity. SmartPak has agreed not to offer hoof supplements
that exactly copy Farrier’s Formula and Life Data Labs has agreed that SmartPak will be the exclusive provider of Farrier’s
Formula in daily doses custom-packed for an individual horse. Other terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
About SmartPak
SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The SmartPak?supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country,
who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. The SmartPak system has been embraced by riders from all
disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. SmartPak, which also sells a wide range of horse and rider
supplies via its catalog, was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the
second straight year. The company recently opened its first retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit
www.SmartPak.com
About Life Data Labs
Life Data Labs was established in 1973 with the purpose of determining equine nutritional deficiencies by performing laboratory
tests. Dr. Frank Gravlee, the founder of Life Data, has a background in equine medicine. Today, Life Data Labs?Farrier’s
Formula is the number one recommended product by Farrier’s in the United States and has been the number one product for twelve
consecutive years according to the American Farrier’s Journal. Marketed worldwide, approximately one-third of sales are international.
Life Data Labs ships to the UK, European Community, Canada, Mexico, Middle East, South America, China, Israel, and Japan.
For more information, visit www.LifeDataLabs.com
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SmartPak taps leading practitioners for Equine Veterinary Advisory Council |
PLYMOUTH, MA (January 5, 2007) - SmartPak announced today that it is forming an Equine Veterinary Advisory
Council consisting of four leading equine practitioners. With a long standing commitment to equine health, SmartPak intends
to use this council to help the company stay on top of the latest research, nutritional products and horse health issues,
while helping to promote increased involvement of veterinarians in the nutritional management of horses.
“Our Equine Veterinary Advisory Council comprises veterinarians who are experts in horse health and nutrition, respected
among their colleagues, and revered by their clients,?said president and CEO Paal Gisholt. “We hope to tap into their wealth
of education and experience to help us identify innovative nutritional solutions to the challenges of keeping horses healthy
and performing their best.?
Members of the new Council include Dr. Mark Baus, Fairfield Equine Associates, Newtown, CT; Dr. Mary Brennan, Alternative
Veterinary Services, Blairsville, GA; Dr. Eleanor Kellon, Equine Nutritional Solutions, Ephrata, PA; and Dr. Jay Merriam,
Massachusetts Equine Clinic, Uxbridge, MA.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to turn to such an outstanding, well-balanced team of equine veterinarians for advice,?said
Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak’s staff veterinarian and medical director. “With their expertise, SmartPak will continue to offer
cutting edge nutritional and medical support to horse owners and veterinarians looking to optimize health and performance.?
Council members are well-known in the horse owner and veterinary communities for their unique contributions.
As the managing partner of the largest, most sophisticated privately owned equine hospital on the East Coast, Dr. Baus is
a frequent contributor and lecturer on practice management. He has a special interest in lameness, in particular foot-related
problems, especially laminitis. In addition to providing top-notch care to the A-Circuit, he has enjoyed showing horses
and fox hunting. Dr. Baus currently volunteers for several area programs, including Pegasus therapeutic riding center.
A frequent contributor and lecturer, Dr. Brennan is also the author of two holistic care books. She practices holistic veterinary
medicine on horses, dogs and cats, and has worked with individuals competing in the Olympics, thoroughbreds racing in the
Breeders?Cup, barrel racers, ropers, endurance horses and halter horses. She enjoys competing in dressage.
Dr. Kellon is the author of the popular book "Equine Supplements and Nutraceuticals, A Guide to Peak Health and Performance
Through Nutrition". She has written a number of other books as well as scientific articles and is the veterinary editor
and a contributing author to "Horse Journal". Dr. Kellon also runs the almost 5000-member Yahoo group Equine Cushing’s and
Laminitis. She and her husband breed, raise, train and race standardbreds.
In addition to his full-service, multi-veterinarian medical and surgical practice, Dr. Merriam has been an active member
of organized veterinary medicine, serving as president of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, as well as on
numerous committees for the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Merriam is a member of the Bureau of Land
Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board and founder of Project Samana, a volunteer veterinary clinic in the Dominican
Republic.
About SmartPak
SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and
medications to horses. The SmartPak?supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across
the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. The SmartPak system has been embraced by riders
from all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the
company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through
the company’s catalog and Web site. SmartPak was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private
companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company recently opened
its first retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com
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SmartPak Serves 100 millionth Supplement in SmartPaks™
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PLYMOUTH, MA (February 8, 2007) - SmartPak Equine announced today that they have served their 100 millionth
supplement in customized daily dose SmartPaks? "I still remember the excitement we all felt when we started seeing
orders come in from top international competitors shortly after we launched the service in 2000," said Becky Minard,
Founder and VP of Marketing. "But honestly, what has been most gratifying has been hearing from our customers how we
have helped to simplify and improve care for tens of thousands of horses. From the hard core competitor to a young rider
getting her first pony, our customers have let us into the special relationship that they enjoy with their horses, and we
value that trust more than anything."
Reflecting upon the milestone, SmartPak’s President and CEO Paal Gisholt shared, "We’ve worked hard to create a supplement
feeding approach that works for a wide range of horse owners. But the real magic behind SmartPak’s success has been our stellar
service team. Not a day goes by that I don’t receive an email from a delighted customer who wants to make sure I know the
lengths to which our team is going to deliver superior service. They are fundamental to the SmartPak experience and are
responsible for our rapid growth. And we cherish the way they make our customers feel special and cared for."
In celebration of this milestone, SmartPak is awarding a free year’s supply of supplements in SmartPaks to the customer whose
order contained the 100 millionth supplement served. The lucky customer is Ellen Sullivan-Phillips, the manager of a training
facility in Medford Lakes, NJ. Ellen has 2 horses on the SmartPak supplement feeding system. It was Mandela, her 13 year
old Dutch horse, whose SmartPak order was the winner. Ellen chose SmartPak because of the convenience of feeding and the
broad selection of products. She knew many people already using SmartPaks for their horses and decided to give them a try.
When asked about her experiences with SmartPak, Ellen said, "I manage a training facility and SmartPaks make feeding
so much easier. I encourage all of my clients to use SmartPak."
Committed to animal health care since launching its pioneering service in 2000, SmartPak strives to provide innovative and
convenient solutions for their customers while doing their best to "tread lightly on the earth." To date, the
company estimates it has kept roughly one million plastic supplement buckets out of landfills by dispensing in the recycled
(and recyclable) SmartPaks. To learn more about SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com
or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners
across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. The SmartPak system has been embraced
by riders from all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement
system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items
sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. SmartPak was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing
private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company was recently
honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail
store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com
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SmartPak Names SmartBlue™ Charities
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Five Equine Aid Charities Selected as Beneficiaries of the Company’s SmartBlue Program |
PLYMOUTH, MA (February 28, 2007) - SmartPak is pleased to announce the 2006 beneficiaries for their SmartBlue™
program. The charities selected include Bay State Equine Rescue, CANTER New England, H.O.P.E. Inc., Days End Farm Horse
Rescue Inc. and the UC Davis Center for Equine Health. Donations to these charities were provided by a portion of the profits
from customers' SmartBlue purchases during 2006. SmartPak's exclusive line of SmartBlue products includes a full line of
all-weather horse clothing, halters, saddle pads, equipment bags and more.
The five equine aid charities selected represent different, but equally important approaches to promoting the well being
of horses. H.O.P.E Organization Inc. (an acronym for Horse Outreach Program through Education) takes in and cares for abused,
neglected and slaughter-bound horses and offers riding lessons, leasing programs and educational opportunities to the public.
"The H.O.P.E. Organization is completely ecstatic that SmartPak has chosen us to be one of the equine aid charities
for their SmartBlue™ program. We are truly honored to have been chosen and look forward to a wonderful partnership
with SmartPak" said Allison Milano, Vice President of H.O.P.E. Inc.
The Bay State Equine Rescue's goal is to raise public awareness of equine neglect through youth education, legislation,
animal care awareness, and community service opportunities. Canter New England (an acronym for the Communication Alliance
to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) provides retiring racehorses with opportunities for new careers after their time
in racing is over. Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. is a place where children and adults can go to help provide care for
unwanted, abused or neglected horses.
Finally, the UC Davis Center for Equine Health is dedicated to advancing the health, well-being, performance and veterinary
care of horses through research and education. SmartPak’s donation to UC Davis has been earmarked for colic research in the
coming year. "Colic is a concern for horse owners everywhere. Anyone who has gone through a serious colic with their
horse is changed by the experience. Through research on the root causes of colic and better treatment options, we hope for
the day that fewer horse owners will be faced with the agonizing decisions surrounding this condition" said Paal Gisholt,
President and CEO of SmartPak.
"SmartPak is proud to support the excellent work these organizations provide for horses and is honored to be affiliated
with their endeavors," said Becky Minard, Founder and Vice President of Marketing. "Giving back to the equine
community has always been one of our most important corporate values and supporting charities that help horses is truly
rewarding for us."
This select group of equine aid charities were chosen based on their 501(c)(3) status, reputation for ethical conduct, and
sound financial and management practices. To help choose the first SmartBlue charities, SmartPak’s staff veterinarian and
director of the SmartCare™ veterinarian partnership program, Dr. Lydia Gray, contributed her extensive expertise and
background in equine charities as the former Executive Director of the Hooved Animal Humane Society. Dr. Gray was also recently
appointed to the AAEP's Equine Welfare Committee in which she will develop special reports on animal welfare subjects, maintain
liaisons with the AVMA and identify appropriate spokespersons to address animal welfare.
In addition to monetary donations, SmartPak will also be contributing a free six month supply of supplements in SmartPaks
for individual horses at these charities. "As a rescue serving retiring Thoroughbred racehorses, we often have animals
that are recovering from injuries and need supplements to help them adjust to their new life away from racing. The SmartBlue
program is going to help ensure that we get one of our horses off to a great start on a new life," said Ellen O’Brien,
Executive Director of CANTER New England.
SmartPak, the leading provider of daily dose packaging of equine supplements and medications, created the SmartBlue product
line to give back to horses in need. Through the sale of SmartBlue products, SmartPak will continue to donate a portion
of the proceeds to equine aid charities that promote the well-being of horses through rescue, rehabilitation, retirement
and research.
To learn more about SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call toll
free 1-800-461-8898. Pictures of SmartBlue Products and the SmartBlue Charities and horses are available upon request.
About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners
across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. It has been embraced by riders from
all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company
offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the
company's catalog and Web site. SmartPak was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private
companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company was recently honored
with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail store
in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com
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About Bay State Equine Rescue
Bay State Equine Rescue was incorporated on November 12, 2002 and founded by a group of compassionate volunteers dedicated
to preserving equine integrity. They hold many events that involve adults and children working with the community to save
a horse, provide education, reduce neglect and abuse, or offer services. BSER often works to help individuals place horses
they no longer want, or cannot care for and have also helped equine owners who, temporarily, could not manage the care of
their horse by themselves. BSER is a corporation in the state of Massachusetts and has a list of volunteers ready and anxious
to be a part of the rescue and rehabilitation process.
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About CANTER New England
CANTER New England is one of seven CANTER affiliates around the United States dedicated to the welfare of the racing Thoroughbred
and assisting ex-racers in making the successful transition to life after the finish line. Through direct rescue work, collaboration
with other horse welfare organizations, and by helping trainers and owners seeking to retire horses to connect with non-race
buyers, they help to ensure that these remarkable athletes find loving homes and new careers off the track. Since its inception
in 1997, CANTER programs have helped thousands of retiring racers transition from a life in racing to lives as competitors
in other sports, as pleasure mounts, or to peaceful existences as companion horses.
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About H.O.P.E.
H.O.P.E Organization Inc, was established in 2003. Its goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home starving, neglected &
abused equines, while educating the public on what a wonderful creature the horse is. With the capability to rescue up to
20 horses at one time, H.O.P.E. also offers learning clinics, riding & driving lessons, leasing programs and is available
for outside educational opportunities. Being a 501(c)(3) not for profit, humane public charity, H.O.P.E. relies on public
donations to keep the organization going.
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About Days End Farm
Days End Farm Horse Rescue, Inc. is a volunteer based, animal welfare organization established in 1989 to ensure quality
care and treatment of horses through rehabilitation, humane education and community outreach. DEFHR has gone from a small
non-profit sheltering only a few horses annually, to a full scale rescue and rehabilitation facility housing on average
50 ?60 horses at any one point in time. Its budget, and corresponding donations, has grown from $50,000 annually to over
$600,000 over a 10 year period! Over 500 adults and children volunteer their efforts in helping the Farm to achieve its
mission.
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About UC Davis Center for Equine Health
The UC Davis Center for Equine Health provides academic leadership and serves as the organizational umbrella under which
equine research is funded and conducted at UC Davis and at California State University campuses with equine programs. The
findings of studies conducted by CEH researchers are applied directly in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital so that
continuous improvements can be made in the standard of veterinary care provided to equine patients. In addition, the CEH
plays an important role in the training of future veterinarians, academic clinicians and researchers by providing invaluable
hands-on learning opportunities to undergraduate veterinary students, residents and graduate students.
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SmartPak to hold another Rolex Course Walk with Olympian Amy Tryon |
PLYMOUTH, MA (March 26, 2007) - SmartPak will be repeating their popular Rolex Course Walk again this year,
with Olympian Amy Tryon. While most riders only dream of running a four-star course, the next best thing is experiencing
it through the eyes and insights of an Olympic equestrian! Tryon will lead attendees on a guided tour through the perils
of the most challenging cross country course in the United States. She will discuss her strategies in riding each cross
country obstacle from start box to finish and attendees will be able to ask questions along the way. Everyone is welcome
to attend this special event, which is free of charge.
"Getting insight from a top rider like Amy Tryon is such a great opportunity" said Becky Minard, founder and VP
of Marketing. "We’re happy to be partnering with her to offer the Course Walk again."
Amy Tryon was named the USEA’s Lady Rider of the Year for 2006. In addition, "The Chronicle of the Horse" named
her their Eventing Horseman of the Year for 2006 and named her partner Poggio II, the Eventing Horse of the Year. Tryon’s
career highlights include a fifth place finish at last year’s Rolex CCI**** event with partner Woodstock and a tenth place
finish with partner Poggio II in 2005. Tryon was also a 2004 Team Olympic Bronze Medalist and a Team Gold Medalist at the
2002 World Equestrian Games.
Interested parties are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the Rolex Course Walk by emailing Rebecca Bennett at
RBennett@SmartPak.com with a subject line of "Rolex Course Walk Sign-Up." First priority will be given
to SmartPak customers. Pre-registered attendees will be guaranteed a spot on the walk and will receive a complimentary gift
bag (limited amounts available based on a first come basis). On Thursday, April 26th attendees should visit the SmartPak
tent to check-in or sign-up. At this time pre-registered parties will receive their complimentary gift bag. The Course Walk
will be held on the 26th, but the actual start time will depend on Tryon’s ride times and will be posted on the SmartPak
website and announced via email to those that pre-register with SmartPak.
For more information on SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPakEquine.com
or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898. Images from last year’s Course Walk are available upon request.
About SmartPak
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The patented SmartPak? supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across
the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. The SmartPak system has been embraced by riders
from all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the
company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through
the company’s catalog and Web site. SmartPak was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private
companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company was recently honored
with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail store
in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.
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Dogs should mind what they eat too: Wellness and SmartPak team up to fight canine obesity
through portion control
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CHELMSFORD, MA and PLYMOUTH, MA (March 20, 2007) - In an effort to encourage portion control as a key tool
in battling the growing epidemic of obesity in dogs, Wellness® and SmartPak™ today announced an alliance to make
Wellness brands of dog food available in custom daily-dose SmartPaks.
According to the US Food and Drug Association, between 25% and 35% of all dogs are overweight or obese, a problem that studies
show can have a negative impact on an animal's health. Managing serving size is an acknowledged way to manage a dog's weight.
"Keeping your dog at the right weight is more than just a cosmetic issue," says Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak's Staff
Veterinarian. "Recently published research1 has shown that feeding dogs a restricted calorie diet can extend
the median life span nearly two years. Not only did the trimmer dogs live longer, the onset of chronic diseases, such as
arthritis, was delayed."
"Just as with people, diet and exercise will help to maintain a dog's healthy weight," added Board Certified Veterinary
Nutritionist Edward Moser, MS, VMD, DACVN. "When you have an overweight dog, pet owners need to control the animal's
calorie intake. It is the pet owner's responsibility to measure the food and keep track of the feeding schedule. They should
be sure the food is high quality, made with the finest natural ingredients that meet a balanced diet."
It is the dual requirement to feed the right food in the right amount to combat canine obesity that gave
rise to the partnership between Wellness and SmartPak.
Wellness has become a leading natural brand by pioneering dog and cat food recipes using the finest natural ingredients,
such as all-natural human-grade boneless chicken and hormone-free New Zealand lamb, healthy grains, and fresh fruits and
vegetables. Wellness diets represent the most nutritious ingredients used in the correct proportions and balance. Recognizing
the issue of weight management early on, Wellness developed a special weight management formula in consultation with leading
veterinarians.
"Wellness foods have consistently received top product rankings by consumers and experts alike. We are delighted to
be partnering with them to both raise awareness of canine obesity as well as to offer a comprehensive solution to the problem,"
says Paal Gisholt, SmartPak’s President and CEO.
Veterinarians find portion control is often the missing link in helping a beloved family dog to reach a healthy weight.
With SmartPaks, this temptation is avoided—no matter who feeds. SmartPaks achieve perfect portion control by providing individually
packed and sealed portions of food, custom-sized for a dog's needs, and delivered to the doorstep each month.
"Our commitment has always been to the animal first," says Mark Shuster, Wellness Vice President of Marketing.
"This latest innovation, offering our products in a SmartPak portion control system, reinforces that commitment."
In addition to facilitating canine weight loss, dog owners across the country have embraced SmartPak for its convenience.
SmartPaks put an element of pet ownership on auto-pilot. They make it simple to travel with a dog, to board a dog, to use
a pet sitter and to have children feed the family dog correctly. Wellness recognized the importance of convenience and has
made its entire canine product line available in SmartPaks, including the Simple Food Solutions allergy line.
The convenience of SmartPaks is affordable too: A 28 day supply of Wellness' Weight Management food fed at a rate of 2 cups
per day costs just $29.80/month. Orders may be placed on the company’s website at www.SmartPakCanine.com
or by phoning toll free 1-800-461-8898.
1Influence of Lifetime Food Restriction on Causes, Time, and Predictors of Death in Dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc
2005;226:225-231.
About Wellness® Live Well. Eat Well. Be Well.®
The Wellness brand of Natural Food and Treats for Pets was founded on the belief that, "You are what you eat!"
and that incorporating a holistic approach to a healthy, nutritious diet is the foundation of wellbeing. With this mission,
a committed team of vets, nutritionists, and animal lovers has spent decades creating the very best in all-natural nutrition
for both dogs and cats. All Wellness food and treat varieties feature recipes using human-quality ingredients without the
use of meat by-products, fillers, potential allergens, artificial colors, flavors or artificial preservatives. Wellness
is proud to be a part of the Old Mother Hubbard pet food family, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2006. Wellness
is sold exclusively through knowledgeable independent pet stores and natural food stores in North America. For more information,
please visit www.wellnesspetfood.com.
About SmartPak
Since its founding in 1999, SmartPak has custom-packaged over 100 million feedings of supplements, foods, and medications
for horses and dogs. The SmartPak Feeding System has been featured in over 40 publications, including Fortune Small Business
and Inc. Magazine. SmartPak recently received the 2005 Innovation Award from the Smaller Business Association of
New England, was named to the Inc 500 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2005 and 2006, and was recognized
by Winning Workplaces with a Best Bosses award in 2006. The company offers a wide assortment of pharmaceuticals and pet
care supplies via its catalog, its Natick, MA-based retail store, and its website www.smartpakcanine.com.
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SmartPak Canine Voluntarily Recalls LiveSmart Weight Management Formula
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No Ill Effects Reported. Recall Limited to 45 Pet Owners Who Received Product.
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Contact:
Paal Gisholt 774 773-1100
Consumers:
1-800-461-8898
PLYMOUTH, MA (April 25, 2007) -
Wilbur-Ellis, a San Francisco-based supplier of pet food ingredients, has asked all pet food producers that used their rice
protein concentrate to recall dog food produced using that ingredient due to a risk that it may have been contaminated with
melamine. Melamine is an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that can lead to illness or fatalities
in animals if consumed.
SmartPak Canine used rice protein concentrate supplied by Wilbur-Ellis for a single, recently produced batch of its LiveSmart
- Weight Management Formula dog food. SmartPak is voluntarily recalling that batch of the product. Virtually all of the
potentially contaminated batch was recovered by SmartPak before going to customers; only 45 pet owners received shipments
of the affected product and all of them have been contacted. SmartPak has not received any reports of pets taking ill as
a result of feeding LiveSmart Weight Management food.
SmartPak learned of this issue last Friday April 20th, when its contract manufacturer, Chenango Valley Pet Food, Inc., informed
them that a recently produced batch of LiveSmart Weight Management Formula was manufactured using rice protein concentrate
sourced from Wilbur-Ellis. Immediately that day SmartPak: 1) stopped offering the LiveSmart Weight Management Formula product
for sale on its website, 2) cancelled all pending orders from its customers for LiveSmart Weight Management Formula, 3)
diverted monthly shipments on UPS trucks that had not yet been delivered, and 4) contacted all 45 affected customers via
telephone and email, informed them of the situation, and told them to stop feeding the product.
SmartPak Canine also sent a complimentary replacement shipment of SmartPak portion paks containing another national brand
of weight management food to ensure a consistent supply of food for their pet and to minimize the likelihood of a consumer
continuing to feed the possibly contaminated food.
This was the first and only batch of LiveSmart food containing rice protein concentrate sourced from Wilbur-Ellis. No other
LiveSmart foods contain rice protein concentrate as an ingredient. The following LiveSmart formulas do not contain either
of the ingredients affected in the recall (rice protein concentrate or wheat gluten) and remain available for sale in portion-pak
SmartPaks:
- LiveSmart Adult - Chicken and Brown Rice
- LiveSmart Senior - Chicken and Brown Rice
- LiveSmart Puppy - Chicken and Brown Rice
- LiveSmart Adult - Lamb and Brown Rice
Paal Gisholt, SmartPak’s President and CEO, commented, "We started SmartPak Canine because we love dogs and wanted to
do everything possible to promote their health and well being. We’ve made it a key focus of our business to promote the feeding
of higher quality dog foods, in controlled portions, as the cornerstone of canine health. As pet owners ourselves, our hearts
go out to the many thousands of dog and cat lovers who have been affected by this terrible situation."
Consumers with questions about the pet food they use should visit the FDA Web site at www.fda.gov.
For more information regarding Wilbur-Ellis? recall, their press release may be viewed at:
http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/wilburellis04_07.html
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SmartPak Equine Joins Avon Walk for Breast Cancer |
The company has now donated over $20,000 for breast cancer research.
PLYMOUTH, MA (May 17, 2007) -
Employees from SmartPak, a Plymouth, MA based company serving horse and dog owners, have teamed up to participate in the
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 19th and 20th. The 39-mile Avon Walk is held each year in Boston, starting at UMASS Boston
with an overnight stop at Prowse Farm in Canton. The Team SmartPak entry includes eight SmartPak employees who have been
training and fundraising since January.
"Breast cancer is an issue that touches so many of our friends, family members, employees and customers," said
Kristen Isaacs, a SmartPak vice president and member of Team SmartPak. "Through our journey preparing for this walk,
we have come together as a team, and as a company, to help find a cure."
Last year, participants in the Boston walk raised over $6.3 million to fund breast cancer awareness and research. SmartPak
is no stranger to this cause. In 2005, SmartPak launched an exclusive SmartPink™ product line to benefit breast cancer
research. The SmartPink line of products includes travel bags, a complete line of all-weather horse clothing and will soon
include dog coats. The product line is exclusive to SmartPak and has become a great way for SmartPak customers to use their
purchases to join the fight against breast cancer. Through this and other efforts, SmartPak has now donated over $20,000
to breast cancer research.
SmartPak plans to continue donating proceeds from the sale of the SmartPink line to breast cancer research. "SmartPak
is committed to breast cancer research and being involved in the Avon Walk is an extension of that commitment," said
Becky Minard, SmartPak’s Founder. "Giving back to the community is truly rewarding and one of our most important corporate
values."
SmartPak was founded by riders and horse owners. In addition to the SmartPak system, the company offers a broad line of
horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the Company’s catalog and Web
site. SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information about SmartPak, go to
www.SmartPak.com or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898. Photographs of the team are available.
About SmartPak
SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners
across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. In addition to the SmartPak supplement
system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items
sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. SmartPak was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing
private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company was recently
honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail
store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.
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SmartPak to Celebrate 1st Anniversary of Retail Store |
Will host special anniversary events August 3rd, 4th and 5th
PLYMOUTH, MA (June 28, 2007) - SmartPak has announced plans for an anniversary celebration at its first
ever retail store which opened its doors on August 1st, 2006. The store, located at 30 Worcester St. in Natick, Mass. on
Rt. 9 Eastbound, will host special events including free give-aways, raffles, product promotions, fun events and demonstrations
for pet enthusiasts. Visitors to the store will also find special savings in the catalog outlet where some products are
discounted up to 90%. Featuring an array of the newest and most innovative products for horse, rider and dog, the SmartPak
Store also offers the opportunity to speak with a representative about equine or canine nutrition and place orders for the
company’s patented SmartPak™.
"The SmartPak Store had a great first year," said Becky Minard, SmartPak’s founder and vice president of marketing.
"The opportunity to greet our customers face to face and personally interact with them has given us more insight into
their wants and needs, allowing us to better serve them. We have some exciting things in store for our 2nd year!"
"First time visitors to the store won’t be disappointed," said Jen Bagley, manager of the SmartPak Store. "It
really has become a destination of choice among horse and pet owners in the area, who are looking for high quality products
and great customer service."
In addition to keeping their selection of products new and unique, the SmartPak Store will also continue to hold special
events for horse and dog owners in the community. SmartPak Equine Staff Veterinarian and Medical Director, Lydia F. Gray,
DVM, MA is currently holding free Q&A Sessions each month at the store highlighting hot topics in the equine world, such
as colic, ulcers and metabolic syndrome. The SmartPak Store also encourages local riding clubs and pet associations to hold
meetings at the store, where members are eligible for after hours shopping discounts. A full listing of other store events
can be located on the SmartPak website at www.SmartPak.com.
Interested media are encouraged to contact Rebecca Bennett at 774-773-1109 or via email at RBennett@SmartPak.com
for details on the anniversary celebration events.
To read more about SmartPak or to sign up for weekly newsletters, visit their website at www.SmartPak.com
or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
About SmartPak
Since its founding in 1999, SmartPak has emerged as the unquestioned leader in daily dose packaging of equine and canine
foods, medicines and nutritional products. In addition to the SmartPak daily dose packaging system, the company offers a
broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s
catalog and Web site. The SmartPak Store is the first ever retail store for SmartPak. Located at 30 Worcester Street in
Natick, Mass., the SmartPak Store is open seven days a week (Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday
from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6 pm). For more information, call the SmartPak Store at 508-651-0045 or visit the
SmartPak Web site at www.SmartPak.com.
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Jane Savoie Joins Team SmartPak™ |
PLYMOUTH, MA (July 23, 2007) - SmartPak Equine is pleased to announce that Jane Savoie, has joined Team
SmartPak. Savoie joins the list of 20+ other Olympians and professional equestrians currently using custom dose SmartPaks.
An avid user of the SmartPak™ supplement feeding system for her horses, Savoie is a perfect fit for Team SmartPak.
"I'm so excited to be part of the SmartPak team" said Jane Savoie. "For years, I put all my supplements into
separate baggies each month. It was time-consuming and messy. Plus, I was always worried that the supplements might lose
potency because they were mixed together for so long. With SmartPak, there's no mess, and I know my horses are getting fresh
supplements. That peace of mind is priceless!"
"Jane Savoie is a well respected member of the equine community and we are thrilled to be part of her horse care program"
said Rebecca Minard, founder and VP of marketing at SmartPak. "Busy equestrian professionals like Jane can really benefit
from the convenience and time savings that SmartPaks provide. We’re proud to provide Jane with a supplement feeding system
that will help her spend more time riding, teaching and coaching, and less time scooping supplements and feeding."
One of the most recognized names in dressage, Savoie has been a member of the United States Equestrian Team and was the
reserve rider for the Bronze medal winning Olympic dressage team in Barcelona, Spain. She has been long-listed by the USET
with several horses and has won nine Horse of the Year awards and three National Freestyle Championships.
SmartPak Equine was founded by riders and horse owners who ride and show Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Polo, Equitation, Eventing,
Reining and have logged many miles trail riding. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad
line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog,
Web site and retail store.
For more information about SmartPak, go to www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll
free at 1-800-461-8898.
About SmartPak
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners
across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. SmartPaks are individually labeled and
sealed packs that contain one day's dosage of supplements. They also protect supplements from the harmful effects of oxygen
and moisture, thereby ensuring maximum potency. SmartPaks are automatically shipped every four weeks and can be sent to
a home, office or barn. To date the SmartPak supplement feeding system has provided more than 100 million custom-packed
supplements to horses in every state in the country.
In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies,
and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. SmartPak was recently named to Inc.
Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine
company ever named to the list. The company was recently honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business
and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit
www.SmartPak.com.
About Jane Savoie
Jane Savoie is as well known as a coach, writer and speaker as she is for her competitive accomplishments. She was the 1996
and 2004 Olympic dressage coach for the Canadian 3-Day Event Team in Atlanta and Athens. She also coached several top dressage
and 3- Day Event riders in their preparations for the 2000 Olympics and while in Sydney she helped rider Susan Blinks secure
a bronze medal for the US dressage team. In addition, Savoie has written five books including her best-selling sports psychology
book That Winning Feeling! which is in its ninth printing and has been translated into several
languages. She is a frequent contributor to many of the leading horse magazines including Equus and Dressage Today
and travels extensively to do motivational lectures.
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|
Please donate your overweight or cresty-necked horse with laminitis (founder) to the University
of Tennessee |
PLYMOUTH, MA (August 7, 2007) - Researchers at the University of Tennessee are asking you to donate your
horse to research if it is overweight or has a cresty neck and suffers from founder (laminitis). This group is studying
new ways of managing insulin resistance and preventing laminitis in horses, including assessment of SmartControl IR, a dietary
supplement manufactured by SmartPak, LLC.
Donation of your horse will result in a permanent transfer of ownership of the animal. Interested owners should note that
the value of the donated horse can be listed as a charitable contribution for tax purposes up to $5,000.
Procedures used in the research studies will be minimally invasive and all work will be approved and monitored by the University
of Tennessee Institutional Care and Use Committee.
Studies will be conducted by Dr. Nicholas Frank, a veterinarian and associate professor at the University of Tennessee.
Please contact Dr. Frank via e-mail at nfrank@utk.edu or Sarah Elliott (research technician)
at (865) 974-5701 if you are interesting in donating your horse. However, please take note of the following conditions before
contacting us:
- Horses must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a gelding (preferred) or mare. Stallions cannot be accepted.
- Must be between 3 and 25 years of age
- Must be overweight and/or have a thick cresty neck or fat pads
- Horses with a history of laminitis (founder) are preferred
- Horses with high blood insulin levels are preferred
- Morgan horses, Paso Finos, and Arabians are preferred. Ponies, draft horses, miniature horses, mules, and donkeys
cannot be accepted.
- Horses must be donated to the University of Tennessee with complete release of ownership.
- Horses cannot be purchased, but shipping expenses will be paid if necessary.
- Donated horses will be accepted until December 31st, 2007
Further information can be found at www.vet.utk.edu/cemr/donations.
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| SmartPak Invites You to Take a Peek at the Pak |
The Company Introduces Two Unique New Blogs for the Equine Industry
PLYMOUTH, MA (September 7, 2007) -
SmartPak announced today that they have joined the blogosphere with 2 new blog forums; Ask the Vet and A Peek at the Pak.
"Blogging is a perfect fit for SmartPak because as a Company, we are all about sharing our culture and personality,
while also providing horse owners with the most up-to-date horse health care information." said President Paal Gisholt. "Our employees
are horse and dog owners too, and they’re excited to share their experiences with our customers."
A Peek at the Pak will allow customers to take a ‘peek’ inside the lives of several SmartPak employees including Product
Specialists, a Photography Manager, an IT Project Manager and even founder Becky Minard. The personalities of the people that
work at SmartPak will be represented in stories and pictures included in each blog.
As a first in the equine industry, the Ask the Vet blog takes a Q&A approach that allows readers to be directly involved. Readers
will be able to post questions about their horse’s health and Staff Veterinarian Dr. Lydia F. Gray will use her vast expertise to
offer up suggestions and detailed information. But the blog’s content won’t just be limited to questions and answers. It will also
include relevant articles, links and up-to-date information related to horse health.
Although just launched, the Ask the Vet blog has already gotten numerous posts. Early topics have included "What to Feed an
Insulin Resistant Pony," "How to Slim Down an Overweight Horse" and "Recovery Options for a Horse with EPM."
"With the Ask the Vet blog we’ll get greater insight into the aspects of horse care that our customers have the most questions about" said
founder and VP of marketing, Becky Minard. "We’ll be able to use that information to build up content on our website and our product line, to
better fit the needs of our customers."
You can view SmartPak’s blogs online at www.PeekatthePak.com and www.AsktheVetBlog.com. To
learn more about SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call them at 1-800-461-8898.
About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses. The
patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing
that their supplements will be fed correctly. The SmartPak system has been embraced by riders from all disciplines and all levels, including seven
Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies,
and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. SmartPak was recently named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the
500 fastest growing private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company was recently
honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA.
For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.
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| SmartPak Announces $25 Million Investment |
BY NORTH BRIDGE GROWTH EQUITY
PLYMOUTH, MA (September 7, 2007) -
SmartPak Equine, a leading multi-channel marketer of animal health products, today announced a $25 million equity
investment by North Bridge Growth Equity (NBGE). The company operates two successful catalog titles, SmartPak Equine
and SmartPak Canine, but is best known for the SmartPak feeding system for horses and dogs. The SmartPak system, which
allows a horse or dog owner to create custom daily servings of supplements, medications or food that are auto-shipped
to the home each month has been widely embraced by animal owners across the country. To date over 125 million portions of
food, supplements, or medications have been administered in SmartPaks.
"We are delighted to be partnering with North Bridge to continue and accelerate the growth and success we have
enjoyed since we started SmartPak eight years ago," said Paal Gisholt, the company's Chief Executive Officer. "Since
so much of our business depends on our proprietary web-based order and fulfillment technology, we sought out an investment
partner that understood both the challenges and opportunities of expanding our industry-leading use of technology, and North
Bridge topped the list." The company plans to use the additional capital raised to support growth in its core SmartPak business,
while investing in broadening its offering in horse and dog supplies. "As our business has grown, we see an expanding
array of opportunities to leverage our commercial platform, technology infrastructure, and brand to serve larger groups of
customers. We are delighted to be able to tap into North Bridge's capital, its professional networks, and its talented team
of investment professionals as we execute our next phase of growth."
"I've been following SmartPak's rapid growth since their start-up," said Doug Kingsley, Managing Partner of NBGE,
who has joined the Company's Board of Directors, "and we're excited to have the opportunity to participate in building a
world class animal health enterprise in partnership with the SmartPak team. SmartPak's strong financial profile and history of
profitable growth aligns perfectly with our investment strategy. Furthermore, using technology to drive competitive advantage
is a core component of the North Bridge Growth Equity focus -- SmartPak is a great example of how a company can build a market franchise
by listening to its customers and investing in IT systems to deliver innovative solutions to solve their problems"
SmartPak also announced that Ian Parker, an executive with a track record of almost 30 years of successful experience in the animal
health industry, has joined the company as President. Mr. Parker served most recently as General Manager of Vetoquinol USA, Inc,
which doubled in size during his four year tenure. Prior to Vetoquinol, Mr. Parker led the veterinary division of Nutramax Labs, where
he was responsible for marketing the Cosequin(r) brands of joint supplements, the number one product in both the canine and equine supplement
categories. Prior to Nutramax, Mr. Parker held various positions with SmithKline and Pfizer, where he led the launch of Rimadyl(r), the best selling
canine pharmaceutical on the market today.
Further details of the transaction were not disclosed.
About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across
the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the
company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the
company's catalog and Web site. SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the
second straight year and was recently honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces.
SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.
About North Bridge Growth Equity
North Bridge Growth Equity (NBGE) is a leading growth equity firm which invests in technology and technology-enabled companies
characterized by strong revenue and profitability momentum, large and dynamic addressable markets, and proven management teams.
NBGE targets investments in companies with $20 million to $200 million of revenue, and is currently investing from the $545
million North Bridge Growth Equity Fund I. NBGE is co-located and affiliated with North Bridge Venture Partners (NBVP), a bi-costal
leader in early stage venture capital investing, and together, NBGE and NBVP have $2.7 billion of committed capital under management.
For more information, visit www.NBGE.com.
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| SmartPak Offers Aid to Horses Affected by California Wildfires |
Company Donates $5,000 to USEF Disaster Fund as part of SmartBlue Program
PLYMOUTH, MA (October 30, 2007) -
SmartPak is coming to the aid of horses affected by the Southern California wildfires, with a $5,000 donation to the
USEF disaster fund, which assists equines of any breed that find themselves victims of disasters. "Our customers and
their horses have been affected by the wildfires," said Becky Minard, founder of SmartPak. "SmartPak is committed
to supporting the equine communities we serve and we are proud to be able to assist in the wildfire relief efforts."
In addition to the $5,000 donation, SmartPak will also be setting up a collection site at the SmartPak store in Natick, MA,
where customers can conveniently make cash donations to help support ongoing relief efforts
"The USEF is grateful for the generous support of SmartPak and their customers, providing help and hope to horse owners
in California affected by these devastating wild fires," said CEO John Long. “It further demonstrates SmartPak’s commitment
to the welfare of the entire horse industry."
"We are so thankful to the SmartPak customers who have purchased SmartBlue ™ Blankets and Accessories who helped make
this donation possible” said Paal Gisholt, SmartPak’s CEO. "We hope that our donations will help provide much needed assistance
to the horses who’ve become victims of these devastating wildfires."
SmartPak adds Wild Fire Relief to its list of charitable donations, which includes Hurricane Katrina Relief, Tsunami Relief,
Breast Cancer Research and Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation. Thanks in part to those customers who purchase SmartBlue products,
SmartPak has been able to donate over $15,000 to Equine Aid charities. The company has also raised over $40,000 for breast
cancer research through sales of its sister product line; the SmartPink line of products and other efforts.
SmartPak’s exclusive line of SmartBlue products includes a full line of all-weather horse clothing, halters, saddle pads,
equipment bags and more. To learn more about SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com
or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications
to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across
the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the
company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the
company's catalog and Web site. SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the
second straight year and was recently honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces.
SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.
About USFF
Founded in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation’s primary objective is to uphold the welfare of horses, regardless of value,
as a primary consideration in all activities. USEF ensures that owners, trainers, and exhibitors or their agents use responsible care
in handling, treating and transporting of their horses as well as horses owned and placed in their care for any purpose. By continuing
to support scientific studies on equine health and stress-related issues through the Equine Health Research Fund, USEF helps to make
strides in advancing the prevention and treatment of equine ailments. By increasing the methods for education in training and
horsemanship practices and requiring owners, trainers and exhibitors to know and follow their sanctioning organization’s rules,
and to work within the industry regulations in all equestrian competitions through the use of the Rule Book ensuring that all competitors,
regardless of breed or discipline affiliation, are on an equal playing field, from the grassroots to the Olympic level. For more
information about USEF, visit www.usef.org.
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| Dr. Lydia Gray Elected Vice President of ISVMA
|
November 8, 2007 - Dr. Lydia Gray of Elburn, IL was elected Vice
President of the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA)
during the association's 125th Annual Meeting in Peoria, Illinois on
November 4, 2007. "Dr. Gray has proven herself as an effective leader
through her involvement in key committee and council positions with
ISVMA, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American
Association of Equine Practitioners," said Peter Weber, executive
director of the ISVMA, "and her vision and commitment to excellence
benefits the veterinary profession in Illinois."
"Dr. Gray is a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for the veterinary
profession and the health and welfare of animals and the public," said
Dr. Ron Gill, ISVMA President. "I'm excited that she has been elected to
help transition ISVMA to the next generation of leaders."
Dr. Gray will serve a one year term as Vice President. She will then
progress through one year terms as President-elect and President
The ISVMA is a 2100 member veterinary professional group organized to
advance the well-being of veterinarians, animals, the public and the
environment.
*Reprinted with permission from the Illinois State Veterinary
Medical Association
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| SMARTPAK & HORSEGIRLTV PARTNER FOR THE FUTURE OF PODCASTING
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HorseGirlTV Partners With Equine Industry Leader SmartPak
STAFFORD, VA January 03, 2008 The ground-breaking equine based video podcast, HorseGirlTV, is proud to announce its first leading partnership with SmartPak (http://www.SmartPak.com). SmartPak is an innovator and leader in horse health care, supplies and technology.
"I’m honored SmartPak is interested in supporting HorseGirlTV.” says it’s CEO (Chief Equine Officer), Angelea Kelly Walkup. “Just as HorseGirlTV is breaking the mold of multimedia horse reporting and educational online entertainment, SmartPak is an innovator in supplement delivery and we’re looking forward to learning from them."
Long time Internet personality and now Director of Interactive Marketing at SmartPak, "Glenn the Geek," AKA Glenn Hebert, is the visionary behind this partnership. Hebert recognized HorseGirlTV’s potential early on.
Glenn said recently “Angelea is a true pioneer in producing excellent Internet video content for the horse world. We are enjoying working with her and are looking forward to having her as a guest on ‘Up on Horses’ very soon.” SmartPaks new weekly Internet Radio Show “Up on Horses” is scheduled to begin in January, 2008 at www.SmartPak.com.
“The first time I spoke with Glenn he told me about their upcoming audio podcast “Up on Horses” and said something about working with partnerships rather than competing. I’ve been saying this for the past decade so we immediately clicked. It was as if I were talking to an old friend sharing ideas and talking of the future of Internet technologies. He was ‘fun’ and you can’t create good content without having some fun. Glenn’s great and I couldn’t be happier. I not only admire SmartPak but likewise love their products!” Angelea shined.
With invitations to top facilities and events throughout Western Europe and in Canada not to mention the best-of-the-best events stateside, HorseGirlTV is lining up an amazing season for 2008. Join the Internet's premiere equine-based podcast online to discover what all the fuss is about. Visit http://team.horsegirltv.com
HorseGirlTV is a video podcast show hosted by Angelea Kelly Walkup and covers the wide world of horses for horse lovers. HorseGirlTV is available online at http://www.horsegirltv.com as well as iTunes, YouTube and Myspace and is 100% free to all its viewers. The show takes the classic world of horses and plugs it into the wired generation. Each episode is educational while entertaining.
If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Angelea Kelly Walkup, please phone 503/550-3964 or email angelea@horsegirltv.com
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RECLAIM YOUR FEED ROOM WITH THE SMARTPAK™ STORAGE BAG
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SmartPak Storage Bag offers alternative for storing and dispensing SmartPaks™
Plymouth, Mass February 20th, 2008 SmartPak™, the industry leader in customized, daily dose supplement packaging, introduces a new way to store and feed SmartPaks™ with the SmartPak Storage Bag. An alternative to the traditional plastic storage drawer, SmartPak Storage Bags hang easily on your horse's stall door, making feeding supplements easier than ever and allowing you to reclaim your feed room. Just open the easily accessible top, pull out a SmartPak and then feed.
"We’re always asking customers for feedback so when some started telling us they’d prefer to store their SmartPaks next to the horses’ stalls, we knew we had to create something for them" said Becky Minard, founder and senior vice president. "For some barns it’s just easier to feed SmartPaks when they’re hanging from the horse’s stall door versus stacking them all up in the feed room. It’s also a great option for those traveling to overnight shows, where storage space can be tight.”
And so the SmartPak Storage Bag was born. SmartPak teamed up with custom bag manufacturer Tally Ho, to create the Storage Bag. Made of tough 400 Denier nylon, the Storage Bag comes in two sizes; standard and large. The standard sized bag can accommodate a 2 week supply of a 4 well SmartPak and is $22.95. The large size can accommodate a 2 week supply of a 7 well SmartPak and is $24.95. The large size can also accommodate an entire month’s worth of SmartPaks that are 4 wells or smaller.
“The feature we think horse owners will really enjoy is the complete customization SmartPak offers with the Storage Bag” said Ian Parker, president of equine health. Customers can choose the body, trim and piping color from 19 available colors, allowing them to coordinate with their barn’s colors. The Storage Bags can also be embroidered for an even more personalized touch.
HorseGirlTV is a video podcast show hosted by Angelea Kelly Walkup and covers the wide world of horses for horse lovers. HorseGirlTV is available online at http://www.horsegirltv.com as well as iTunes, YouTube and Myspace and is 100% free to all its viewers. The show takes the classic world of horses and plugs it into the wired generation. Each episode is educational while entertaining.
To order a SmartPak Storage Bag, or learn more about it, visit the SmartPak Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call them at 1-800-461-8898.
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KIM SEVERSON AND JAN BYYNY OFFER EXPERT ADVICE DURING ROLEX COURSE WALK
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SmartPak Equine hosts Rolex Course Walk for 4th consecutive year
Plymouth, Mass March 28th, 2008 Attendees of the 2008 Rolex Kentucky 3 Day, will have the opportunity to walk the only 4 star cross country course in America with two of the country’s top event riders. Kim Severson and Jan Byyny, veterans of 4 star competition, will be hosting the SmartPak Course Walk at the event. For Severson this will be her 3rd year leading the popular walk and for Byyny, her 2nd. Both riders will be addressing their strategies in riding the challenging cross country course from start box to finish. This year’s Course Walk will be held on Friday, April 25th. It is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. Attendees are welcome to participate and ask questions.
“We are excited to host the Course Walk for a 4th consecutive year,” said founder and SVP, Becky Minard. “We’re always looking for ways to bring meaningful experiences to our customers and giving them the opportunity to learn from two of the sport’s best riders, is one way for us to show our appreciation.”
Serving as the Selection Trial for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event is sure to be bigger than ever, as competitors will be vying for a chance to join the U.S. team in China this summer.
Kim Severson is a 2004 Individual Olympic Silver Medalist as well as a Team Olympic Bronze Medalist. She is the winner of the 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI****. The USEA named her their Leading Lady rider in 2002, 2004 and 2005. Her famous partner of previous years, Winsome Adante, was named the 2002, 2004 and 2005 Horse of the Year by the USEA making him the second highest scoring horse in the history of U.S. eventing. Winsome Adante will be officially retired during a ceremony held prior to stadium jumping, at this year’s Rolex event.
Jan Byyny’s highlights include Team Gold Medalist and Individual Bronze Medalist at 2003 Pan Am Games; 2006 Reserve Champion Fair Hill International; 6th 2005 Rolex Kentucky CCI and 2004 Team Alternate for Athens Olympics.
Interested parties are strongly encouraged to pre-register by emailing Karen Sinnott at KSinnott@SmartPak.com with a subject line of “Rolex Course Walk Sign-Up”. SmartPak will be offering a select number of free gift bags available to those who pre-register for the walk. On Friday, April 25th, attendees should stop by the SmartPak tent in Sponsor Village to check-in or sign-up. The start time of the course walk will depend on Kim’s ride time and will be announced via email to those that pre-register on the SmartPak Web site. For more information on SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
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SMARTPAK™ TEAMS UP WITH APHA TO PRESENT FREE STACY WESTFALL SEMINAR
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Plymouth, Mass June 3rd, 2008 Visitors to this year’s APHA World Championship Show will get a special chance to see NRHA and AQHA Freestyle Reining Champion and winner of the prestigious Road to the Horse Competition, Stacy Westfall, share her secrets to “thinking like a horse” during a free horsemanship seminar on Saturday, June 28th, presented by SmartPak. Recently featured on the Ellen DeGeneres show, Westfall has become one of the most sought after clinicians in the industry due to her great insight and effective teaching style. In addition to presenting this free event, SmartPak will also be raffling off a set of Big D Horse Blankets to one lucky attendee.
“We are excited to be teaming up with the APHA World Show to offer the Stacy Westfall seminar,” said founder and senior vice president, Becky Minard. “Our customers are always interested in learning about new ways to work with their horses, and so this free event will be a really great opportunity for them.”
In addition to the free seminar, visitors can stop by the Colors of the West Gift Show to pick up free samples and catalogs at the SmartPak booth - booth #111. They can also sign up to win a variety of prizes as part of SmartPak’s free raffle, and learn more about the revolutionary SmartPak supplement feeding system by speaking with a SmartPak Product Specialist.
The APHA World Show takes place June 22nd–July 5th in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information on SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPakEquine.com or call toll free at 1-800-461-8898.
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CELEBRATE WITH YOUR DOG AT THE SUMMER BARKFEST
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SmartPak Store to host special canine events July 18th, 19th and 20th
Plymouth, Mass June 24th, 2008 Local dog owners will have a special chance to celebrate with their dog at the Summer BarkFest, held at the SmartPak Store in Natick, MA, July 18th – 20th. The store, located at 30 Worcester St. in Natick, Mass. on Rt. 9 Eastbound, will host special events including free give-aways, a raffle to win 6 months of FREE dog food, and complimentary dog massages. In addition, a representative from Wellness® foods will be on hand to answer nutrition questions and pass out samples, and a free microchip clinic will be held on Sunday from 1pm-4pm. Visitors to the store will also find special savings in the catalog outlet where some products are discounted up to 90%. Special event coupons will be running in several local newspapers offering dog owners extra savings during the event.
“Featuring an array of the newest and most innovative products for horse, rider, dog and dog owner, the SmartPak Store also offers the opportunity to speak with a representative about equine or canine nutrition and place orders for the company’s patented SmartPak™.
“We’re all looking forward to the Summer BarkFest because it gives us the chance to visit with local customers (and their dogs!), said Jen Bagley, manager of the SmartPak Store. “It’s a great opportunity for dog owners to pick up samples, learn about new products and get some great deals. Those looking for high quality products and great customer service won’t be disappointed.”
“In addition to keeping their selection of products new and unique, the SmartPak Store will also continue to hold special events for dog and horse owners in the community. The SmartPak Store also encourages local riding clubs and pet associations to hold meetings at the store, where members are eligible for after hours shopping discounts. A full listing of other store events can be located on the SmartPak website at www.SmartPak.com.
“Interested media are encouraged to contact Rebecca Bennett at 774-773-1109 or via email at RBennett@SmartPak.com for details on the Summer BarkFest. To learn more about SmartPak or to sign up for weekly newsletters, visit their website at www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
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NO LONGER THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK – SMARTPAK RETAIL STORE CELEBRATES 2ND YEAR
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Store will host special anniversary events August 15th, 16th and 17th
Plymouth, Mass July 28th, 2008
With up to 20% off all summer apparel and 10% off everything in the store, area horse and dog owners won’t want to miss the SmartPak Anniversary Celebration August 15th, 16th and 17th at the SmartPak retail store in Natick, MA. The store, located at 30 Worcester St. on Rt. 9 Eastbound, will host special events including free give-aways, raffles and product promotions in celebration of the retail store’s 2nd anniversary. Additional savings can also be found in the ever-popular catalog outlet where some products are discounted up to 90%.
Visitors to the store will get a special chance to meet renowned rider, clinician and author Jane Savoie, who will be at the store on Saturday from 2-5 pm. In addition, representatives from Ariat, Antares, makers of the popular Hampton Classic saddle, and Freedom Health, makers of the Succeed digestive conditioning product, will be on hand to answer questions about their products.
We wanted to put together a really fun store event for the horse and dog owners in the area who’ve helped us to have such a great 2nd year,” said Jen Bagley, manager of the SmartPak retail store. “The SmartPak retail store has really become the place to visit - not just for the wide selection of products and great deals, but also for the unparalleled service. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and it’s our goal that everyone who visits the store has a great shopping experience!”
Besides browsing their selection of unique products for horse, rider and dog, visitors to the SmartPak Store can also speak with a representative about equine or canine nutrition and place orders for the company’s patented SmartPak™ which features equine and canine supplements and canine food in pre-measured daily dose paks.
In addition to keeping their selection of products new and unique, the SmartPak Store holds special events for horse and dog owners in the community. The SmartPak Store also encourages local riding clubs and pet associations to hold meetings at the store, where members are eligible for after hours shopping discounts. A full listing of other store events can be located on the SmartPak website at www.SmartPak.com.
Interested media are encouraged to contact Rebecca Bennett at 774-773-1109 or via email at RBennett@SmartPak.com for details on the anniversary celebration events.
To read more about SmartPak or to sign up for weekly newsletters, visit their website at www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
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SMARTPAK™ REACHES ANOTHER MILESTONE WITH
150 MILLION SUPPLEMENTS SERVED
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Plymouth, Mass July 24th, 2008 Just a year and a half after they celebrated their 100 millionth SmartPak™ served, SmartPak Equine announced today that they have served their 150 millionth supplement in customized daily dose SmartPaks. “When we first started SmartPak, people assumed the SmartPak supplement feeding system™ would be best suited to the high level competitive horse kept at a boarding stable,” said Becky Minard, founder and senior vice president of SmartPak. “But as we’ve exposed the system to broader audiences, horse owners of all types are finding that it’s both convenient and cost effective. Whether keeping a horse on your own property, or boarding, it’s a great way to know your supplements are going to get fed right, and simplify your busy life.”
The patented SmartPak supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, among disciplines ranging from dressage to eventing, to reining, western pleasure, and more. And the number of horses on the SmartPak system continues to climb rapidly as riders of all levels and disciplines discover the affordable convenience of using SmartPaks to put their supplement program on "auto-pilot." “We’re riders, too, and we feel the impact of gas prices, so we’ve been hard at work to keep your horse’s supplements affordable” said Paal Gisholt, president and CEO of SmartPak. “Our Barn Buddies program helps you avoid outrageous freight surcharges, getting your supplements delivered to the barn for just $3.95. And we’ve launched our own line of SmartSupplements, giving you cutting edge formulas at factory-direct savings.”
To celebrate the company milestone, SmartPak took advantage of a horsemanship clinic they were sponsoring for renowned horse trainer Stacy Westfall, to present a free year’s worth of supplements in SmartPaks as the grand prize in a raffle. Valued at up to $600, the free year’s worth of supplements in SmartPaks was open to any of the over 300 brand name supplements that SmartPak carries.
Lucky winner, Carolyn Thompson of Aledo, TX owns several Arabians and will be using the free supplements in SmartPaks prize for her 28 year old Arabian mare, Scarlet. Carolyn is looking forward to trying the SmartFlex Senior on Scarlet because in her old age Scarlet is experiencing some stiffness and soreness.
Committed to animal health care since launching its pioneering service in 2000, SmartPak strives to provide innovative and convenient solutions for their customers while doing their best to "tread lightly on the earth." To date, the company estimates it has kept roughly 1.5 million plastic supplement buckets out of landfills by dispensing in the recycled (and recyclable) SmartPaks. To learn more about SmartPak, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898
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ARGYLE ISN’T JUST FOR SOCKS ANYMORE
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Plymouth, Mass August 7, 2008 Proving that
argyle isn't just for socks anymore, SmartPak(tm) is pleased to
introduce their new exclusive collection of Argyle blankets. A follow
up to their hugely successful SmartPink(tm) and SmartBlue(tm) Plaid
line, the high performance Argyle collection features a Thinsulate
Turnout and a Fleece Sheet. Not just your average argyle, the pattern
in SmartPak's Argyle collection was custom designed to include
SmartPak's signature galloping horse in the pattern.
"Our customers rely on us to be at the forefront of
innovation, and also fashion, when it comes to products for their
horses," said Becky Minard founder and senior vp. "We were amazed at
the great response to our SmartPink and SmartBlue plaid products, so we
spent a lot of time working on new designs that would be just as trendy
and fashionable, yet still sturdy and functional - after all they are
horse blankets! We think the new Argyle line does just that."
The Thinsulate Turnout features a tough 1200 Denier waterproof nylon
outer with a 220 g fill equivalent and full nylon lining. It also
features front gussets, two surcingles and elastic leg straps ensuring a
great fit that stays put. The Fleece Sheet is made from 430g anti-pill
fleece with a buckle front closure, one surcingle and a tail cord,
allowing it to be used alone as a striking dress sheet, or as a blanket
liner on cold, damp days.
Fans of SmartPak's SmartPink Plaid blankets will love the new Argyle
blankets in pink with black trim. And for those who preferred the
SmartBlue Plaid, the Argyle blankets also come in blue with black trim.
SmartPak Equine is now accepting orders for the Argyle line via its Web
site at www.SmartPakEquine.com or by
calling toll free at 1-800-461-8898. Images are available upon request.
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SMARTPAK’S SUPPORT REACHES COAST TO COAST
Daily dose supplement provider announces sponsorship with HITS winter circuits
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Plymouth, MA – September 19, 2008 - Already an active supporter of horse shows from the local to national levels and spanning from Hunter/Jumper and Dressage to Reining and Western Pleasure, SmartPak™ announced today that they have partnered with HITS, for their upcoming winter circuits. The partnership spans both coasts with a sponsorship of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in Florida and a sponsorship of the HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California; two of the biggest horse show circuits in the United States.
In preparation for the 8 week winter circuits, HITS exhibitors ordering feed and bedding online can also order their supplements and medications in daily dose SmartPaks™, simply by clicking on the SmartPak link on the HITS online order form. “SmartPaks offer the ultimate in convenience when traveling – there’s no need to make up baggies to make sure your horse is fed right when traveling and no need to pack big buckets of bulk supplements to take on long trips” said Becky Minard, founder and VP of SmartPak. “The HITS show circuits are among the most well run in the country and with so many of our customers already traveling to the Ocala and Thermal shows each winter, it made a lot of sense for us to partner with HITS.” Exhibitors at both locales can have their SmartPaks delivered straight to the SmartPak Delivery Station on the show grounds, where they can also pick up any other mail or packages.
“We’re really looking forward to working with SmartPak for our 2009 winter circuits,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “SmartPak has developed an innovative product that is easily customized for each individual horse, providing horsemen with quality and consistency.”
The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will kick off on January 14, 2009 at Post Time Farm in Ocala and will end with the Ocala Winter Celebration on March 15th. HITS Desert Circuit will begin on January 20th at HITS Desert Horse Park and will run through March 22nd.
To learn more about the SmartPak supplement feeding system, visit the SmartPak Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. It has been embraced by riders from all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. In 2006, SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company has also been honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.
About HITS
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter-jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York, and Virginia. The key to HITS' success is its strategy of producing a series of horse shows over contiguous weeks, in desirable destinations, with first class competition facilities and professional operations. Additionally, the company offers competitive opportunities for riders in a broad range of ages and skill levels. For more information, visit www.hitsshows.com.
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SMARTPAK INTRODUCES REVOLUTIONARY NEW CONCEPT IN MULTIVITAMNS
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Plymouth, MA – August 19, 2008 - Equine multivitamins no longer have to fit a “one size fits all” approach thanks to the revolutionary SmartVite™ multivitamin line from SmartPak. “Ideally a multivitamin should account for the type of forage, the amount of fortified grain, the intensity of work, and life stage of the horse” said SmartPak medical director and staff veterinarian, Lydia Gray, DVM, MA. “But most multivitamins target the average horse, in average work, on average grain, because there is a limit to the amount of shelf space manufacturers can get from the feed store.” SmartPak’s SmartVite line solves this problem for horse owners by offering 9 different formulas targeted to all types of horses on all types of feed; from the performance horse on alfalfa forage to the easy keeper on grass forage. So you can precisely balance your horse’s basic nutrition, possibly helping to avoid some of the health problems that can occur as a result of nutritional imbalances.
“We always suggest that our customers provide good core nutrition first, as a way to minimize the number of products they need to give,” said Paal Gisholt, president and CEO of SmartPak. And in many cases, that means no multivitamin is required. “But in situations where the horse’s requirements for optimal health are not being met, we think it’s important to feed the exact right product.” With high levels and a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals in a flax seed base, each product includes key amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids and a comprehensive probiotic package for digestive health, optimal nutrient utilization, cellular health and a beautiful coat.
SmartPak strives to provide their customers with supplements than can help horses achieve their full potential. Armed with feedback from thousands of horse owners and in-house nutritional expertise, SmartPak put together over 30 SmartSupplement products utilizing only the highest quality ingredients that solve problems for each type of horse available at factory direct pricing. To learn more about the SmartVite line and SmartSupplements, visit the SmartPak Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
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SmartPak Continues Commitment in the Fight against Breast Cancer
With donations exceeding $50,000, SmartPak Teams up for Avon Walk for breast cancer.
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Plymouth, MA – May 15, 2008 - –SmartPak, a Plymouth, MA based company serving horse and dog owners, is a company that thinks pink. With a high percentage of female customers, many of whom have shared their stories of fighting breast cancer, SmartPak recognizes that this disease is one of women’s biggest health concerns. Since the 2005 launch of their exclusive SmartPink™ product line to benefit breast cancer research, SmartPak has donated over $50,000 to breast cancer research.
The SmartPink line started out small, but in response to its overwhelming popularity, SmartPak has added many new products including dog coats, tote bags, and winter blankets. Additional new products are constantly being developed. "The SmartPink product line is a great way for people to contribute to the research we hope will uncover a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime," said Rebecca Minard, founder and senior vice president of SmartPak. “We continue to be touched by the stories of our customers bravely fighting this disease.”
To show its support locally, a team of SmartPak employees will be lacing up their sneakers May 17th and 18th, to join the annual Avon Walk for breast cancer. Over the past 3 months, the team has been raising funds and training for the 39.3 mile walk, which begins at UMASS Boston. To participate, each walker must raise a minimum of $1,800 in donations. “Since several of our employees’ families have been affected by breast cancer, this event is close to home” said Customer Care Manager and walk participant Nicole Ray. “The walk is an incredible celebration of life, where you get to meet wonderful people sharing a common bond. We are so excited to participate for the 2nd year!”
Best known for its daily dose, recyclable SmartPak supplement packaging, SmartPak strives to offer innovative and convenient solutions to their customers while doing their best to "tread lightly on the earth." Since its inception, SmartPak has served over 100 million supplements in SmartPaks, estimating that they’ve kept roughly 1 million plastic buckets out of landfills by dispensing in the recycled (and recyclable) SmartPaks. To learn more about SmartPak and how you can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, visit their Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
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SMARTPAK CUSTOM SHOP TAKES CUSTOMIZATION TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Industry leader in daily dose packaging offers new gifts for the holidays
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Plymouth, MA – September 30, 2008 - Already experts in the world of customization, SmartPak’s Custom Shop is introducing a new round of customized products, just in time for the holidays. These new products are perfect for the rider because they showcase personal photos – of your horse, your dog, your barn mates, family and more. Customers simply email or physically send in a photograph and the SmartPak™ Custom Shop will digitally transpose it onto a product of the customer’s choosing. Available products include equine-themed mugs, totes and tees ranging in price from $12.95 to $29.95, so customers can give a unique, personalized gift without breaking their holiday gift buying budget.
SmartPak has been customizing products since their inception, when they introduced the patented SmartPak supplement feeding system, which has now served over 150 million supplements in customized daily dose SmartPaks. Armed with the customer feedback that there were few options for getting customized products quickly and affordably, SmartPak opened their own Custom Shop in 2003. What initially started out as a small shop with one engraving machine has since grown into a full scale operation that offers engraving, embroidery and more. And having the shop in house means SmartPak is able to get orders out within 1-2 business days on most products – much faster than the industry standard of 2 weeks, and without requiring two trips to the tack store! SmartPak’s customization department already offers a variety of customization services available on thousands of the products they carry, whether it’s engraving a bracelet for a gift, or monogramming a blanket for the barn.
“Our SmartPak Custom Shop has quickly become one of the most popular elements of our business” said Paal Gisholt, president and CEO of SmartPak. “Customers already rely on us for great products and unparalleled service, and it really gives them peace of mind to know that they’ll be able to order unique, customized products, with our ultra-fast turnaround and our fast shipping.”
To learn more about SmartPak's new personalized products or to place an order, visit the Custom Images page on the SmartPak Web site.
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BLANKETS FOR EVERY BUDGET AT THE 3RD ANNUAL BLANKET BLOWOUT
SmartPak Store will host Blanket Blowout Sales event November 7th, 8th and 9th
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Plymouth, MA – October 6, 2008 - This year horse owners don’t have to feel bad about replacing their horse’s old winter blankets, because they can save big on new ones at the SmartPak Store’s Blanket Blowout event. With blankets priced for every budget, the event will feature discounts of up to 75% off popular winter turnouts, stable blankets, sheets, coolers and more. This year’s Blanket Blowout will take place from November 7th – November 9th at the SmartPak Store located at 30 Worcester St. in Natick, Mass. on Rt. 9 Eastbound.
“One of our proudest accomplishments has been our unwavering and passionate support to the equine communities we serve and to horses in need” said Becky Minard, founder and senior vice president of SmartPak. “That’s why this year we’ve decided to include a charitable twist to the Blanket Blowout event. We’re asking customers to bring in their old blankets (must be cleaned first though!) which we’ll donate to a local horse rescue. Customers will then receive a coupon good for 15% off any one item in the store. It’s a way for us, and our customers, to help give back.”
Now in its 3rd year, the Blanket Blowout has turned into the event of the season for area horse owners. As one of the most popular events at the SmartPak Store over the past two years, customers have traveled in from western Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and even New York to take advantage of the deep discounts.
“Horse owners are certainly feeling the hit from the economy right now,” said Jen Bagley, manager at the SmartPak store. “For many, winter blankets aren’t a luxury for their horses, they’re a necessity – especially with our cold, northeastern winters. The Blanket Blowout event gives horse owners the opportunity to get high quality blankets at really great prices.”
Besides browsing their selection of unique products for horse, rider and dog, visitors to the SmartPak Store can also speak with a representative about equine or canine nutrition and place orders for the company’s patented SmartPak™ which features equine and canine supplements and canine food in pre-measured daily dose paks that are delivered automatically every 4 weeks.
In addition to keeping their selection of products new and unique, the SmartPak Store regularly holds special events for horse and dog owners in the community. A full listing of other store events can be located on the SmartPak website at www.SmartPak.com.
Interested media are encouraged to contact Rebecca Bennett at 774-773-1109 or via email at RBennett@SmartPak.com for details on the Blanket Blowout event. To read more about SmartPak or to sign up for weekly newsletters, visit their website at www.SmartPak.com or call toll free 1-800-461-8898.
To learn more about SmartPak's new personalized products or to place an order, visit the Custom Images page on the SmartPak Web site.
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SMARTPAK™ NAMED A TOP PLACE TO WORK
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Plymouth, MA – December 19, 2008 - At SmartPak, employees are happy to be
at work. So happy that they voted in their animal health care company
to the Boston Globe's annual "Top Places to Work." SmartPak was ranked
among the Globe's Top 100 Places to Work in Massachusetts, joining the
ranks of other area businesses that graced the list in 2008 including
Genzyme Corp., Staples and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
"We are so proud to have been named one of the best companies to work
for in Massachusetts," said SmartPak CEO Paal Gisholt. "Since starting
SmartPak, we've been committed to building a positive working
environment for our employees. We sincerely believe our team is the
real magic behind SmartPak's success and responsible for our continued
growth. Their happiness is of the utmost importance, which is why this
award means so much to us."
SmartPak was also named a Top Workplace by
Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces in
2006 and was named to Inc. Magazine's list of the 500 fastest growing
private companies 2 years in a row - the only equine company ever named
to the list. And despite a gloomy economic outlook at a time when many
companies are facing impending layoffs, SmartPak is still hiring and
looking for talented, independent thinkers who thrive in a hard working
and fun corporate culture.
The Globe's Top Places to Work recognizes the most progressive companies
in the state based on employee opinions about company direction,
execution, leadership, pay and benefits, training and career development
and values and ethics. The rankings are based on survey information
collected by Workplace Dynamics, an independent company specializing in
employee engagement and retention. The rankings include private firms,
as well as public companies, non profits and other institutions. Results
were weighted based on the size of the company. Online, the report can
be found at www.boston.com/business.
SmartPak is committed to helping horse and dog owners improve the care
and enjoyment of their animals by providing them with simple, innovative
solutions and exceptional service. To learn more about SmartPak, visit
their Web site at www.SmartPak.com or call them at 1-800-461-8898.
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SMARTPAK™ SIGNS ON AS TITLE SPONSOR OF THE TRAINING LEVEL THREE-DAY SERIES
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Plymouth, MA – December 19, 2008 -
The USEA is pleased to welcome SmartPak as the new title sponsor of the Training Level Three-Day Series, a wonderful series designed to educate Training level riders on the values of the long-format event.
“SmartPak is so thrilled to sign on as the title sponsor of the SmartPak USEA Training Level Three-Day Series. We feel that these events exemplify the values that we as a company try to align ourselves with...excellence in horsemanship and horse care. The educational aspect of the events is truly unique and provides an opportunity for talented adult amateurs or young riders moving up through the ranks to experience the long format before reaching the one star level, all in an educational supportive environment,” said Colby Balazs, Vice President of Marketing at SmartPak.
“Personally, one of my primary goals for the coming competition year is to successfully complete a training three-day. I think it will be an incredible building block both in my own education as a rider as well as my horse's education. So, I am both personally and professionally invested in the success of training three-day and looking forward to SmartPak working with the USEA to grow the program,” added Balazs.
Cindy DePorter, Training Three-Day Chairperson and co-organizer of the Waredaca Area II Adult Rider Training Three-Day Event, was thrilled with SmartPak’s new sponsorship. “We are very excited about SmartPak sponsoring the Training Level Three-Day Series. It is very gratifying that the Training Three-Day as a concept is being fully embraced as a destination competition with which many USEA competitors now aspire. It is wonderful that a national, well respected company such as SmartPak agrees with the importance of the Training Three-Day and is willing to provide that sponsorship! We salute SmartPak and welcome them as one of our major sponsors!”
Jo Whitehouse, CEO of the USEA, said, “The USEA extends a warm welcome to SmartPak, and we are delighted to have such a wonderful company sponsor this educational series. Eventers take great pride in the health and well-being of their horses and we encourage our members to support SmartPak.”
Take advantage of this exciting new partnership to learn all about the innovative products SmartPak has to offer, such as their patented daily dose SmartPaks™, broad range of equine and canine supplements, and top-of-the-line tack and equipment.
The USEA has issued rules and guidelines for the Training Three-Day Series, while still maintaining the important educational aspects of the series. Look forward to exciting changes on the Training Level Three-Day Series page on the USEA site in the coming weeks as we move forward in the promotion of these events in 2009.
Currently, there are ten T3DE’s signed up for 2009, with a few more possibly signing up in the coming months. Interested in hosting a T3DE? Contact Cindy DePorter, the USEA’s Chairperson for this series at Cindy.DePorter@ncmail.net or contact the USEA Headquarters at 703-779-0440.
The 2009 series winner will receive a free year of SmartPaks ($1200 value) and we will also be contributing prizes to each of the 10 venues slated to host T3DE’s in this coming year. SmartPak will be joining the other T3DE sponsors Stackhouse Saddles, Maui Jim Sunglasses, and Nunn Finer.
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TOP REINER SLIDES ON OVER TO TEAM SMARTPAK
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Plymouth, MA – January 16, 2009 -
SmartPak™ is happy to announce that Tom McCutcheon of Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses, Inc. is the newest addition to Team SmartPak, joining the list of 20+ other Olympians and professional equestrians currently using custom dose SmartPaks. Among NRHA’s elite group of million dollar riders, Tom McCutcheon is a top competitor in the field of reining.
"I'm excited to be part of the SmartPak team" said Tom McCutcheon.
"Whether we’re at home or on the road at shows, SmartPaks make feeding supplements simple and easy. And with the SmartPak packaging the supplements are sealed to protect the potency and freshness so we know we’re feeding the highest quality products."
"We are thrilled to have Tom McCutcheon, one of the most respected members in the reining community, using SmartPak as part of his horse care program" said Rebecca Minard, founder and senior VP at SmartPak. “We really admire Tom’s focus on the welfare of his horses. Whether it be a top show horse, a horse for breeding or sales, or one in rehab, Tom’s state of the art facility offers the best possible care.”
Tom McCutcheon owns and operates Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses, Inc. in Aubrey, Texas along with his wife Mandy McCutcheon. McCutcheon is listed as one of the reining horse world's leading riders, with lifetime earnings exceeding $1 Million. He is a two-time National Reining Horse Association Derby Reserve Champion, a National Reining Breeders Classic Open Champion and a many-time finalist at every major NRHA event. He's a qualifier for the United States Equestrian Team reining, a member of the National Reining Horse Associations Professional Riders Committee and the United States Equestrian Team Reining Riders Committee. Tom also had the prestigious honor of representing the United States Reining Team at the FEI World Reining Championship in 2008 in Manerbio, Italy and the World Equestrian Games in 2006 in Aachen and in 2002 in Spain.
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About SmartPak Equine
SmartPak Equine was founded in 1999 with the purpose of simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses. The patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system has been adopted by thousands of barns and horse owners across the country, who value knowing that their supplements will be fed correctly. It has been embraced by riders from all disciplines and all levels, including seven Olympic medalists. In addition to the SmartPak supplement system, the company offers a broad line of horse health and rider items, dog supplies, and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and Web site. In 2006, SmartPak was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest growing private companies for the second straight year and is the only equine company ever named to the list. The company has also been honored with a Best Bosses award presented by Fortune Small Business and Winning Workplaces. SmartPak also operates a retail store in Natick, MA. For more information, visit www.SmartPak.com.
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