What’s in Newman’s Journal?
I get a lot of questions about Newman’s Journal, like: what kinds of things do I record in it, how often do I write stuff down, what do I…
SmartPaker Stories & Adventures
Top Tips for Preparing Your Horse for Surgery
The last thing that any of us want to hear as horse owners is that our beloved animals need to have surgery. In some instances, it is an…
Simple Steps to Dressage Musical Freestyle Bronze Medal
Now that Newman and I have earned our United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Bronze Medal for scores at the First, Second, and Third Levels, it’s time to round out our award shelf with a Bronze Bar for scores at First, Second, and Third Level freestyle!
When It’s Just Too Cold to Ride
As a resident New Englander, we are a pretty hardy bunch, and with the good fortune of having an indoor arena, I usually find myself riding…
I Don’t Ride My Horse
At SmartPak, we are well known for being an office full of riders. We go to the barn after work together, talk about the latest color of…
You Know You Own a Thoroughbred When…
I am the very proud owner of an oh so handsome Thoroughbred gelding. His name is Samurai (he will also answer to Sam, Sammy, Samwise the…
Birthdays are Made for Cake: A Horse-Friendly Recipe
Recently, my horse Riker celebrated his 23rd birthday. Now I have to admit, in the nearly 20 years I’ve owned him, I’ve never made a huge…
A Day in the Life of a Dressage Show Scribe
“Needs steadier connection” = 6.5 “Straight on center line, square and secure halt” = 8.0 “Could have better bend and balance” = 7.0 With…
From Co-op to Boarding Barn
Transitioning from a co-op barn where I took care of my own horse to a boarding facility was a necessity, but not one I was really looking…
A Day in the Life of an Eventer
“You’re an eventer?! You must be crazy?!” is usually the first comment I hear when I tell other riders that this is my sport of choice. In…
How to Train Your Equine-Turned-Dragon: A Stall Rest Saga
Editor’s Note: Since this article was published, the ColiCare program has been upgraded to provide up to $10,000 in colic surgery reimburse…
Summer Fun! Swimming with Horses
So what do you think of the title of my blog? Does it make you instantly go into a panic? Or maybe gets you totally excited? Where does it…
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Pony-Approved Charcuterie
One of my favorite trends is fancy charcuterie boards. However, sunny days and summertime finds me spending lots of hours at the barn over…
SmartPak Equine Valentines
Chestnuts are red, ribbons are blue, Happy Valentine’s Dayfrom SmartPak to you! From all of us here at SmartPak, we’re wishing you a Happy…
Sweat With SmartPak – Episode Three
Welcome back to SmartPak’s Equestrian Exercise mini-series, where SmartPakers Caitlin and Tori demonstrate helpful tips and tricks on worko…
SmartPak Recipe: Peppermint Pony Pop-Tarts
It is that time of the holiday season again when everything pumpkin spice is tossed to the side and peppermint makes its way front and cent…
SmartPak’s Perfect Pony Selfie
What does it take for you to get that #SmartPakPerfectPonySelfie? Our SmartPakers share their tips and tricks (and fails!) with you. Find…
