Peek in Our Paks: Jess K. & Max

Posted on: July 08, 2026 by Jessica Knox

Ever wish you could take a sneak peek inside our horses’ SmartPaks? Now you can! Check out the supplements we love, for the horses we adore.

Get to Know Max

SmartPaker: Jess K.
Department: Customer Care Team
Horse: Max, 18yo Thoroughbred
Discipline: Eventing

Back in 2011 I was working at a horse rescue in Colorado when a handsome, gangly, 3-year-old gelding came in as an owner surrender. He was much loved, but his owner needed a major surgery and wanted to make sure he landed in a great home, so she contacted the rescue to assist. He had previously had a brief racing career but was too slow on the track, so his prior owner had adopted him to trail ride. It was love at first sight from the moment I laid eyes on him, and I thought he might be a good fit for a career as a lower-level Eventing horse due to his athleticism and willing personality.

Since then, we’ve enjoyed many years of local competition! He has lived up to every single one of my expectations, and we’ve had a blast together over the years. I love being able to support him with supplements in SmartPaks, knowing he is getting the very best nutrition!

Get to Know Max's Supplements

SmartDigest Ultra

Having a bit of a sensitive Thoroughbred tummy as well as traveling quite a bit from a young age, supporting his digestive system is of utmost importance to me. I started him on SmartDigest Ultra (it comes in pellets, too!) seven years ago and he has been quite comfortable ever since. I love that this supplement contains probiotics, prebiotics, DVEquine (a postbiotic), as well as enzymes, and is very comprehensive. It’s also backed by a research study, which increased my confidence in choosing SmartDigest Ultra even further. Another huge bonus is that this supplement is ColiCare eligible! I feel a lot of relief knowing that Max is enrolled in the program should he ever need colic surgery.

Smart&Simple Vitamin E

A white supplement tub with a dark blue lid and light blue label plus imagery of a scoop and brown pellets next to green grass. A small pudding cup of pellets sits next to the bucket.

Due to his higher workload and to best support his muscles and neurological system, I also have him on Smart & Simple Vitamin E. Because vitamin E assists horses in recovering from oxidative stress, I knew it would be a good choice in supporting him after intense exercise.

He also has a mild case of Shivers in his right hind leg, so I wanted to give him some extra support there for his muscles and nerves. What sets this supplement apart from others for me is that firstly, it comes in a highly palatable pellet form which is great for picky eaters like Max! Secondly, each serving provides 2500 IUs of natural vitamin E, which is a higher dose in one serving than some of the other brands. Knowing that a research study was done on this supplement also helped me choose it, and place confidence in its effectiveness.

SmartCalm Ultra

Max is generally level-headed, but one thing he has a tough time handling is when a new horse (especially a gelding), moves to the farm. He thinks he owns the place! Even though he isn’t turned out with anyone new, he gets very protective over his two ladies (his two mare pasture-mates), and he gets a bit aggressive over the fence and likes to charge at the new guy, until he gets used to him being there.

Anticipating a new horse moving to the farm recently, I decided to try to get ahead of his behavior and try a calming supplement. I really like the fact that SmartCalm Ultra has both Magnesium and Tryptophan in it because I have heard great things about the effectiveness of those ingredients and they also have research studies behind them. It also has over 1000 5-star reviews, so I felt confident trying it. Sure enough, after about a week, I really saw a difference in his demeanor. P

reviously, he also used to get anxious coming into the barn to eat since he’s turned out 24/7, but now he stands quietly and yawns and seems super relaxed. He also isn’t nearly as determined to go after the new guy over the fence and tolerates him being nearby much better. He just generally seems much calmer and content! I will be keeping him on this now even after he adjusts to the new horse.

Get to Know More

Another supplement that I have Max on that’s not in his SmartPak is the 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte Horse Gel. Max has some general joint discomfort due to age but also sustained a hock injury about 2 years ago. Having tried the usual joint support line-up without much effect, I decided to try something newer and more innovative, as I’d heard really great things about this product. Again, I like the research behind it, the fact that it is highly palatable, and the great feedback from our customers. Almost immediately, I noticed him moving more freely with less inflammation in his injured hock. He overall seems more comfortable, less “hitchy” with his movement, and more willing to move forward. I would highly recommend this product!