#TeamSmartPak Series: Matt Mills
You might know World Equestrian Games Gold Medal Rider, Matt Mills and you might use SmartPaks in your own barn, but did you know that Matt and SmartPak have been longtime teammates, too? We got to kick it with Matt and share some of our chat here so you can get to know #TeamSmartPakRider Matt Mills!
Fast Facts with Matt:
- What kind of riding do you do?
- Reining
- How many years have you been riding?
- 37 years…. I think?? 🤣
- How many years have you been with SmartPak?
- 20
- Where is your farm based out of?
- Weatherford, TX
- Where can riders and fans follow you?
- @mattmillsreining1 on YouTube
- @matt.m.reining on Facebook
- @mattmillsreining on Instagram
The Good Stuff:
- Tell us about your favorite Show/Event/Competition.
- "The next one! I'm always looking ahead to what I can do and what I can improve to make my next ride the best one yet. It helps me not dwell on anything too much. I don't like the idea of getting too down on mistakes when mistakes are really just learning opportunities. And similarly, I don't want to dwell too much on successes, when being humble and working hard is what keeps you improving as a rider and a horse trainer."
- What are your favorite SmartPak products (outside of supplements)?
- "I'm a big fan of the SmartTherapy boots and blankets. I use these on all my horses for the ThermoBalance® fabric. The ceramic particles absorb body heat and reflect it back on the horse to help activate blood flow, which is really important for optimal recovery in my hardworking performance horses."
- What's the best advice you've ever been given?
- "I was told to 'always try to think like a horse while training' and that has been a big part of my methods ever since. You don't want to just assume a horse wants to do what you want to do, because that's not always the case. But thinking about what's rewarding for our horses, what's challenging, what they like, what they respond to, it can really make or break how correctly and how sustainably you're going to hit the next level in your training."
- What is the most valuable lesson horses have taught you?
- "I think something that I learn over and over again is how to control my emotions while working with my horses. They are like mirrors and will tell you when you need to change your approach. If they need to get in a round pen and play a bit, if they need a school on transitions, anything really, they'll tell you in the way they work- or the way they won't work. It's not about getting frustrated or even excited, really, it's about being consistent with them and finding that right balance of teamwork from both sides."
The Smart(Pak) Stuff:
- What's Matt's favorite SmartPak supplement?
- SmartCombo™ Ultimate Pellets are my go-to for a hardworking horse. This one is great because it takes care of joints, tendons, ligaments, digestion, and hooves so I know everyone is covered head to toe. I also have to mention the SmartCalm® Ultra Paste, too. It's such a great one to have on hand for extra support in keeping horses calm and focused in new situations like shows and clinics.
- What's in Matt's SmartPaks?
SmartCombo™ Ultimate Pellets offer unparalleled levels of joint, tendon, ligament, hoof, gastric, digestive, and coat support all-in-one, at a savings of over 25% compared to purchasing individually. Plus, in SmartPaks it's eligible for ColiCare!
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that supports a healthy immune system. It's found naturally in fresh grass, but levels begin to drop the moment grass is cut for hay. Smart & Simple Vitamin E Pellets provide your horse with 2,500 IUs of natural vitamin E (d-Alpha Tocopherol) in a tasty pellet your horse is sure to love!
Carefully formulated to mimic the mineral losses in equine sweat, SmartLytes® Pellets include trimethylglycine to help cells maintain normal fluid levels. These tasty apple-banana flavored pellets have no sugar added and an excellent choice for even the pickiest eater.
Keep up with Matt and SmartPak on social media and learn more about SmartPaks and ColiCare at the buttons below!
More Blogs Featuring Matt Mills:
- Team SmartPak Spotlight: Matt Mills
- Ask a Trainer – Maintaining Space While Lunging a Horse
- ColiCare Made Our Comeback Possible
Other #TeamSmartPak Series Blogs: