The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to announce SmartPak has returned as the “Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA” for 2024. As part of their partnership with the USEA, SmartPak is also a “Gold Sponsor of the USEA American Eventing Championships,” “Contributing Sponsor of the ATC at the AEC,” “Bronze Sponsor of the Classic Series,” and “Contributing Sponsor of the Young Event Horse Series."
“We are excited to continue our partnership with USEA as the Official Supplement Feeding System. Our mission at SmartPak is to power the passion of both rider and equine athletes from schooling at home to the show ring. We will continue to support the members and their horses as they strive to achieve their goals,” said Amanda Bodkin, Marketing Manager of Partnerships and Suppliers for SmartPak.
Since 1999, SmartPak has made it their mission to make the world a better place by using their expertise to power healthy horses and happy riders. The company’s premier product, the SmartPak™ supplement feeding system, is patented and has been the founder, Becky Minard’s brainchild. The SmartPakTM supplement feeding system allows horse owners to create customized, pre-measured supplement packages that can be safely and easily administered by anyone caring for the horse. The company’s team of Horse Health Experts are also available to assist in creating the perfect SmartPak for your horse’s needs. Along with their supplement feeding system, SmartPak also offers a huge array of horse health products, equipment and clothing for the rider, and equine pharmacy items through their catalog and website. SmartPak is your one-stop shop for all things horse and rider!
“We are thrilled that SmartPak has committed to return as the Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA,” said USEA CEO, Rob Burk. “SmartPak’s feeding system is revolutionary and has endless options for our equine partner’s nutrition needs. We recommend all our members use SmartPak’s products as they are the industry baseline. Their professionals are as knowledgeable as they come and are always happy to assist. We are so happy to continue our relationship with this excellent brand!”
To learn more about SmartPak and to create your own fully customizable SmartPakTM supplement feeding system today, visit their website at smartpakequine.com.
About the United States Eventing Association
The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.