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A Brief History of Hi Form |
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In 1987 Antoinette Foster had put together a product called HerbaNerve to help assist her Quarter Horse mare 'Biff' to relax and concentrate at shows. Using her knowledge of nutrition, herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids through use in people and horses, Antoinette's first formula was an instant hit. And so began Antoinette's quest to build a range of formulas for horses with quality ingredients that actually worked. By 1990 through study, research, assistance from colleagues and horse owners, Antoinette had developed a range of products and formed Hi Form Australia PL. At first business was mainly from friends of friends, people willing to give these new products a go and the word spread quickly that these Hi Form products really did offer to the consumer what they promised. The ProflamAid - then known as Hi Form P - was a particular favourite and Antoinette still gets goosebumps to this day reading back on those first testimonials. Antoinette Foster was born in Adelaide and was introduced to horses by her late father Mervyn Jeanes. He founded Tundabara Quarter Horse Stud in the beautiful rolling hills of Lobethal, South Australia and stood a son of the legendary Chickeramic named Geronimo. Antoinette's love of horses began there and has grown through the years. Her beloved horse 'Leroy' passed away in January this year. Leroy was 1999 AQHA Hi Point Appendix Halter Horse of the year by Struttin His Stuffand her aim was to compete at Medium/Advanced level Dressage this year and get 'Leroy' his Register Of Merit in Dressage. Antoinette is currently looking for a new horse is has decided on a young Quarter Horse.
Nutrition and horses were originally two separate passions of Antoinette's, studying and undertaking short courses in herbs and nutrition for humans part time. However when Antoinette continued to have problems with coat condition, immune and overall health with her horses, she decided to look in to nutrition for her equine companions. In 1981 Antoinette decided to expand her knowledge and complete a diploma in Equine Nutritional Therapy which was a USA based course. In 1987, after working part time and raising her daughter, Antoinette decided to get serious about her main passions and went for a job interview with a company who produced vitamin supplements for horses. Six months in and she soon realized that what this company promised and what the products delivered were two separate things. After listening to her customers, she decided that she might just have what it took to produce what people really needed for their horses and so the seeds of Hi Form were planted. Antoinette's knowledge of nutritional therapy and understanding of the equine body and what people needed from a supplement combined to begin the formulation of Hi Form's unique range of formulas. Then to offer more to her clients in 1999 Antoinette completed further courses covering nutrition and disease and amino acid and mineral salt therapy. In 2001 she completed further studies in Equine Nutrition.
In 2006 Hi Form was forced to begin contract manufacturing their entire range due to demand and moved offices from Pakenham to Mulgrave for easier access to the Melbourne CBD. They now operate out of a custom building on a 50 acre equestrian centre in Keysborough, Hagen Park and for Antoinette the possibilities at this new location are a dream come true. The business has come a very long way in it's 16 years of operation and has never faltered on it's promise to deliver a quality product that really gets results. From those first 'Guinea Pig' horses including Antoinette's own horses, to the thousands of horses all over the world now benefiting from the range, Hi Form is a company you can trust. Fiercely independent and proudly Australian, Hi Form is stepped up a level in 2007 securing distribution through Saddleworld, PetStock and Specialty Mix. Hi Form formulas are available at many independent stores also and advice is readily available for free from the Hi Form office. With the launch of the on line store accessability of the range has never been greater. Horses are our passion and all members of staff have horses. We know the products because we use them and see the results as well as the benefits of listening and learning from the people who give us feedback. Our range is complex, complete, balanced and economical but more importantly, you can feel confident when you buy a Hi Form formula that not only will it work but you can talk direct to the person who formulated the range five days a week if you have any questions. Antoinette spends most of her time these days writing diet advice for clients and is continuing the work on her book. She is also stepping up seminars and is working on a unique concept with her daughter and Operations Manager, Nicci, plus a few wonderful colleagues to help the public sort out their horses from the inside out.
The team at Hi Form is hands on, energetic and eager to help. "We want every horse on one of our daily formulas because nine times out of ten, problems are nutritional. We don't offer a quick fix, we offer a way to maintain health and condition that is economical, sustainable and visibly effective." says Nicci "We want people to learn the safest, most affordable and beneficial ways to feed their horse, whether or not they are an Olympian or just starting out."
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