Why we use human grade ingredients in our formulas?

The answer is quite easy we believe that if it’s not acceptable for us to consume it is not acceptable for our horses.

There are some studies that have been undertaken in the equine industry, however it is very difficult to obtain funding for this type of study which involves complementary therapy. Our naturopathic veterinary formulas fit into the category of complimentary medicines.

Our formulas have been in use since 1990 and there is a huge amount of anecdotal evidence that contributes to our success. We have conducted small-scale studies on several products which unfortunately cannot be published due to lack of funding.

It is very important to mention at this point that all our ingredients are listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia and what does this mean? All ingredients are assessed for quality and safety and it is important that these ingredients have long to use in humans.

 

There is great reasoning behind why we as a company use human-based studies and extrapolate these studies across to the equine world. The reason, there are extensive scientific studies and research on mineral, herbs, vitamins, trace elements and amino acids in humans.

We simply cannot rely on equine studies alone to provide you our customer with ongoing support and research on the ingredients that we use. There are huge gaps in current equine research, put quite simply there is simply not enough research. Our company must either invest our own money into clinical trials or use the existing research that we have at our fingertips available based on human science. We always guarantee that our research easily adapts across to the equine.

There are other reasons why our company is not comfortable conducting clinical trials, the most important of all is ethics. In no way do we want to harm these beautiful animals during a clinical trial and sometimes to achieve the result involves situations that go against our beliefs and principles. From our perspective horses cannot decide when it comes to being used as a subject in a clinical trial unlike a human who can say yes, or no. Scientific studies also require the trial participants to guarantee that they will use the formulation in the correct manner, if they don’t then the trial itself is compromised.

What is the situation with the use of animals in testing to produce human medicines for example, animals have been used in testing for a very long time, however when research has taken place the evidence from this research is applied to humans. There are obvious differences between the species however the research itself is still considered necessary and reliable enough to be safe in humans. Using safe ingredients is the most important part of any formulation.

Let’s use an example of one of our products so we can explain exactly how we go about using the human research to formulate a product and achieve the result we are aiming for. RespiraFix is a new product for Asthma and COPD conditions which was developed recently by our nutritional therapist and medical herbalist Antoinette Foster and naturopath and herbalist Karyn Campbell. As with most formulas we look at a range of ingredients which can include mineral tissue salts, organic herb extracts, vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids. We also ensure through our knowledge and research that we do not use ingredients that have been proven to have contraindications in human or animal use.

When formulating this product, we put together a list of ingredients that we feel would be an acceptable and effective part of the formula. We gather research and documentation on the ingredients of our choice. You might think that this is an easy task, it is certainly not. Through an extensive search of ingredients, we feel would obtain the desired result and will assist primarily with asthma and COPD conditions we isolated approximately 29 to 30 herb extracts that could be highly beneficial in a formula such as this.

Then comes a very long and laborious task of researching every single herb to find out whether they would be suitable to be used together but also be effective within the formula. What results we are trying to achieve with the full formulation, the properties of each ingredient and the science behind these ingredients become extremely important in our decision. Primarily with this product we were looking at a way to alleviate the symptoms that horses are experiencing from asthma and other COPD conditions. Once we have collated all the information, we go through the process of determining which ingredient will be of the most benefit and which ingredient will work together to enhance the bioavailability of the complete formula. Once we have reached the final formulation, we look at using the product on specific subjects to ascertain the effectiveness. The result with this product was overwhelmingly successful. And as of today’s date, we have had a very high number of horses that have been treated who were previously dependent on medication. This no doubt is very exciting.

 

Hi Form was founded in 1990, ingredients used in our formulations in most cases have actually been ingested by horses since we began. We have a reputation for producing products that have an exceptionally high success rate.

We have made a solid commitment to the welfare of horses, and this extends to research and product testing that may take place. We have access to the scientific information required, extensive knowledge with our three practices in varying modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, and naturopathy. We would never want to put a horse’s health at risk or in harm’s way so therefore we will always seek to use non-intrusive and ethical research methods.

 

Feeding Supplements to horses

© Hi Form Australia 2024

Overfeeding or underfeeding supplements and feeds can lead to deficits in vital substances, which over time may cause various health issues and reduced performance. Standard "complete" horse feeds—such as pellets, muesli, and grains combined with vitamin supplements and good quality roughage—often do not contain adequate levels of these essential nutrients. By adding true pure form supplements such as Hi Form CompletaVite, OxyDane or BreedPlus, you can improve your horse’s performance, health, and overall well-being.

Always look for supplements that are natural, safe, effective, economical, and easy to use. They provide everything your horse needs to perform optimally and stay healthy.

Research in Australia and abroad has provided more precise guidelines on the nutritional needs of horses and how these requirements change with growth, exercise, and reproductive states. Feed analysis from various climates has revealed that many commercial feeds lack certain nutrients that are critical for a horse's health and performance. In some cases, the levels of individual nutrients can be imbalanced or excessive, which may negatively impact a horse's well-being. Soil which has been continuously used for feed production (hays or grains), tends to have depleted nutrient levels, resulting in significant deficiencies in the crops produced in these areas.

The Traps

If you are using brand X feed which claims to have all the vitamins and minerals etc based on the recommended feed rate your horse may well receive a reasonable level of these nutrients, but if you have a horse that does not require the recommended feed rate then there will be a discrepancy and simply topping up with another supplement will then create an imbalance. See photo showing a sample of the type of commercial feeds and ingredients I am referring to.

Important note: Older horses that are not in work and have access to good quality pasture may obtain sufficient major nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. However, they often still require a daily additive.

Numerous nutritional supplements are available for horses, but many contain simple minerals that are poorly absorbed, requiring excessively high amounts to provide any benefit. Additionally, many of the vitamins included are of feed grade quality and are not fit for human consumption. Some supplements even contain industrial-grade ingredients, additives like colours and flavours, and preservatives. In contrast, Hi Form formulas contain no additives and are made exclusively from oral-grade ingredients (suitable for human consumption). Hi Form’s, unique formulas fit into the Natural Therapy category, containing a synergistic blend of nutrients, including mineral tissue salts, trace elements, vitamins, amino acids, and certified organic herb extracts, which can yield exceptional results.

Take the Hi Form challenge: change your horse's feeding regimen to incorporate one of our daily supplements and a natural diet including a natural feed such as Hi Form Complete FibrePlus or AlphaFibre. Your horse will experience significant benefits.

Feeding your horse a natural diet is not only the healthiest choice but also the most cost-effective. Within just 6-8 weeks, you will start to notice positive changes—improvements in your horse’s skin and coat condition, as well as more relaxed attitude and temperament. Overall health and well-being will enhance, with further benefits, such as reduced feed requirements, visible within 2-3 months.

The anatomy and physiology of horses have not changed; therefore, it makes sense to feed them according to their species. The results will speak for themselves!

For further advice please contact one of our three practitioners, Antoinette, Mishel or Karyn enq@hiform.com.au

It is recommended to contact our office for further advice as each case will be different. Please phone 03 97756422 or email enq@hiform.com.au

Please note: should the condition become more severe please contact your vet immediately. 

Equine Asthma and natural therapy

Equine asthma is a serious condition requiring accurate diagnosis, management, and treatment. Can complementary therapies serve as effective treatments?

Breathing through a straw while running mimics an asthmatic's struggle. Horses experience similar challenges. Severe equine asthma (SEA) typically affects horses over seven, with more than one in seven potentially impacted. Treatment must begin promptly to support their respiratory health, enabling them to work effectively for years. This presentation examines the effects of asthma on horses, measures for owners, potential triggers, alternative treatment options, and long-term management for competition horses, considering drug therapy restrictions.

Managing Respiratory Health in Horses

Proper ventilation in stables is crucial, especially for horses susceptible to respiratory issues or diagnosed with conditions like Equine Asthma (EA). EA encompasses various respiratory diseases, including Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), and Heaves. While turnout is preferable for horses with these conditions, it’s not always possible. Furthermore, during spring and summer, horses may also encounter increased allergy risks from plants, trees, and pollens.

Hay and Dust Management

When stabled, hay can significantly contribute to airborne particles that exacerbate respiratory issues. Here are effective strategies to manage hay-related dust:

• Steaming Hay: This method effectively reduces dust and mold content in hay.
• EquiCube: Consider using dust-free alternatives like Hi Form Complete AlphaFibre or FibrePlus for fiber intake.
• Feeding Practices: Feed smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to minimize chewing time. Use slow feeder hay nets for steamed hay and place feed at ground level to reduce inhalation of particles. Eating from high feeders can cause health issues, while a natural head-down position aids in clearing the respiratory tract.

Nutritional Support for Respiratory Health

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for respiratory health, enhancing the integrity of cell membranes in the body, including the lungs. High-quality sources rich in DHA and EPA, such as cold-pressed flaxseed oil, can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Hi Form AlphaFlax oil is an excellent option due to its cold-pressed and human-grade standards.

Research suggests that steaming hay significantly reduces mold content and tracheal mucus. While steaming has been shown to induce BALF neutrophilia without causing clinical respiratory signs, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness in preventing or managing EA.

A comparative study found that steaming is more effective than soaking for reducing microbial allergens in hay (Moore-Colyer et al., 2014). Soaking can inadvertently increase bacterial counts, whereas steaming considerably lowers mold counts. Therefore, an effective management plan must include allergen exposure reduction and veterinarian-recommended treatments for horses with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Natural Assistance for Respiratory Conditions

RespiraFix is a natural herbal extract combined with Vitamin C that provides support for horses with respiratory conditions such as Asthma, COPD, and chronic coughing. Key ingredients include:

• Marshmallow: Soothes irritated airways and promotes mucus expulsion.
• Rosehip: A potent antioxidant rich in Vitamin C, aiding recovery from illness.
• Vitamin C: Supports horses with lower levels due to EA, combating oxidative stress in the lungs.
• Curcuma Longa: Reduces airway constriction and hypersensitivity with its antimicrobial properties.
• Withania: Boosts mental and physical health, assisting the immune system and reducing stress.
• Maritime Pine: Alleviates allergies and asthma, supporting skin and immune function.
• Chamomile: Known for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
• Liquorice Root: Eases allergic responses and soothes irritated mucous membranes.

Conclusion

Effectively managing respiratory health in horses involves a combination of strategies:

1. Ensure well-ventilated stables or barns.
2. Minimize dust and potential allergens in paddocks.
3. Steaming hay is superior to soaking for reducing dust and microbial contamination.
4. Opt for natural feed options.
5. Consult a veterinarian for human-grade supplements that support respiratory management.

By integrating these practices, you can significantly enhance your horse's respiratory health.