Cutting Horses

Dear Equine Direct,
I have been feeding Direct Complete and now your Direct Complete HA for almost a year to my cutting horses. Their coats are shiny and healthy, hooves are strong, and I have not had to inject their joints or give them additional IV injections for any joint pain. I attribute this to my feed program as before I had found your product, I was injecting joints and feeding multiple vitamins for each feeding. You have simplified my life and have made my horses performance improve dramatically!

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Susie - Stevensville, Montana

16 year old Arabian

I started my 16 year old Arabian on Equine Direct Flex a little over a year ago. At his age he was starting to slow down and start out stiff in the mornings. Since being on this easy to use product ( he loves it!), My boy is looser and happier. He had been doing dressage before, but now we are learning to jump, and he loves it!

Everytime I have ordered from Equine Direct, I have gotten the order delivered to my door on the same day! Now that is great customer service. Thanks for making a terrific product and being a company that delivers what it promises!

Tammarie - Independence, MN

Florida Testimonial

Thank you! You have made my life easier and saved me money!

We have been giving our horses supplements for hoof, coat and joint maintenance for years plus whatever 'special need' each individual horse had. When you walked into the feed room, at any given time, you would have found anywhere from 8 to 12 supplement containers sitting around and up to 5 feed storage tubs. Between the feed containers and the supplement containers there was hardly any room left for us to 'dish dinner'.

My daughters trainer introduced us to Equine Direct products. After careful comparison to insure that each horse would be getting what they needed, and not getting anything that they did not need, we have moved all 9 horses to Direct Complete or Direct Complete HA. Our cost has been reduced significantly and the feed room no longer looks like a storage room! Thanks so much for great products!

Dee - Plant City, Florida

Exceptional products

I had a very nice experience with Equine Direct. Exceptional horse supplements at a great value. Fast, free shipping! And most importantly Equine Direct has exactly what I want, whether that is to add precisely what I want to my horses' feed (i.e. individual glucosamine, chondoiton, MSM, etc.) or to take advantage of Equine Direct's fantastic prices on the joint, hoof and complete combinations.

Sincerely,
Nicole - Milnor, ND

Equine supplement testimonial

I use Equine Direct Complete because, not only was it one of the few supplements that had a high level of Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin in one formula, but also had Biotin. For a number of reasons, including my own vet's recommendations, I don't believe in feeding my horses a lot of supplements or a complex diet. Research has found that simple is healthier for horses. My horses are high performance horses ridden almost daily, so they need the joint supplements and my Farrier insists all his clients' horses have a daily biotin supplement. The other reason I use Equine Direct is that I can buy it from my home (on-line) and have it shipped directly here. I don't have to leave my home to get it. The price is the best for the product and money and I don't ever pay for shipping costs.

Sher - Windsor, California

Testimonial

I don't know what I ever did before Equine Direct. Your products are
quality made, I can tell by the ingredients and formulations. As an
experienced trainer I have been recommending all my clients use the Direct
Flex (economically priced joint supplement). I have been able to help save
my clients money and know that they are getting the proper nutritional horse
supplement for their specific horse.

I can tell that the ingredients are fresh and I always comment on how the
product smells fresh! I have passed your name on to several vets along
with my many clients and friends. Your knowledge of the animal market and
key ingredients has helped you create an excellent product which I know you
will continue to be successful with.

Thanks again for the great service, quick response and delivery!

Vicki - Minnesota

Horse Supplement Testimonial

WHAT AN EXCELLENT PRODUCT, I GOT THE JOINT SUPPLEMENT, AFTER 30 DAYS I COULD SEE HUGE RESULTS IN MY 4 YR OLD QH . EXCELLENT PRODUCT!

Cathy - Marston Mills, MA

News Pet Food Institute (PFI)

In an effort to help keep horse owners informed we would like to pass on this information from the Pet Food Institute regarding the Slaughter of Horses.

Horse Slaughter Amendment Passed

The US Senate voted last week in favor of an amendment to effectively prohibit the use of federal funds to slaughter horses for food exports. The Ensign-Byrd amendment to the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Bill prohibits the use of federal tax dollars for inspectors in plants that slaughter horses for human consumption. The amendment, introduced by Senators John Ensign (R-NV) and Robert C. Byrd (D-WV), will close three slaughterhouses in the United States that slaughter horses (two in Texas and one in Illinois). It will also prohibit shipping horses to slaughterhouses in Canada or Mexico in order to export their meat to foreign countries. Earlier in the year, the US House of Representatives passed an identical amendment. (ASPCA News Release, 09/21/05)

Horse Journal Reviewed

The Horse Journal recently reviewed many different joint products using horses that had chronic conditions that affected them to be consistently lame. Lameness was graded according to the American Association of Equine Practioners (AAEP) grading scale. Horses were graded by Vets at the start of using particular supplements, again at 2 weeks and then at 4 weeks. The Horse Journal also found that horse joint products using even small amounts of (HA), Hyaluronic Acid in combination with Glucosamine/Chondoitin made a significant difference in a horse's condition.

Our Direct Complete, Direct Complete HA & Direct Flex were all used in the study. This is what the Horse Journal had to say;

Direct Complete was found to have moderate levels of Glucosamine, Chondrotin & MSM. High levels of Vitamin C and Biotin. Flax, (multi) vitamins & minerals. Improvement of up to 1 full lameness grade. Good choice for horses in terms of price!

Direct Complete HA Same as the Direct Complete but with 100 mg. of Hylauronic Acid per daily serving. With the addition of the HA horses saw as much as a full 1.5 improvement in lameness grade, with obvious reduction in joint swelling. They suggest that it is best used for horses with Moderate Chronic Lameness in all classes of use.

Direct Flex High dose of Glucosamine, along with moderate MSM in a good combination (multi) vitamin/mineral base. Lameness improvements of up to 1.5 lameness grades. Best for horses with (Moderate Chronic Lameness) in all classes.

All of our products showed signs of improvement and overall were more cost effective than most on the market today. Equine Direct continues to be innovative in our approach to your horses needs, with new products, cutting edge ingredients and clear and accurate packaging and product information.

Equine Supplements 101

This information is intended to give the reader a basic understanding of ingredients used in our products and the functions they perform. This information, is not intended to be used to make nutritional recommendations. If you have questions, please consult your independent Vet on any feeding or supplementation programs. All Equine Direct ®products have a guaranteed analysis that has been reviewed and approved by Equine Nutritional Professionals. Equine Direct® formulates all of its blends with the best known active ingredients available. We believe we are the most complete, best value products on the market for equine use. However, these products do not come with any guarantee of performance and should never be represented in that fashion.

Amino Acids
There are 22 known amino acids. The construction material from which protein is made. There are two groups, essential: The critically important amino acid which the body can not manufacturer such as lysine, trypthophan, leucine methionine, phenylalanie and valine. Non-essential amino acids which the body can manufacturer such as cystein, cystine, tyrosine, arginie glutamic acid ect.. Any amino acid can be considered essential under conditions of stress, disease, trauma, intense sporting activity, poor diet and malnutrition.

Biotin
Biotin is a water soluble vitamin classified as a B complex vitamin. It functions as a co-enzyme and is normally produced by healthy intestinal bacteria. Biotin helps maintain healthy skin and hooves including the hoof wall, sole, frog and white line. Biotin therapy is long term and can take up to six months to one year to show improvement. Biotin has been around for 60 years and is not known to be toxic. No toxicity has been reported in human use with daily doses up to 200 mg. Biotin has been the main active ingredient in horse hoof products for many years.

Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a macopolysaccharide-a major part of cartilaginous material found in joints, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissue. An agent that stimulates the production of cartilage. Chondroitin is used in the treatment and prevention of arthritis and joint inflammation, wound healing and blood vessel damage. Chondroitin is well absorbed into most tissue including cartilage and synovial fluid. Chondroitin has been used in human and horse products for many years, and is usually combined with glucosamine. This therapy is long term and may take three to four months to see results.

Citrus Bioflavenoids
A water soluble compound found in fruits and vegetables. Also known as a Vitamin P. It is an antioxidant and is essential for the proper absorption and use of Vitamin C. It has the ability to cross link collagen fibers that form the collagen matrix of connective tissue. (Ground substance of cartilage and tendons). It inhibits the release and synthesis of compounds that promote inflammation such as histamine. Maintains the normal state of the walls of blood vessels.

Copper (Copper Amino Acid Chelate)
Copper Amino Acid Chelate is used in the formation of hemoglobin as well as bone and cartilage. It also helps utilize iron and improves the color and structure of hair and hooves. The level of copper in our products is safe and similar to many other equine products on the market. To much copper in a diet, over a period of time can cause serious problems and even death.

d-1 Methionine
Methionine is an amino acid and aids in the utilization of niacinamide and glucosamine. Methionine also helps proteins in the connective tissue and delivery of many other agents in the body as well as absorption of Biotin for hoof development.

Glucosamine HCL
Glucosamine HCL is typically made from shellfish, specifically from the chitin the major carbohydrate in the shells of shrimp. This is what we use in our products. The sulfate form is chemically synthesized and requires higher levels of supplementation. Glucosamine is the single most important component in connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid, Collagen and Chondroitin require or consist of Glucosamine. Cartilage cells manufacturer glucosamine. Scientific studies show that glucosamine yields as good results, compared with traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. Supplementation maintains and repairs connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, cartilage). Trials have found glucosamine to be safe and this ingredient has been used in human and equine products for years.

Proline
Proline is an amino acid (see amino acid) it is involved with the Collagen structure.

L-Lysine
Lysine is one of the most important amino acids and is involved with protein synthesis that affects all parts of the body. Lysine is found to be deficient in many animal diets, and is widely used in animal feeds and supplements to insure proper levels. Younger horses that are still growing require higher levels then mature horses.

Manganese (Amino Acid Chelate)
Manganese is an amino acid (see amino acid) and is an important component of cartilage as well as helps synthesis glucosamine.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is necessary for the structural integrity of connective tissue. MSM has been shown to decrease joint inflammation and degeneration. It is a necessary part of healthy ligaments, tendons and all connective tissue. It is believed that MSM relieves swelling, inflammation and joint pain, in part by allowing the body, (including joints) to increase circulation thus allowing harmful substances to flow out while nutrients flow in. MSM acts similar to glucosamine.

Mineral Oil
Mineral Oil supports healthy shinny coats and also helps the formulation to be less dusty when many ingredients are blended.

Molasses
Molasses is used in the formulation for improving taste. Molasses also helps in keeping powdered product less dusty.

Niacinamide
Niacinamide is the more water-soluble form of the B Vitamin Niacin. It is used in the cells energy production and plays a role in the anti-inflammatory response of joints to stress.

Probiotics
Probiotics is a term used to describe live organisms fed to humans and animals to help promote good intestinal balance and promote good bacteria in the gut. In return the good bacteria out-perform the bad bacteria to reduce things like; e-coli and other harmful bugs. Probiotics are used in animal feed to promote weight gain and support the immune system. Studies have shown that the use of Probiotics and Prebiotics may play a role in reducing colic in equine. Our Direct Microbial™ is a good source of an equine Probiotic.

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6)
Pyridoxine is involved in more body function than almost any other nutrient. It is necessary for the production of Hydrochloric acid and the absorption of fats and proteins. Pyridoxine also aids in maintaining sodium and potassium balance as well as red blood cell formation. Pyridoxine activates many enzymes and aids in the absorption of Vitamin B12 in immune function and antibody production.

Soybean Meal
Soybean Meal is a good source of protein and amino acids. It is used as a carrier and or filler in many animal formulations.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C aids in the synthesis of Collagen, Lysine and Proline. It is considered an anti-oxidant. In addition, it aids in the strength of tendon fibers.

Yeast
Yeast is used to increase palatability (taste) and also supports existing bacteria in the gut, which in turn supports many animal functions like the immune system, digestions mineral and vitamin uptake and absorption.

Yucca
Yucca extract comes from the Yucca plant and is used for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Zinc (Amino Acid Chelate)
Zinc is vital to 200 enzymes and is involved in formation of bone tissue, healthy skin healing of wounds, Vitamin A, metabolism, phosphorus absorption, linoleic acid, transformation, production of proteins and reinforces the immune system. To high of an intake of Zinc may compromise the absorption of Copper. Zinc Amino Acid Chelate has a higher absorption rate then standard Zinc.

Zinc Sulfate
Another form of Zinc. (See above)

Equine Direct News

Equine Direct® continues to be innovative in our approach to providing customers with more quality horse supplement products and updated services. Our newly redesigned horse supplements web site has been made more user friendly with concise nutritional information on our horse supplement products, suggestions on related products, and easy ordering for quick one-stop shopping.

Please register free, on-line if you are not already a member of Equine Direct and begin receiving horse supplement nutritional news, new equine supplement product information and promotions & sales that we run on selected products. You may also want to refer a friend to Equine Direct which can be done with the click of a button, located on our home page. Equine Direct does not share our customer list with anyone else, so you will not be inundated with numerous emails!

Direct Complete continues to be the number one choice of all our horse supplements! This summer we were pleased to announce the Direct Complete HA with hyaluronic acid. This supplement product is also a 4-in-1 product that provides all of the same benefits of the Direct Complete but with 100mg. of Hyaluronic acid added to its daily serving. It continues to support joint health, hoof development, a healthy coat and a probiotic for better digestion. Please watch for our new ad in "Eventing USA" a national publication of the United States Eventing Association for special promotions on this product.

At Equine Direct we put a lot of thought into our horse supplements packaging. Our 10 lb. hinged pails makes it easier for customers to keep the integrity of their product safe from flies and the outside elements, with the zipper lock hinged lids. However, we have had numerous comments about the amount of plastic pails that customers collect over time when using supplements. To address this concern, we now have horse supplements available in our 10lb. heat sealed foil pouches that customer can use alone (they are re-sealable) or use to fill existing pails for a small cost savings to our customers. This is one step in developing more eco-friendly packaging for our environment.

Please browse our new site, to find the products that will keep your horse looking and feeling its best!

New horse supplement sizes

Equine Direct is pleased to announce its new 10 lb. tamper evident, heat sealed stand-up pouches. These are available in our Direct Complete, Direct Flex and Direct Complete HA. These poly lined pouches are recloseable and can be used alone or as re-fills for our 10 lb pails.

Equine Direct was looking for way to package our products in a more eco-friendly way, for those customers who had to many empty pails, or for those who want to take up less space in Americas landfills.

Equine Direct gets face lift

Equine Direct upgraded its ordering system and layout. The site is now easier to navigate and the ordering process is much easier.