Utilizing natural, botanical recipes along with modern equine supplement ingredients, Finish Line focuses on maintaining horses’ health and well-being with quality products.
Finish Line began manufacturing products for horses in the late 1970s, but the traditional equine knowledge dates back to the end of the 19th century, and the care of Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders’ horses.
Three generations of thoroughbred trainers followed. As a result, the first Finish Line products were geared toward racing; the products now cover many areas of equine activity and care. All products are made right here in the USA as part of a strong commitment to product quality and safety.
Thorough research and development go into the Finish Line products. Fura Free, a leg sweat and salve, contains essential oils like calendula, thyme, myrrh, tea tree and lemon balm. It sweats just like other products but without the nitrofurazone. And why not bathe your horse in Finish Line’s pH-balanced shampoo, Howe Clean, with the refreshing herbal aromas of Australian tea tree and thyme oils. Both of these essential oils help promote healthy skin for horses.
“A lot of considerations are taken when formulating our products,” says R&D Chemist Nick Cinquino. “We look at the herbal approaches toward a product as well as the National Research Council’s nutrient requirement for horses.”
The company’s apple-flavored electrolyte, Apple a Day, contains no sugars, which makes a big difference for the insulin resistant horse.
Steve Blanchard, VP of Marketing and Sales, says the company takes great care to balance its products by incorporating ingredients that other brands lack. “With our Apple a Day product, both major and minor electrolytes and trace minerals are formulated to replace those that get lost during everyday activity.”
An interesting traditional, natural product example is Finish Line’s Air Power, an all natural aid to relieve minor coughs due to irritation. The ingredients are pure and simple: real honey, apple cider vinegar, menthol, oil of eucalyptus, aloe vera, real lemon juice and ethanol. This was developed from traditional recipes of the 1950s or earlier.
For horses with a poor appetite, poor attitude, dull coat or reduced performance, Finish Line’s U7 Gastric Aid can help promote healthy digestion in both the foregut and hindgut.
“It’s not a calcium-magnesium-aluminum acid buffering product,” says Blanchard. “We take a more natural approach by using botanical ingredients, including aloe vera, carrot, licorice, slippery elm, cinnamon and cabbage to promote healthy digestion.”
Finish Line’s website www.finishlinehorse.com has a lot of great product information, history, tips and science to check out, as well as a place to sign up to win $500 in free Finish Line products. Once you’ve signed up, you can also receive product sample offers.
So what makes Finish Line different from its competition? Tradition, quality products based on natural botanicals and herbs, and a relationship with customers help make the caring horse folks of Finish Line a company that is worthy of your horse.