Horse First : Made by horse people, for horse people
Horse First was founded in 2008 by Paddy Hughes, a respected horse producer deeply involved in show jumping and eventing. Over decades of working with performance horses, Paddy saw first-hand that many supplements on the market simply weren’t delivering consistent results.
Rather than accept the status quo, he brought together his equestrian knowledge with the expertise of a chemist and equine nutritionist to create a range of products that worked as hard as the horses they were designed for. From the beginning, Horse First has focused on using the highest quality ingredients and high levels of active nutritional components in every formula.
A Global Presence
Since its launch, Horse First has grown rapidly and now exports to over 30 countries across Europe and North America. It has earned accolades for its entrepreneurial success — including winning “Exporter of the Year” at the Greater Newry Business Awards — a reflection of both product quality and international demand.
In 2025, Horse First entered a new chapter when it became part of Equine America UK, a leading equine health company. While the acquisition opened up new opportunities for distribution and growth, Horse First continues to operate with its own identity and product lines intact — and its founder, Paddy Hughes, remains involved in guiding the brand.
What Makes Horse First Different?
The Horse First brand stands out in the crowded equine supplement market for several key reasons:
✅ Rider-Led Development
Products are developed by equestrians who understand the real-world needs of horses rather than by detached lab scientists alone.
✅ Quality Ingredients with Purpose
Horse First formulations use high levels of active ingredients — not fillers — to deliver meaningful nutritional support.
✅ Wide Range of Targeted Solutions
Whether you’re addressing digestion, calming and stress, mobility and joints, hoof growth, performance and vitality, or everyday wellbeing, Horse First has a product aimed at that need.
✅ Trusted by Top Riders
The brand has earned endorsements from respected international riders including Michael Whitaker, Ludger Beerbaum, Edwina Tops-Alexander and McLain Ward — reflecting professional confidence in the products. See 2026 brand ambassadors.
The Product Range
Horse First offers a comprehensive suite of equine supplements. Some popular examples include:
Relax Me & Relax Me Now – calming formulas for nervous or stressed horses
Acid Aid – digestive support
Hoof First – promotes strong, healthy hooves
B Well & Back to Form – general vitality and energy
My Joints & My Joints Plus – mobility support
Vital-V & Exselent E – performance and muscle support
Heavy Sweat / Heavy Sweat Now – electrolyte replacement after heavy work
Keep Me Sound – all-round conditioner for overall wellbeing
and many more.
Horse First is the result of decades in the saddle, listening to horses, and making products that actually work. With its rider-centric philosophy, global reach, and commitment to quality, it remains one of the most respected names in equine health today.
Trot Around is the official distributor of Horse First in Thailand.