Recognizing the pivotal role that trainers play in the overall well-being of horses, American Regent Animal Health, makers of Adequan i.m.® (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), recently launched an expanded version of its Adequan® Elite Trainer Program, which is designed to educate trainers about equine joint health.
The Adequan® Elite Trainer Program originally launched as a pilot program in 2023 as a unique initiative offering extensive education on equine arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), and Adequan i.m. The program aimed to equip trainers with the know-how and resources to help improve their horse care practices, while offering some great incentives along the way.
Let’s take a look at the experiences of a few trainers who participated in the program. Keep in mind that Adequan i.m. must be prescribed by a veterinarian, who works collaboratively with trainers and other members of the equine care team to assess whether a horse is suffering from DJD and, if so, determine appropriate dosing of the product.
Dressage trainer Kim Herslow is one of the first Elite Trainers and is also a longtime Adequan i.m. user, which was an integral part of her care regimen for her horse, Rosmarin, when they were part of the gold medal-winning U.S. dressage team at the 2015 Pan American Games.
“When I did the Pan Am Games, I was giving my horse Adequan regularly for that whole year,” said Herslow. “It’s a good product, and I’ve been using it for years and years on numerous horses.”
Dan Urban, a Nebraska-based hunter/jumper trainer and competition manager, is also one of the early participants in the program.
“As a rider, trainer, and competition manager that produces several equestrian events in the Midwest, I have had a long-time relationship and partnership with American Regent and Adequan,” said Urban. “I have found Adequan to be an excellent aid to our equine athletes that is safe, effective, and relatively cost-effective so that we can provide the best care for our equine partners and help aid them in their performance.” See below for Indications and Important Safety Information for Adequan i.m.
How Does the Adequan® Elite Trainer Program Work?
At the heart of the program is a passion for equine joint health. By equipping trainers with in-depth education, the program helps them lead meaningful conversations with clients and veterinarians, driving better health outcomes for the horses in their care.
The Adequan Elite Trainer Program offers joint care education in multiple formats, including webinars, digital resources, and printed materials. It is designed to be user-friendly, guiding trainers through educational milestones and rewarding them with promotional items along the way. Additionally, the program includes resources that trainers can pass on to their clients, fostering a more informed community around equine joint health.
“The program helps keep me informed and to inform my clients about how Adequan helps their horses,” said Herslow. “Whether we’re training for local shows or trying to ask more of our horses in training, Adequan helps them.”
What Are the Benefits for Participating Trainers?
As they progress through the program, Adequan Elite Trainers receive promotional rewards such as branded apparel and signage for their barns. Participating trainers receive access to an exclusive Adequan Elite Trainer rebate, which they can share with their clients to benefit the horses they train.
“I’m able to inform my clients about what Adequan can do for horses and how it helps their joints from breaking down due to inflammation from arthritis,” said Herslow. “The resources they provide are on hand to help me explain it better and provide correct information.”
By serving as a resource for joint-care information in their communities, participating trainers have the opportunity to raise the standard of equine joint health and well-being.
“The program is helping our clients, and the general equestrian community, understand the purpose of this quality product,” said Urban. “Adequan helps improve the performance of our athletes and aligns itself quite well with the ideals of good horsemanship.”
How to Get Involved
Trainers interested in participating can sign up at www.adequan.com/elite-trainer-program.
Adequan® i.m. polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) solution 100 mg/mL
INDICATIONS
Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG). Studies have not been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses. WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For additional safety information, please see full prescribing information at adequan.com.
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