EQUINE America UK has purchased Irish supplement company Horse First. The company, founded by Paddy Hughes in 2008, is known for its unwavering dedication to product quality and its endorsement by some of the world’s top riders.

In a press release, Equine America UK said the acquisition “marks a strategic expansion for Equine America UK within the European market. The values of both companies are deeply aligned - rooted in a shared commitment to scientific research, product excellence, and the trust of elite riders across the globe”.

Equine America UK and Horse First will continue to operate as separate entities, preserving their unique brand identities and product lines.

Paddy Hughes, who will continue with the company post-acquisition, is a well-known and respected horse producer in the show jumping and eventing spheres, who has sent horses all over the world. He commented: “Lee [Middleton] and the Equine America team were the only people I trusted to take Horse First forward. Their dedication to quality and integrity mirrors everything we’ve stood for from the beginning.”

Lee Middleton, Managing Director of Equine America UK, added: “I’ve always admired the Horse First brand - it’s a name that means something in this industry. When the opportunity came to bring our teams together, it was simply too good to pass up.

“This partnership promises to deliver the same trusted, high-quality supplements customers know and rely on, whilst fostering exciting new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and innovation. Paddy Hughes will be staying on at Horse First for the foreseeable future and we look forward to working together.”