Absorbine

Overview

Absorbine is a brand of equine care products established in 1892, specializing in liniments, fly control, hoof care, grooming, and nutritional supplements for horses. It operates under W.F. Young, Inc., which also produces pet and livestock health products. The brand is recognized for its long-standing focus on horse care, with extensions into human liniments like Absorbine Jr. and acquisitions of other brands such as Bigeloil.

History

Absorbine was founded in 1892 by Mary Ida Young, an herbalist, and her husband Wilbur F. Young in Massachusetts, starting with Absorbine Veterinary Liniment as a humane alternative to caustic horse treatments. In 1903, Wilbur created Absorbine Jr., a human version of the liniment. The company, operating as W.F. Young, Inc., has acquired brands like Bigeloil, B-L, and Fungasol, now sold under Absorbine, and remains owned by fourth and fifth generations of the Young family.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Absorbine products are produced by W.F. Young, Inc., a U.S.-based family-owned company with headquarters in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Specific manufacturing locations are not detailed in available sources, but the company emphasizes American operations.

Notable Products

• Absorbine Veterinary Liniment - Herbal tincture for equine muscle soreness, joint care, and increased blood flow.
• UltraShield Gold - Insecticide and repellent for fly control on horses.
• ShowSheen - Grooming spray for coat conditioning and shine.
• Hooflex - Hoof care product for conditioning and treatment.
• Silver Honey Rapid Skin Relief - Vet-strength spray for scratches and skin issues.
• Absorbine Jr. - Human liniment derived from the original equine formula.

Reputation

Absorbine is trusted by horse owners, riders, and trainers for over a century due to its original liniment's enduring popularity and innovative equine care expansions. Professionals value its established product lines for daily use in grooming, hoof care, and pest control. Some skepticism exists regarding the medical effectiveness of its rubefacients, as noted in historical context.