This was the honest and wonderfully simple answer I got when I asked Kirsty McCann, Nutritional Manager of ARKequine why the business was created.  

“We want” explained Kirsty, “to be the go-to when someone wants a solution”. Kirsty’s background in the equine industry was an asset to her when creating Kildare based ARKequine. Having started work in the racing side of the equine industry, she went on to work for several years as an equine vet nurse and then to work as a nutritional technical advisor in an international feed and supplement company. “We provide a portfolio of products to meet the needs of all types of horse from broodmares and stallions through to all types of high performance”.

Spotting a gap in the market was the precursor to creating ARKequine. “There was a lack of independent access for people to good quality brands that can deliver solutions for success”. Through ARKequine Kirsty has brought several brands direct to the equestrian consumer. From German brand DERBY which includes top quality products for grooming, hoof care and leather care to the related derbymed which includes a range of topical products and supplements, the focus has been to bring effective solution-based products to the market.

Given that ARKequine is owned by a pharmaceutical company FORTE healthcare, it is no surprise that part of the ethos of the company is transparency around product legality. Aside from a handful of products that are clearly labelled as having a specific withdrawal period, all others are completely FEI safe, and therefore competition legal. Additionally, a number of these products such as the ARKequine’s Respimin and derbymed’s Bronchopulmin, are as effective as prescribed products while being FEI approved. This offers peace of mind to customers who are also competitors.

When speaking to Kirsty, the overwhelming impression is one of someone who wants to be the go-to for science-based advice and who seeks to put both the horse and the consumer at the forefront. When describing the business model, she explained how all sales are online with rapid delivery as using this method rather than a storefront reduces both the cost and the time for the consumer. Having bought a product from ARKequine before meeting Kirsty, I can vouch for the speedy delivery as I was shocked to have it the next day.

Given her involvement in all spheres of the equestrian industry throughout her career, it is no surprise to learn that Kirsty has continued to be involved on many levels. While ARKequine sponsor several equestrian events such as the ARKequine Derbymed Handicap, they have also gone beyond this and have sought out ways to make a positive change for industry workers.  In 2022 ARKequine partnered with Naas Racecourse to subsidise the grooms canteen which meant a selection of food choices encompassing all beliefs and lifestyles from vegetarian to vegan to halal. When talking about initiatives like this, Kirsty’s passion for change and inclusivity shone through. This is one of the reasons I love to meet the faces behind the brand – behind every brand and logo is a driving force with a story to tell and ambitions to achieve.

Recently, local dressage rider Tara Hayes became brand ambassador for ARKequine. Tara, who shot to fame nationally when she competed twice for Ireland at the 2016 and 2018 pony dressage European championships, is a regular on the local and national dressage circuit. Winner of the 2022 Horse Sport Ireland 6-year-old Autumn Development Series on her homebred self-trained mare Sandora BS, Tara is a natural choice for Brand Ambassador and her horses show the results and benefits of ARKequine products both in their appearance and performance.

Most recently, ARKequine through their brand ambassadorship with Tara, have signed on as title sponsor for the Leinster Dressage Spring Summer and Autumn Winter 2023 leagues through their brand DERBY. This sponsorship will provide more exposure of the range to dressage riders and allow the brand to immerse themselves in a new discipline in the equestrian world.

One of the many benefits of the ARKequine service is the readily available, professionally qualified advice. Anyone unsure of which products will best solve their issues, can get in touch with the team who can recommend the most appropriate solutions.