Vigilant horse owners understand the importance of ensuring their horses stay adequately hydrated. After facing this challenge themselves, Renee and Emily Genther, a mother-daughter team from Ocala, Florida, created a tasty solution: Funky Unicorn Chews.

Funky Unicorn Chews are “horse chews with a purpose,” combining electrolytes with sugar to provide a health-boosting treat. Each all-natural 2.2-gram cube contains precise amounts of electrolytes, offering an effective yet non-pharmaceutical solution.

These chews blend calcium carbonate, sodium, potassium bicarbonate, and magnesium glycinate in a base of dextrose and brown sugar with natural flavoring. Available in horse-approved flavors like apple, mint, and banana, they make hydration more appealing for horses.

“Whether your horse isn’t drinking due to cold weather, recovering from an ailment, or just being picky, these cubes stimulate thirst within minutes,” says Dr. Courtney Varney of Ocala Equine Hospital, who now serves as the company’s medical director.

Funky Unicorn Chews can be given daily and are especially useful at horse shows, competitions, clinics, after trailering, during night checks when temperatures drop, and for picky drinkers. While they don’t replace a full electrolyte program, they effectively promote hydration when most needed. For an average 1,250-pound horse, 10 to 12 cubes per day are sufficient.

Renee and Emily, both lifelong horsewomen and amateur riders in eventing and FEI dressage competitions, started their business during the pandemic. Unable to find sugar cubes in stores, they decided to create their own treats, adding electrolytes to encourage water consumption during weather changes.

Collaborating with FEI veterinarian Dr. Courtney Varney and an equine nutritionist, they developed a “show safe” formula. Dr. Varney believed so strongly in the product that she joined the company.

In 2023, all their products received certification through the rigorous Veterinarian Health Products (VHP) process, ensuring safety and efficacy. Now, VHP-approved Funky Unicorn Chews are available in Canada as well.

Horses loved the chews and drank more water, leading to high demand from fellow equestrians. Initially making the treats in their kitchens, Renee and Emily eventually partnered with a pharmaceutical/candy company for production, ensuring all ingredients and manufacturing remained in the U.S.A.

In late 2023, they launched a second product, Gastric Support Chews, which significantly benefit horses. These chews, given before rides or stressful situations, reduce stomach pH, resulting in calmer and happier horses within 10 minutes. This effect is due to the dual buffer action of calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide, both bioavailable to horses.

Funky Unicorn Chews are available nationwide and in Canada at equine supply stores and online. The Electrolyte Support Chews come in three sizes: 1-ounce jar, standard 7-ounce pouches, and large 21-ounce pouches for bigger barns. The Gastric Support Chews are available in 7-ounce pouches.

Visit www.funkyunicornchews.com to learn more about these “horse chews with a purpose,” find purchasing locations, and explore retail opportunities.