History

By 1990, through study in Human Nutrition, Horse Nutrition, Herbal Medicine incorporating the use of Herbs in Horses, research, assistance from colleagues and horse owners, Antoinette had developed a range of products and formed Hi Form Australia PL. At first, business was mainly from friends of friends, people willing to give these new products a go, and the word spread quickly that these Hi Form products really did offer to the consumer what they promised. The ProflamAid - then known as Hi Form P - was a particular favourite, and Antoinette still gets goosebumps to this day reading back on those first testimonials.

Antoinette Foster was born in Adelaide and was introduced to horses by her late father, Mervyn Jeanes. He founded Tundabara Quarter Horse Stud in the beautiful rolling hills of Lobethal, South Australia, and stood a son of the legendary Chickeramic named Geronimo. Antoinette's love of horses began there and has grown through the years.

Her beloved horse 'Leroy' passed away in January 2008. Leroy was 1999 AQHA Hi Point Appendix Halter Horse of the Year by Struttin His Stuff, and her aim was to compete at Medium/Advanced level Dressage that year and get 'Leroy' his Register Of Merit in Dressage. In December 2015, Antoinette purchased the beautiful Fidertanz/Belcam Calandra gelding Coffee, he is divine, and they already bonded well and training towards medium. Coffee is located on the property where Hi Form is based, and Antoinette and her partner Daniel also live, preparation for the pair to get out and compete is now definitely on the cards after a long interruption from an accident in 2017 where Antoinette was required to have shoulder surgery.

Antoinette has also recently purchased the very talented Quarter Horse gelding Yarraleigh Lethal Maximus, fulfilling another dream of hers going back to compete in the reining arena. Max is an11-year-old gelding and should be out competing before the end of 2021.

(Images: Left: A very young Antoinette in an article from 1993 pictured with her daughter Nicci's first QH Cutter Star or Dylan. Middle: Rotsi and Antoinette at Hagen Park. Right: Antoinette in 2002 with her late friends Jed and Leroy.)

 

 

WHERE IT BEGAN

Nutrition and horses were originally two separate passions of Antoinette's, after completing a bachelor of health in nutrition, Antoinette became very serious about Equine health and nutrition.

It all began when Antoinette continued to have problems with coat condition, immune and overall health with her horses, she decided to investigate nutrition for her equine companions. In 1987 Antoinette decided to expand her knowledge and complete a diploma in Equine Nutritional Therapy, which was a USA based course, she has also completed courses in herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, nutrition and disease amino acid therapy, and other modalities to expand her knowledge and ability to assist horse owners.

In 1987, after working part-time and raising her daughter Nicci, Antoinette decided to get serious about her main passions and went for a job interview with a company who produced vitamin supplements for horses. Six months in and she soon realized that what this company promised and what the products delivered were two separate things. After listening to her customers, she decided that she might just have what it took to produce what people really needed for their horses, and so the seeds of Hi Form were planted.

(Images: Left: Hi Form's Factory in 2003 at Pakenham, Victoria, Middle: Hagen Park, Right: Antoinette outside the Mulgrave office in 2006 with the launch of the new labels.)

Antoinette's knowledge of Equine Nutrition and understanding of the Equine body and what people needed from a supplement combined to begin the formulation of Hi Form's unique range of formulas; this included assisting with arthritis in horses, weight gain in horses, natural pain management, increase performance, improved health and well-being long-term, and assisting with nervous horses. Antoinette spends most of her time these days writing diet advice for clients, and released her first book ‘Eat Like A Horse’ in November 2010.

In 2006, Hi Form was forced to begin contract manufacturing their entire range due to demand and moved offices from Pakenham to Mulgrave for easier access to the Melbourne CBD. In 2007, Hi Form moved to a custom building on a 50 acre equestrian centre in Keysborough, Hagen Park, and for Antoinette, the possibilities at this new location were a dream come true. The business has come a very long way in over 30 years of operation, and has never faltered on the promise to deliver a quality product that really gets results.

In August 2013, Hi Form moved to their own premises in Langwarrin Victoria. The Property in Langwarrin is beautiful, situated on a small acreage, easily accessible but very private, the new warehouse is considerably larger than the previous one, and a great deal has been built to accommodate the growth of the business. Offices were being built inside, and recently two extra offices outside, which has given everyone more space and allow for staff to have their own individual offices. It also makes Hi Form very Covid safe.

From those first 'Guinea Pig' horses, including Antoinette's own horses, to the thousands of horses all over the world now benefiting from the range, Hi Form is a company you can trust.

 

(Images: Left: Antoinette riding Leroy at Hagan Park where the offices were located in leafy Keysborough, Victoria until August 2013 where Hi Form moved to their own premises in Langwarrin Victoria after many years of happiness at Hagen Park, it was time for the next chapter. Middle: Entrance to Langwarrin property. Right: Antoinette's beautiful new boy Coffee Fidertanz / Belcam Calandra)

 

(Images: Left: Hi Form Arena Langwarrin. Right: Coffee's box and Hi Form horse wash.)