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The Library

The Reading Room

The Library

I am going to tell you things I find fascinating at length. I want you to read them. Some of it is science. Some of it is opinion. I will clearly label which is which.

Evidence-Based

Science

Science

Everything in the Science section is sourced. These are not the same as the Opinions section and I will not pretend they are. Every ingredient in Benchmark has a corresponding article here — so you can read the same primary research I read and verify the reasoning yourself.

Showing all 8 articles
Spirulina
Spirulina · In Benchmark

How spirulina dose-dependently inhibits mast cell degranulation and reduces serum histamine levels — and why that mechanism matters for horses with hypersensitivity conditions.

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Quercetin
Quercetin · Foundational Science

Tufts University research shows quercetin outperforms cromolyn — the pharmaceutical mast cell stabilizer — in blocking mast cell cytokine and histamine release. We use the more bioavailable form: isoquercetin.

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IsoQuercetin
Isoquercetin · In Benchmark

Why isoquercetin outperforms standard quercetin in bioavailability studies — 1.5× more absorbed — and what that means for horses that need systemic anti-allergic support.

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MSM
MSM · Foundational Science

The peer-reviewed evidence for methylsulfonylmethane in reducing inflammation across joint, airway, and dermal tissues. We use the pharmaceutical-grade distilled form: OptiMSM.

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OptiMSM
OptiMSM · In Benchmark

Generic MSM and OptiMSM® are not the same product. The distillation process affects purity, and purity affects what actually reaches the bloodstream.

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Bromelain
Bromelain · In Benchmark

Clinical trial data showing bromelain increases quercetin effectiveness — moving responder rates from 67% to 82% — and the mechanism behind why enzyme co-administration matters.

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Ascorbyl Palmitate
Ascorbyl Palmitate · In Benchmark

How spirulina and fat-soluble Vitamin C work together in the immune and antioxidant pathway — and why sourcing and form matter for bioavailability in lipid-rich tissues.

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DHA Omega-3
DHA / Omega-3 · In Benchmark

The inflammation pathway research on DHA — and why we chose algae-derived DHA over fish oil. Species-appropriate sourcing is not just a marketing position — there’s a physiological reason for it.

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Clearly Labeled

Opinions

Opinion

These are opinions. They are clearly labeled as such. I think the difference between opinion and sourced science matters — and I will never blur that line. The three most recent are below. Read all opinions in the archive →

Opinion — Proprietary Blends

In the largely unregulated world of horse supplements, “proprietary” is a wall between a brand and the consumer. Every ingredient in Benchmark is listed with its dosage and the study that supports it. No gatekeeping. No mystery.

Opinion — Sara M. Kirkwood · April 2026
Opinion — Electrolytes & Desire-Based Hydration

Adding electrolytes to make a horse thirsty so they drink is solving a problem you created. Here’s the case for desire-based hydration instead — and why it matters especially for metabolic horses.

Opinion — Sara M. Kirkwood · April 2026
Opinion — Transparency & Formulation

Most companies hide behind proprietary blends. I decided to put it all on the table — every ingredient, every dosage, every study. The Library exists so you can verify the reasoning yourself.

Opinion — Sara M. Kirkwood · March 2026
See all opinions in the archive →
The Practical Stuff

Things you can actually use today.

Practical

Hydration protocols, palatability, metabolic safety, travel and show prep, medication compliance. The practical application of everything else in The Library. The three most recent are below. See all practical guides →

Medication & Compliance

Masking Medication: How to Get a Horse to Take What They Need

Why most masking strategies fail — and how aromatic competition actually works long-term. Includes the step-by-step protocol and flavor recommendations by medication type. Pairs with the Water Buffet Method to pre-establish a safe flavor before the medication starts.

Read the Guide →

Travel & Shows

Why Your Horse Refuses to Drink at Shows (And What Actually Works)

It’s not stubbornness — it’s biology. The scent-conditioning protocol that actually works, starting three weeks before you haul. Also relevant for Florida summer show season.

Read the Guide →

Metabolic Safety

Safe Hydration for Metabolic Horses: Cushing’s, IR, and Laminitis

Why electrolytes and sugar-based palatants are the wrong tools for metabolic horses — and what desire-based hydration does differently. Includes flavor recommendations safe for IR, Cushing’s, and laminitic horses. See also: FAQ on metabolic safety.

Read the Guide →

The Library is a living document.

New research breakdowns, ingredient deep-dives, and the occasional hot take get added regularly. Every article is sourced, labeled, and written by someone who actually read the studies — not a content team. The full archive lives at /blog/.