Humble Beginnings
Like many significant achievements, Absorbine® grew out of humble beginnings—and through the tenacity of someone willing to question the status quo. In this case, it was a young woman in late 19th-century Massachusetts: Mary Ida Young. Her husband, Wilbur Fenelon Young, was an enterprising piano deliveryman who relied on the couple’s team of horses to make deliveries throughout the Northeast.
A Better Way
In those days, if a horse developed lameness, a common treatment was “blistering” the affected leg using one or more caustic agents. The blistered skin caused increased blood flow to the treated area, speeding recovery of the injury. Mary Ida knew there had to be a better, more humane way.
In addition to caring for their horses, Mary Ida was an avid gardener and herbologist. Through her knowledge of healing herbs, she formulated a special blend of herbs and essential oils into a tincture designed to increase blood flow and speed healing—without painful burning or blistering.
Wilbur and Mary Ida started using her creation on their horses daily. They were so impressed with the results that they named it Absorbine® Veterinary Liniment, and Wilbur started carrying some on his deliveries. On one such trip to Syracuse, New York, he sold a whole case to trainers at a local race track. In a letter to Mary Ida mailed on his way home, he wrote: “I have had $42.80 worth of ‘Absorbine’ orders this month. Let the good work go on. Some day we will make this boom … Lovingly Yours, Wilbur.”
A Legend Is Born
Wilbur was right. Everyone loved this humane yet effective way to relieve sore joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Mary Ida had indeed invented a new treatment. They named their fledgling company W. F. Young — but it has always simply been called “Absorbine." The exact formula remains a family secret, but the results have been trusted by riders and trainers for more than a century.
Inspired by Mary Ida and Wilbur’s vision, Absorbine® has continued to add innovative products throughout the years — products used every day by horse and pet owners around the world to Help Animals Live Their Best Lives.
