StableFeed, founded by Mary Hartman in Kasson, Minnesota, originated from her efforts to improve the health of a horse suffering from gastrointestinal issues caused by harsh training methods. In 2017, she began making chia biscuits that successfully improved the horse’s condition, leading to growing demand for her products. Hartman’s research into superfoods for horses introduced her to sainfoin, a sustainable legume cover crop, which became a key ingredient in her equine feed. Collaborating with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) and scientist Alan Doering, she developed a bioavailable formula that included unique ingredients like bee pollen, helping the company gain traction.

Since its inception, StableFeed has experienced rapid growth, doubling sales annually and surpassing $1 million in product sales, with customers across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. The company employs six people and contracts sainfoin growers, primarily in Montana, reviving a crop that had nearly disappeared for 150 years. Hartman’s dedication and innovative approach have positioned StableFeed as a niche but impactful player in the equine nutrition market.