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5 Strands Affordable Testing — Health (5Strands Affordable Testing was founded 3 years ago by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan…)

5 Strands Affordable Testing

5Strands Affordable Testing was founded 3 years ago by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan Steed, & Austin Collins

Curious what's behind your horse's mystery symptoms without expensive vet workups?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated April 2026
5Strands Comprehensive Equine Intolerance and Imbalance Test kit box
5Strands Comprehensive Equine Intolerance and Imbalance Test kit box

5Strands Affordable Testing was founded 3 years ago by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan Steed, & Austin Collins. Lisa was having digestive issues for years & after paying thousands of dollars for several doctors to tell her that 'we can't figure out what's wrong with you', she got mad at the system and found answers for herself.

5 Strands Affordable Testing
5 Strands uses a small sample of your animal's hair and uses Bioresonance Technology to identify imbalances causing symptoms of intolerance.

How Did 5Strands Affordable Testing Come To Be?

5Strands Affordable Testing was founded 3 years ago by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan Steed, & Austin Collins. Lisa was having digestive issues for years & after paying thousands of dollars for several doctors to tell her that ‘we can’t figure out what’s wrong with you’, she got mad at the system and found answers for herself. After figuring out that she had to eliminate gluten, dairy & yeast items her digestive issues started going away. She has always had the desire of helping others and what better way to do that then by making yourself & your pet healthier and happier!

5Strands was created out of a burning desire to assist others— both animals and humans— to experience what “healthy" feels like. Sometimes in this busy world we neglect looking after our own body and that of our horse, dogs or other pets. It is extremely easy to just eat the first thing in sight or what is available in the present moment, or to just open up a bag of kibble, or sack of grain— and pour it out for our animals to consume. But was it the best thing to eat? Food is the Fuel for our body— are you putting things in your body, or that of your animals, that can actually cause harm? 5Strands can give you a roadmap and put you and your animals on the wonderful ‘path of health’!

5Strands Mission Statement is,

“To empower families with a voice about their own health care and that of their pets. We strive to fill the void of consumer-driven needs with our affordable testing”.

Check out their story with the video below:

5Strands tests for "Intolerances"- What is the difference between an "Allergy" and an "Intolerance"?

Some of the symptoms will overlap. However, there are a few important differences. An allergy is a reaction involving the immune system. This reaction is typically immediate and can be life threatening. Most of the time, the symptomatic response will be vomiting or diarrhea, severe hives, facial swelling, or shortness of breath. An intolerance does not involve the immune system and has a delayed reaction. The response will not be life threatening. A food intolerance will typically indicate that your horse is lacking the digestive enzymes to break down a certain food item and digest it. In result, they will experience unpleasant and unwanted physical reactions.

Note: Symptoms of intolerances are digestive issues, joint pain, coat problems, cracked hooves, hair loss or nasal discharge. Some, if not most of these issues are very difficult to see on your horse until it is too late and turned into an ongoing issue.

How Can 5Strands Help Me Help My Horse?

Horse ownership is one of the most exciting and challenging opportunities of your life. You love your horse, you devote hours to his or her care, comfort, training, housing, food, and health. But sometimes you need help in understanding why your horse may not be performing or doing well. Your horse may have issues that may be puzzling to the vet. No need to feel alone! With5Strands Horse Testing Kit, you have a team of friendly experts on Your side, ready to help give you answers on what intolerances your horse may have— so you can get your horse— and yourself, back to a happy, healthy life!

5Strands Equine Deluxe Package tests For Over 300 Items for only $189

* 158 Food Items (like: Alfalfa, Timothy Hay, Barley, Bermuda Grass Hay, Fescue, Flaxseed, Garlic, Hemp, Kelp, Bluegrass Hay, Lactobacillus, Magnesium, Soy, Beets and many more!)
* 98 Environmental Elements( like: Dandelions, Milkweed, Mosquitos, Red Clover, Wasps, Yarrow and many more!)
* 29 Nutritional Elements ( like: Copper, Iodine, Calcium, Omega 3, B Vitamins— and more!)
* 15 Heavy Metals ( like: Copper, Chromium, Selenium and more!)

So, What Will I Know After My Horse Has This Amazing Test?
You will receive a comprehensive report that indicates all of the items that your horse has registered a response to. They are color coded like a Stoplight. The Level indicates the type of response their body may experience with ingestion or exposure.

Level 3—(Stop!) Level 3 intolerances are considered items that your horse's body registered an imbalance to and may be very likely to cause noticeable symptoms. Reactions may show up as inflammation, digestive upset or issues, skin problems, fatigue, joint pain, coat problems, cracked hooves, hair loss or nasal discharge. These items need to be Eliminated from their diet or avoid exposure to the item as much as possible.

Level 2(Slow Down) Level 2 intolerances are items that your horse's body has registered an imbalance to with symptoms that may result in reactions like itchy skin, runny nose, watery eyes, etc. These need to be avoided or greatly reduced.

Level 1 (Be Aware) Level 1 intolerances are items that your horse's body registered a low level imbalance. While there may be no noticeable symptoms, they may potentially cause issues over time. Consumption should be in very limited amounts.

These results can be cross referenced with the master list of items that your horse was tested for. Only feed your horse what is left on the master list for 6-8 weeks and see if the symptoms lessen.
See the video below:
What Do People Say About Their Experience With 5 Strands Affordable Testing?
We have made such a difference in the lives of animals and their humans alike!

Says June's Owner...

When we adopted June she was very itchy and had dry flakey skin. We tried feeding her higher end food and giving her salmon oil supplements, but it didn’t seem to help. I personally have a lot of food allergies and instantly thought it was something we should look into.

We found out that almost everything June was eang she was sensive too. This includes most forms of beef, chicken, Pork, Elk, Duck, Alfalfa, Pumpkin, and much much.

To transion her food I did the following:
3 days 75% old food, 25% new food

3 days 50% old food, 25% new food

3 days 25% old food, 75% new food

It was almost an instant change.
Even when we were sll in the transion period she was itching much less. It’s been about 2 months now and her skin and fur is great. She is only 5 months old so I’m sure that has helped her adapt, but he seems much more at ease now. I’ve personally recommended 5 Strands to many friends and family as well who have seen changes in their lives and animals as well.
We have many great Case Studies all with results like June!

Call and Order Today...

You'll love being empowered with facts and knowledge that is directly from your animals own body!
The answers are only just a few strands of hair away! Call today!



5Strands Comprehensive Equine Intolerance and Imbalance Test kit box
5Strands Comprehensive Equine Intolerance and Imbalance Test kit box
What does the 5Strands Equine Comprehensive Intolerance & Imbalance Test actually screen?
The Equine Comprehensive Intolerance & Imbalance Test is an at-home kit that screens 290+ items across four assessments in a single submission: Food Intolerance, Environmental Intolerance, Nutritional Imbalance, and Metals & Minerals Imbalance. The food panel spans proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, fats, additives, and preservatives, while the environmental panel covers fabrics, grasses, trees, insects, and essential oils. Listed at $136.00, it is built to help owners fine-tune feed, supplements, and turnout environment for horses of all ages and breeds.

5Strands equine hair-sample health test kit contents
5Strands equine hair-sample health test kit contents
Who founded 5Strands, and what drove them to build it?
5Strands was founded by Lisa Blaurock, Austin Collins, and Ethan Steed after Lisa spent years and thousands of dollars on doctors who could not explain her digestive issues. Today Lisa serves as President, Austin Collins as CEO, and Ethan Steed as COO, leading a company that has served 450,000+ customers and helped 300,000+ people and pets find answers to unexplained symptoms. The brand also partners with Creative Enterprises, a nonprofit that employs individuals with disabilities, and shares proceeds with organizations supporting veterans and animals in distress.

5Strands horse intolerance test product detail photo
5Strands horse intolerance test product detail photo

How does the hair-sample method work for a horse?

The test requires only a hair sample, with no blood draw, no needles, and no fasting. Owners brush, cut, or gently pull 10-15 strands from anywhere on the horse's body, and 20-25 strands if the hair is shorter than one inch; the root is not required and medications and supplements do not affect results. 5Strands uses bioresonance technology, sourced from the European healthcare system, to analyze the sample's energetic frequencies and flag stressors before physical symptoms appear.

5Strands equine test hair-collection instructions for horses
5Strands equine test hair-collection instructions for horses

How are the results delivered and read?

After the lab receives the sample, 5Strands promises results within 5 days, delivered through a secure online account and the 5Strands mobile app for iOS and Android. Findings are color-coded so they are easy to act on: red signals a strong energetic disruption with full removal recommended, yellow indicates clear stress worth reducing or rotating, green means slight stress that may be tolerated in small amounts, and grey shows no noticeable stress. Hair samples are retained for 60 days, so owners can purchase digital upgrades later without resubmitting a new sample.

Which horses and owners is this test built for?

The kit works for all ages and breeds and is aimed at owners chasing the root cause of recurring issues such as itching, hives, digestive upset, dull coat, or a horse that simply is not thriving on its current feed. Because it screens intolerances rather than IgE allergies, it targets the inflammatory responses tied to enzyme deficiencies and gut health that standard allergy panels often miss. The company markets it as Veterinary Approved and Doctor Recommended, backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

How do you order and what does it cost?

The Equine Comprehensive Intolerance & Imbalance Test is available directly at 5strands.com for $136.00, with a wholesale 6-pack option priced at $448.80 for barns, trainers, and rescues testing multiple horses. Free shipping applies to USA orders over $50, and customer support is reachable. The same hair-analysis approach is also offered for dogs, cats, and people, so a household can test every member of the family from one trusted source.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)
Who founded 5Strands — and why?

Per 5Strands Affordable Testing: founded 3 years ago by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan Steed, and Austin Collins. Per the company: Lisa was having digestive issues for years; after paying thousands of dollars for several doctors to tell her "we can't figure out what's wrong with you," she got mad at the system and found answers herself.

Per Lisa: after eliminating gluten, dairy, and yeast items, her digestive issues started going away. She extended the service to help others — both animals and humans — experience what "healthy" feels like.

What does 5Strands actually do?

Per 5Strands: uses a small sample of your animal's hair and Bioresonance Technology to identify imbalances causing symptoms of intolerance.

What's the difference between an Allergy and an Intolerance?

Per 5Strands:

  • Allergy — a reaction involving the immune system. Typically immediate and can be life threatening. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, severe hives, facial swelling, shortness of breath.
  • Intolerance — does NOT involve the immune system. Symptoms can overlap with allergies but lack the immediate immune-system reaction.
What's the company mission?

Per 5Strands: "To empower families with a voice about their own health care and that of their pets. We strive to fill the void of consumer-driven needs with our affordable testing."

How do I order a test?

Per 5Strands Affordable Testing: Phone 833-600-8378, email [email protected], website https://www.5strands.com/. Pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors.

What is the 5Strands Equine Comprehensive Intolerance & Imbalance Test?
It is an at-home kit that uses a small hair sample to screen 290+ items affecting a horse's health. A single submission runs four assessments in one: Food Intolerance, Environmental Intolerance, Nutritional Imbalance, and Metals & Minerals Imbalance. It is designed to help owners pinpoint hidden stressors and fine-tune feed, supplements, and environment.
How much does the equine test cost?
The Equine Comprehensive Intolerance & Imbalance Test is listed at $136.00 on 5strands.com. A wholesale 6-pack is available for $448.80, which suits barns, trainers, and rescues testing several horses at once. Free shipping applies to USA orders over $50.
How do I collect the hair sample from my horse?
You brush, cut, or gently pull 10-15 strands from anywhere on the horse's body. If the hair is shorter than one inch, provide 20-25 strands. The root is not required, and there are no needles, blood draws, or fasting involved.
How long does it take to get results?
5Strands promises results within 5 days after the lab receives your sample. Results are delivered through your secure online account and the 5Strands mobile app for iOS and Android. The brand's older listings cited a longer window, but the current site states results within 5 days of processing.
How are the results presented?
Results are color-coded for easy action. Red signals a strong energetic disruption with full removal recommended, yellow indicates clear stress worth reducing or rotating, green means slight stress that may be tolerated in small amounts, and grey shows no noticeable stress. You can view everything in your online account, the mobile app, or an Excel download.
What categories of items does the test screen?
The food panel covers proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, fats, additives, and preservatives, and the environmental panel includes fabrics, grasses, trees, insects, and essential oils. The nutritional component looks at vitamin and mineral absorption, while the metals and minerals component assesses how the body processes and eliminates them. Together these span 290+ items.
Is this a test for allergies?
No. 5Strands focuses on intolerances rather than IgE-mediated allergies. Intolerances are inflammatory responses that arise when the body struggles to digest or break down certain substances, often due to enzyme deficiencies or poor gastrointestinal health. This is a different category from the antibody reactions a standard allergy panel measures.
How does the bioresonance technology work?
5Strands analyzes the energetic frequencies captured in a hair sample using bioresonance technology sourced from the European healthcare system. Hair is used because it is non-invasive, durable, and requires no refrigeration. The goal is to detect stressors before physical symptoms manifest.
Will my horse's medications or supplements affect the results?
No. According to 5Strands, medications and supplements do not affect the test results. This means you do not need to stop any current regimen before collecting the hair sample, which makes testing convenient for horses already on a feed or supplement program.
Who founded 5Strands?
5Strands was founded by Lisa Blaurock, Austin Collins, and Ethan Steed. The idea grew out of Lisa's years of unexplained digestive issues that doctors could not diagnose despite significant cost. Today Lisa is President, Austin Collins is CEO, and Ethan Steed is COO.
Is the equine test veterinary approved?
5Strands markets the product as Veterinary Approved and, across its human line, Doctor Recommended. The company also backs its kits with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. As with any wellness tool, owners should pair the insights with their own veterinarian's guidance for medical decisions.
Does the test work for all ages and breeds of horses?
Yes. The Equine Comprehensive Intolerance & Imbalance Test is designed to work for horses of all ages and breeds. Because it relies on a hair sample rather than blood, it is non-invasive and suitable whether you are testing a young horse, a senior, or a hard-keeping performance animal.
What symptoms might prompt an owner to use this test?
Owners often turn to the test when a horse shows recurring itching, hives, skin or coat issues, digestive upset, or simply is not thriving on its current feed. Because it screens intolerances tied to gut health and enzyme function, it can surface triggers that standard panels miss. The aim is to reveal stressors before they escalate into bigger physical symptoms.
How long does 5Strands keep my sample?
Hair samples are retained for 60 days after testing. This allows you to purchase digital upgrades or additional analyses later without having to collect and resubmit a new sample. It is a practical feature if you decide you want deeper insight after reviewing your first results.
Can I test my dogs, cats, and family with 5Strands too?
Yes. 5Strands offers the same hair-analysis approach for dogs, cats, and people, including food intolerance, environmental sensitivity, and nutritional imbalance kits. That lets a single household test every family member, two-legged and four-legged, from one trusted source. The company reports having served 450,000+ customers.
How do I order or get support?
You can order the equine test directly at 5strands.com. Customer support is available by phone at 1-833-600-8378, and free shipping applies to USA orders over $50. The wholesale 6-pack option at $448.80 is ideal for multi-horse operations.
What makes 5Strands an affordable option?
The brand's mission is to make intolerance and imbalance testing accessible without the high cost and invasiveness of traditional diagnostics. By using a mail-in hair sample and bioresonance analysis instead of blood work, 5Strands keeps the equine kit at $136.00 and a 6-pack at $448.80. The company also gives back, partnering with the nonprofit Creative Enterprises and sharing proceeds with groups supporting veterans and animals in distress.

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Ann Pruitt
Contact Ann Pruitt
InfoHorse.com