Helping Horse Owners Make Informed Decisions
5 Strands — Health (5Strands Affordable Testing was founded 3 years ago by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan…)

5 Strands

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

Want a hair-sample bioresonance test that flags intolerances driving your horse's mystery symptoms?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated June 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 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.

><strong><br/> 5Strands tests for

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

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5Strands Comprehensive Equine Intolerance and Imbalance Test kit box
5Strands Comprehensive Equine Intolerance and Imbalance Test kit box
What does the Comprehensive Equine Intolerance & Imbalance Test actually screen for?
The flagship horse kit from 5Strands is the Comprehensive Equine Intolerance & Imbalance Test, priced at $136.00, which bundles four distinct screenings into one hair-based assessment covering 290+ items. It evaluates Food Intolerance (proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, fats, additives, preservatives, seeds, herbs and oils), Environmental Intolerance (fabrics, grasses, trees, insects and essential oils), Nutritional Imbalance across vitamins and minerals, and a Metals & Minerals Imbalance panel. Rather than diagnosing disease, it maps the everyday feed, pasture and environmental triggers a particular horse's body is responding to.

5Strands equine hair-sample health test product detail image
5Strands equine hair-sample health test product detail image

Who founded 5Strands and why does the story matter?

5 Strands Affordable Testing was founded by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan Steed and Austin Collins after Lisa spent years and thousands of dollars on doctors who could not explain her own digestive issues. Frustrated with a system that kept telling her "we can't figure out what's wrong with you," she went looking for answers herself, and that origin story still drives the brand's affordable, owner-empowering approach. Today the company reports having served over 450,000 customers and has been featured in outlets including Pet Age, The New York Times, Today, Forbes, CBS and Cnet.

5Strands horse intolerance and imbalance test kit contents
5Strands horse intolerance and imbalance test kit contents

How does the hair-sample testing process work?

5Strands uses bioresonance technology applied to a small hair sample, which the company describes as carrying the horse's energetic "blueprint" and unique frequencies. Owners register the kit online with its unique ID code, then collect hair from anywhere on the body by brushing with a clean comb, cutting, or gently pulling, and no root is required. Longer hair (over one inch) needs only 10-15 strands while shorter hair needs 20-25, and there is no blood draw, no vet visit and no fasting involved.

5Strands equine test hair collection instructions
5Strands equine test hair collection instructions

Will medications or supplements interfere with the results?

No. 5Strands states plainly that "medications or supplements being taken will not affect the testing results," so a horse can stay on its existing routine throughout the collection and mailing process. This is a meaningful distinction from blood-based panels that often require timing around feed or treatment. It makes the kit practical for horses already on joint, gut or behavioral support regimens.

Which horse problems can this assessment help owners untangle?

The equine test is built for the frustrating, hard-to-pin-down complaints owners know well: chronic skin issues, loose stools, low energy, sudden attitude shifts, difficulty digesting certain feeds, and poor nutrient absorption. By flagging which grains, proteins, grasses, pasture sprays or environmental factors a horse is reacting to, results help owners fine-tune feed, supplements and surroundings around how that specific animal's body responds. It is positioned as a starting point for connecting the dots, not a replacement for professional veterinary care.

How fast are results and how do you order?

5Strands promises results within roughly 5 days of the lab receiving the sample, delivered as a PDF report, through the mobile app, or as an Excel spreadsheet. Kits are ordered directly at 5strands.com, with free shipping on US orders over $50 and postage included for mailing the sample back. The company offers professional consultations for owners who want help interpreting results, and can be reached.
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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 test called and how much does it cost?
The horse product is the Comprehensive Equine Intolerance & Imbalance Test, priced at $136.00 on 5strands.com. It combines four separate screenings into a single hair-sample kit. The $136 price covers the test, lab analysis and return postage.
How many items does the equine test screen for?
The official 5Strands equine product page lists 290+ items screened across four tests. These span food proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits and additives; environmental factors like grasses, trees, fabrics and insects; vitamins and minerals; and a metals and minerals imbalance panel. Some retail listings describe the comprehensive kit as covering over 300 total items.
What four tests are included in the equine kit?
The kit bundles Food Intolerance, Environmental Intolerance, Nutritional Imbalance (vitamins and minerals), and Metals & Minerals Imbalance. Together they give a broad picture of what a horse's body is reacting to in its feed and surroundings. Buying these as one comprehensive assessment is the most economical way to get all four.
Who founded 5 Strands Affordable Testing?
5 Strands was founded by Lisa Blaurock, Ethan Steed and Austin Collins. The company grew out of Lisa's personal frustration after years of unexplained digestive issues and thousands of dollars spent on doctors who couldn't identify the cause. That experience shaped the brand's mission to make affordable, accessible testing available to people and their animals.
How does the hair-sample collection work for horses?
You collect hair from anywhere on the horse's body by brushing with a clean comb or brush, cutting, or gently pulling. The root is not required. For hair longer than one inch you need 10-15 strands, and for shorter hair you need 20-25 strands.
Do I need a blood draw or a vet visit?
No. The 5Strands equine test is designed specifically to avoid blood draws and expensive vet visits. You collect a hair sample at home, register the kit online, and mail it back with the included postage. This makes it a low-stress option for horses that are difficult to handle for blood work.
How long does it take to get results?
5Strands promises results within about 5 days of the lab receiving your sample. Results are delivered electronically. You can view them as a PDF report, through the 5Strands mobile app, or as an Excel spreadsheet.
Will my horse's medications or supplements affect the results?
No. 5Strands states that medications or supplements being taken will not affect the testing results. Your horse can stay on its normal medication or supplement routine throughout collection and shipping. This is convenient for horses already on gut, joint or behavioral support.
What kind of horse symptoms is this test meant to help with?
The equine test is aimed at chronic skin issues, loose stools, low energy, sudden attitude shifts, difficulty digesting certain feeds, and poor nutrient absorption. By identifying which grains, proteins, grasses or environmental factors a horse responds to, owners can fine-tune feed, supplements and surroundings. It is a tool for connecting the dots on hard-to-explain complaints.
Is this an allergy test?
No. 5Strands is explicit that its kits test for intolerances and sensitivities, not true allergies. Allergies involve an immune-mediated IgE response, while intolerances are inflammatory responses without that immune activation. The company states it does not test for true allergies.
What technology does 5Strands use?
5Strands uses bioresonance technology applied to a hair sample. The company describes hair as carrying an energetic 'blueprint' and unique frequencies, comparing the principle to forensic hair analysis. Results are meant for informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional veterinary or medical consultation.
How do I read or interpret my horse's results?
Results arrive as a clear report listing the items your horse showed responses to, accessible by PDF, mobile app or spreadsheet. 5Strands also offers professional consultations for owners who want help interpreting findings and building an action plan. The customer support team can provide general insights, though they do not give diagnoses or specific recommendations.
Does 5Strands offer products for other pets besides horses?
Yes. Alongside the equine line, 5Strands sells Pet Food Intolerance & Environmental Sensitivity tests, Raw & Fresh Pet Food Intolerance tests, and nutritional imbalance assessments for dogs and cats. They also offer a full range of human tests, including Food Intolerance, Environmental Sensitivity and a Health & Wellness Assessment. Pet kits start around $76.
How much is shipping and how do I order a kit?
Kits are ordered directly from 5strands.com. The company offers free shipping on US orders over $50, and return postage for mailing your sample back is included with the kit. You register the kit online using its unique ID code before mailing the sample.
How can I contact 5Strands for support?
5Strands can be reached by phone at 1-833-600-8378. The company maintains an active presence on Facebook (facebook.com/5StrandsTesting), Instagram (@5strands_), YouTube and X (@5Strands_). A customer support team and professional consultants are available to help with general questions and result interpretation.
Is 5Strands vet recommended and how many customers has it served?
5Strands displays a vet-recommended designation on its equine product page and notes that its testing is both 'Doctor Approved' and 'Veterinary Approved.' The company reports having served over 450,000 customers. It has been featured in Pet Age, The New York Times, Today, Forbes, CBS and CNET.
What happens to my horse's hair sample after testing?
5Strands retains hair samples for 60 days after testing, which allows customers to add digital upgrades to their results during that window. After 60 days, samples are disposed of by a certified biohazard company following EPA, OSHA and CDC guidelines. This retention policy also supports re-testing or expanded analysis if you decide you want more detail.
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Ann Pruitt
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