Episode Summary

Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on your horse's grooming products and wondered what's really in them? In this eye-opening episode, host Lauren Abbott sits down with Annie Kurz-Haugland, the inspiring founder of The Gilded Paddock. Annie shares her incredible journey from a successful career in corporate America to launching her own line of natural, safe, and sustainable horse grooming products.

This conversation is a deep dive into entrepreneurship in the equine industry, driven by a personal need to find a solution for her sensitive horse. Annie discusses the unregulated landscape of pet grooming supplies, the importance of ingredient transparency, and her mission to educate fellow equestrians. Learn about the hidden dangers in common products, how to detox your horse's coat, and why "natural" doesn't always mean safe. Annie also shares her commitment to sustainability, from product formulation to recyclable packaging, and how she balances a full-time job with her passion project.

What You'll Learn

• The origin story of The Gilded Paddock, born from a need for safe grooming solutions for horses.
• The realities of entrepreneurship and how to build a business while working a corporate job.
• The lack of FDA regulation in the pet grooming industry and what that means for you and your horse.
• How to identify potentially harmful ingredients and why transparency from brands is crucial.
• Annie's approach to creating high-quality, effective products based on human cosmetic standards.
• The importance of sustainable equine care and environmental stewardship, from biodegradable ingredients to recyclable packaging.
• Practical tips for switching to natural products and detoxing your horse's coat for a healthy shine.

Episode Timestamps

• (00:05:31) - The "Aha!" Moment: Annie discusses how her horse's sensitivity to common grooming products sparked her journey.
• (00:08:29) - From Idea to Reality: The process of learning cosmetic formulation and creating the first products.
• (00:10:13) - A Game-Changing Partnership: How a non-alcohol-based helmet cleaner led to a collaboration with Helite.
• (00:13:13) - Juggling It All: Annie shares how she manages her corporate job, her business, and her time with her horses.
• (00:21:26) - The Unregulated Market: Annie explains the shocking truth about the lack of regulation for pet grooming supplies.
• (00:26:49) - Buyer Beware: Unpacking misleading marketing and why an EPA registration number means a product is a pesticide.
• (00:28:06) - The "No List": Annie details her commitment to transparency and the list of harmful ingredients she avoids.
• (00:36:23) - Sustainability in the Barn: A look at The Gilded Paddock's eco-friendly packaging and goals for the future.
• (00:43:31) - The Brand Experience: Why creating a special "spa day" moment for horse and owner is at the heart of the brand.
• (00:47:08) - Good Enough for You?: Annie reveals which of her horse products she uses on herself.
• (00:52:18) - Making a Change: Simple, actionable steps you can take to switch to safer grooming products.

Resources Mentioned

1. The Gilded Paddock: Discover Annie's full line of natural horse grooming products and explore her "No List" of ingredients to avoid. Visit thegildedpaddock.com.
2. The Horse Review: Check out more articles, interviews, and resources from host Lauren Abbott at www.thehorsereview.com.

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