My Story

My name is Annie — and if you’ve loved horses your whole life, my story might feel a lot like yours.

I’ve been horse-obsessed for as long as I can remember. After enough begging, my dad finally gave in and signed me up for lessons at Ben Martin Stables in Moorpark, CA. That eventually turned into a dream come true: my first horse, Sundance — a petite, chestnut mare who taught me so much.  Fast forward decades, and I found my way back to this life with horses.

I started The Gilded Paddock because I couldn’t find grooming products that met the same standards I hold for my own care—clean, effective and with transparency about the ingredients.

As a horse owner and certified organic haircare formulator, I saw a gap between what was available and what our horses actually need. Too many equine products rely on outdated, harsh ingredients—silicones, sulfates, petroleum derivatives—and hide behind vague marketing terms like “natural.”

So I created something better.

Our formulas are built with intention: every ingredient is chosen for performance, safety, and horse skin compatibility. I formulate with the same integrity I bring to the barn—because I use these products on my own horses. And I know the difference it makes.

This isn’t about following trends. It’s about raising the standard—for horses, for riders, for grooming that’s as modern and mindful as the people using it. 

I'm glad you are here and ready to see what a difference clean ingredients can make for your horse.

Annie Kurz-Haugland
Founder, Horse Owner, Certified Organic Haircare Formulator

MBA, California Lutheran University

BA, Liberal Studies, California State University Northridge