Q&A With Nancy Lamb Of Green Horse Organics
What got you interested in natural horse care?
The number one reason I got involved in the natural horse care industry was because of a serious need in the market. We went from using toxic fly sprays in the past to using natural sprays that just did not work. I was working with a friend’s horse rescue when I was developing my fly spray, Total Horse Protection. It took me about five years working on it to get the wonderful product we have today. I originally started just making natural fly spray for my own horses, but after much encouragement, the horse community insisted I make it available to them too.
The second most important reason I decided I needed natural fly spray was my first diagnosis with breast cancer. I was 39 years old and had two small boys at home that needed me. Instead of retreating like a sensible person, I forged ahead and made my first debut post-cancer surgery at the Iowa Horse Fair. That’s a horse girl-stubborn and driven! I feel like my personal cancer journey and many others like me revolve around our toxic chemical exposure during our lives. This was one way to change that and give horse owners a better option, and one that actually performs.
When did you launch Green Horse Organics?
Green Horse organics was launched in 2008 with our original Total Horse Protection Fly Spray.
What was the first GHO product you sold?
The first product was the fly spray, Total Horse Protection, which is a multitasking product that works four ways: it protects from flies, heals previous bites/ irritations, has the calming effects of Lavender and Palmarosa, plus shines and conditions the horse's coat.
What makes your horse care products different?
What makes Green Horse Organics different from other brands is our commitment to setting the bar higher when it comes to ingredients, products, integrity, and personal customer care. Your horse is always number one with us, and we don’t cut corners for profits. We use only pharmaceutical-grade, not commercial-grade, essential oils and botanicals. Big box store fly spray brands would never dream of making a product like this and prefer to use commercial-grade ingredients and cheap fillers along with toxic chemicals. The horse community deserves green, clean horse products, no matter the cost and effort to create them. Personal customer service comes directly from me, and I’ve built trust and many friendships from talking one-on-one with horse owners over the years. I hand-make every single product, control the quality, and make improvements along the way. I listen to my horse community, and they let me know what they need. Many products were developed because a dear customer asked me if I could help make something natural that the general horse market didn't offer. Baby Face Sun & Bug and Nature's Gold Salve were created to solve my customers' problems. I love what I do, and my calling is to create high-performing natural products that make my customers say, “WOW!”.
What is your best selling product?
The best-selling product is our natural, non-toxic fly spray, hands down. My summer is spent fulfilling Total Horse Protection orders non-stop! Oh, and I make it all fresh, nothing sits on the shelf aging, freshly crafted, and right out to my amazing horse friends.
Do you have any new products planned for the future?
A new product planned this year is Workhorse Waterless Spot Cleaner, a natural botanical spray to clean and freshen when your horse can’t take a full bath. Plus, it makes horses' coats extra shiny. I also plan to make another version of our well-loved healing touch muscle liniment. It's currently offered in a thick gel version in a jar and is used for sore backs, legs, rehab, cooling out, post work, and to keep your horses comfortable.
What is your favorite thing about your business?
My favorite thing about my business is the wonderful friendships I’ve made and the horses I’ve helped over the years. I also enjoy product development—working with incredible ingredients to create a new Green Horse Organics product or improve an old favorite. The photos people send of their horses, along with the testimonials of how my product changed the life of a horse—these emails and product reviews make my day!
How long have you been involved in the equine industry?
I’ve been in the Equine industry for 40 years and have owned horses and shown many of those. I grew up on a cattle and grain farm, where my obsession with horses began. Thanks to my dad getting me that first Shetland pony that was hell-bent on unloading me at every opportunity. I’m a certified horse judge and enjoy getting out and watching folks enjoy their horses. No matter what level of showing, what discipline you choose, or what horse breed, I love it all!
Do you have any horses of your own?
Yes, I currently have five horses of my own, of which three of those are rescues. One pretty palomino filly, Roxy, is a rescue/retraining mare I’ve been working with to regain her trust in humans. I have two senior equines, Marilyn, a Quarter Horse, and Kidd, a Paint Horse, whom I've had for 24 years, and I trained them both myself. They are now enjoying retirement with all the perks. Rounding out our herd is a POA and Miniature Horse who were rescued, became my kids' 4-H show ponies, and are now retired to the good life on the ranch.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I give back by supporting Mustang makeovers and mini horse rescues as well as up-and-coming trainers that love natural horse products, and use natural horsemanship in their training programs. It’s a win-win to have most of my ambassadors that represent Green Horse were previous customers. I rarely spend money on advertising, rather I put GHO productS into the hands of my Ambassadors. By investing in real people that use, love and promote my green-clean brand more horse people have found me. It’s a grassroots country style campaign, but that’s made us the top of our niche with repeat customers for life. Horse life is the best life. We also have organic skincare for cowgirls through our sister brand, Heaven & Earth Skincare. Saddle up!
Nancy Lamb
Nancy Lamb is the Cowgirl behind Green Horse Organics and Heaven & Earth Skincare.
She is committed to raising the bar in the natural horse industry and exceeding your expectations with each hand crafted product. Nancy lives in Iowa with her family and horses.
Article from the July issue of Equine Business Magazine
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