NATURALLY GROOMED, DELICIOUSLY SCENTED
What began as a search for a new purpose after her children had left school has grown into one of New Zealand's most recognised natural horse care brands.
Having spent years managing accounts for the family's arborist business, Eco Horse founder Kerry Petersen was looking for a fresh challenge. Her first idea, a horse treat business called Whose Treats, taught her quickly that spending hours in the kitchen wasn't for her – but a number of friends suggesting she create horse grooming products that smelt beautiful proved to be the turning point.
Kerry threw herself into researching ingredients, learning not just how to formulate products but understanding exactly what each ingredient contributed. As the range grew, the business was rebranded to Eco Horse, shaped along the way by ongoing support from trusted ingredient suppliers.
Growing up around horses, Kerry had always understood how sensitive their skin could be, and her own horse Baxter – seemingly allergic to almost everything – became the perfect product tester, inspiring formulations gentle enough for even the most reactive horses. Her goal was never simply to make horses look good; it was to create products that were genuinely effective, affordable, and kind to both horses and the environment. Too often she found products that produced instant results but relied on harsh chemicals. Eco Horse was built on a simple philosophy: if Kerry wouldn't happily use a product on her own skin, she wouldn't use it on her horse.
Today, every product is crafted using nourishing oils, luxurious butters, essential oils and naturally derived fragrances – delivering real results, with the bonus of a horse that smells delicious too. And really, who wouldn't want a strawberry-scented pony? Environmental responsibility runs just as deep, from refill pouches that reduce single-use plastic to reusable, recycled courier bags and plastic-free labels. It's a commitment that reflects the company's belief that caring for horses should also mean caring for the planet.
Based in Warkworth, Kerry has served as treasurer of the Warkworth Pony Club and remains passionate about supporting Pony Clubs and encouraging young people into the saddle and away from their screens. Eco Horse products are now stocked in around 40 retailers nationwide, with growing interest from Australia and the United States. The brand has more recently expanded into Eco Dog – bringing the same natural, effective, and environmentally friendly philosophy to products for dogs.
What started as a simple suggestion has become a business driven by passion, purpose, and a genuine desire to make life better for horses, dogs, their owners, and the planet.