Russ Paulson first set foot in a veterinary clinic when he was 12 – to mop the floors for pocket money.

In the 50 years since, he’s earned a wealth of knowledge about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to animal health. Hence, his company Animal Health Solutions Inc. and its increasingly well-known division, Equerry’s™, which makes a range of uniquely effective and well-priced supplements for horses.

Horse Savvy

Russ has combined his degree in Animal Science with continuing education and a lifetime of practical experience with horses to develop a method of educating and explaining to horse owners what may be going on with their horse.

This passion comes from deep within who he is.

Throughout his professional career, Russ has worked from entry level positions to top executive positions with some of the top manufacturers and distributors in the industry.

Russ first learned about Equerry’s when the small, family-owned company’s products were outselling those of their bigger competitors. “They were only distributing in Oregon, but they were kicking our butt!” Russ recalls.

Due to some changes in the marketplace, Russ saw the opportunity to serve smaller companies as a sales and marketing function for them and he started Paulson Sales Inc.  “Equerry’s was carried in fewer than seven stores in California when I started collaborating with them, and we got that up to 1700.” Due to health concerns, the founders decided to sell the company to Russ to continue with their vision.

Keeper of the Royal’s Horses

The Equerry’s name stems from “Equitarian, a keeper of the Royal’s horses,” Russ explains. “The founders chose it to convey products that were fit for a king’s horses.” A pioneer in using probiotics for horses, the Equerry’s line includes vitamins and supplements supporting a wide range of horse health challenges.

Equerry’s Better Horse Belly is a digestive supplement that epitomizes the company’s commitment to quality products. “It has five digestive enzymes, 5 microencapsulated probiotics and two types of yeast,” Russ says. Many digestive aids offer far smaller quantities of each ingredient. Often they’re sold separately, requiring owners to buy several products for the same benefits provided by Better Horse Belly alone.

Russ reports that several customers have been able to take their horses off omeprazole, a medication to reduce acid in the stomach, after adding Better Horse Belly to their routine

The Farrier’s Wife™

The Farrier’s Wife™ is a new Animal Health Solutions division. Its Belly Salve, Hoof Dressing and Conditioner and natural pest repellent spray – Stop the Stomp – are made by an actual farrier’s wife. She worked in the cosmetic industry and adapted that knowledge to help horses.

Belly Salve is a soothing blend of natural moisturizers and essential oils designed to ease and heal fly bite dermatitis, sweet itch, and other skin problems. It provides a natural repellent without the use of citronella or petroleum products.

The newest product from The Farrier’s Wife™ division is Barn Hands™. This salve is quick moisturizing, quick absorbing and provides a protective barrier from the elements naturally. 

Animal Health Solutions and Equerry’s have long had a strong foothold in the western performance and western pleasure realm. The more recent embrace of horse owners in the Olympic disciplines is proving that their products help all horses.

Eventing Enthusiast

Russ was introduced to eventing while attending the Kentucky Three Day event for Farnam. “I love the eventers because they are hands-on horse people,” he notes. Based in Oregon, Russ loved visiting Rebecca Farms in 2022 and several riders there told him about Galway Downs. He used to own a ranch in Temecula and was familiar with its long history. On visiting the area in recent years, “I noticed that the venue is having more and more events and was becoming a world class facility.”

Since signing on as a year-round Galway Downs sponsor, Russ has been thrilled with the exposure to and embrace by the eventing community. Animal Health Solutions and Equerry’s had a busy booth at the Spring International and Russ looks forward to coming to Galway Downs himself for the Fall International.