Hallie Hardy has traveled the world because of horses. What began at age 6 with riding lessons and showing Saddlebreds in Frankfort sparked Hallie’s love for the magnificent animal. That led her to various opportunities in the horse industry throughout the United States, as well as in Ireland, Dubai, Australia and England. In recent years, Hallie has returned to central Kentucky and is putting her equine expertise to work by serving as the executive director of Horse Country, a not-for-profit membership company with a mission to connect visitors with the horse, land and people of Kentucky’s equine industry through immersive experiences at unique member locations.
Early lessons and life skills
“The best skills I’ve learned in this business started with the time I spent in Mary Mac Lancaster’s barn at Just-a-Mere Stable in Frankfort mucking out stalls and learning to care for the horses,” Hallie said. “Mary Mac didn’t let me just show up and hop on a horse for my lesson. I had to muck stalls, clean tack, groom horses, put out feed and braid manes. Learning how to take care of the animals, as well as the gear and facilities were important life lessons for me.”
Hallie attended the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, majoring in the Equine Science and Management program.
“When I started at UK, I thought my options for a career were horse trainer, farm manager or equine veterinarian,” Hallie explained. “But as an intern at WinStar Farm, I worked on marketing projects in the office and gave farm tours to clients and guests. Those experiences opened my eyes to the opportunities in the equine industry and, more importantly, how special it is to share my passion for the horse with other people.”
Following the horse across the globe
Hallie was selected as one of six brand ambassadors for a program called America’s Best Racing (ABR). They traveled to all of the best race days in the nation for a year promoting the sport of horse racing.
“ABR was a fan development initiative. We had this big bus that we called the ABRV so that was fun. It was an incredible and formidable experience,” Hallie recalled.
After traveling across America with ABR, Hallie was chosen to be part of the six-month Irish National Stud (INS) breeding course, which included working on Ireland farms through the foaling and breeding season.
“Aside from responsibilities on the stud, we attended lectures from industry professionals and educators and completed assignments. The course has produced a plethora of industry leaders across the country, with many who have made their home in the Bluegrass. At least two other Frankforters have completed the INS course, Garth Waterfield and Courtney Schneider,” Hallie said.
Hallie’s experience expanded greatly when she was accepted by the Godolphin Flying Start international business and leadership scholarship program with a focus on the Thoroughbred industry.
“Flying Start is very much like a graduate program for the equine industry, with in-class learning, as well as practical, hands-on experience,” she explained. “It is an exceptional program that also provides the opportunity to travel across the globe. Over two years, Flying Start trainees live, work and study in Ireland, England, America, Australia and Dubai, with opportunities for externships in Japan, Hong Kong, France and more. Horse racing truly is an international sport and Flying Start reflects that international aspect.”
Since graduating from Flying Start, Hallie has worked with WinStar Farm and Godolphin Farm in Lexington before becoming involved with Horse Country.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for people throughout my career who helped me further my skills and network, while supporting me as new opportunities arose,” she said. “Learning how to work with people from all walks and aspects of life (from minimum-wage workers to billionaires), is not only an important skill but also makes the work a whole lot more fun. In the equine industry, almost everyone loves what they do and it’s a privilege to work with people who share that passion with me.”
A big part of Kentucky’s identity
Hallie will readily tell you she’s a proud Kentuckian and that traveling the world only made her more so.
“The asset we have in Kentucky is that the horse is iconic to the state’s identity and culture, which many places don’t have. Of course, there is plenty to learn about how other places approach the horse and sport …,” she explained. “More than anything, I learned is that the horse is what makes our industry in Kentucky special and we have to find ways to allow more people access. The late Alice Chandler of Mill Ridge Farm, whose son and grandson helped to get Horse Country started said, ‘You have to get a horse to breathe on them, then they’ll be hooked.'”
There is much of horse racing’s history right here in the Horse Capital of the World — from the race tracks to the beautiful horse farms and rolling Bluegrass fields of Kentucky.
“What I’ve seen is how an industry like horse racing and breeding can become an identity and a culture, part of the fabric of our identity as Kentuckians. It’s quite a powerful thing, especially when combined with our state’s other signature industry, bourbon,” Hallie remarked. “In Kentucky, we do hospitality incredibly well, and while horses and bourbon are what bring many guests to the state, it’s Kentuckians that keep them coming back or even staying.”
Horse Country
At present, Horse Country has 22 active members who participate in providing tours.
“I want to introduce the horse to as many people as possible through Horse Country. At our core, we are a fan development initiative for equestrian sport. We want to inspire a lifelong love of the horse, passion for equine sport, and desire to visit Kentucky to experience the best of both,” Hallie said. “A really important part of what we do is allow Kentuckians and visitors from around the world the opportunity to come out and visit the horse and learn more about them.”
Feeling lucky
“I love the people of Frankfort who have always been incredibly supportive of me … Many of the people in this community helped shape me into who I am today and continue to be ardent supporters. It is things like that which make life feel a bit more worthy, a bit more complete,” Hallie remarked. “I’m lucky that I get to do something I love every day. I’m even luckier that I get to do it in a place I love deeply surrounded by a great community.
“A few years ago, my parents moved and we had to do some decluttering. I came across my college application letter which outlined my desire to pursue a career in the equine industry because of my love of horses and, equally as important, my love of Kentucky. I’m fortunate 10 years later in my professional life to be connecting people to both.”
For more information about Horse Country or to book a tour, visit www.visithorsecountry.com or call 859-963-1004.
