Hallie Hardy has been named executive director of Horse Country, Inc., replacing Anne Sabatino Hardy (unrelated), who has led the nonprofit since its founding in 2015.

“Horse Country is proud to announce Hallie as its new executive director,” explained Gathan Borden, president of the Horse Country board of directors. “She brings not only a necessary skill set and diverse experience, but also sincere enthusiasm for the organization's mission and the desire to continue the growth of this critical fan development initiative. We are grateful to Anne and the foundation of success she leaves behind for Horse Country. The Board looks forward to working with Hallie and our members to build upon that foundation as the organization steps into this next phase.”

Departing executive director, Sabatino Hardy agreed. “I have appreciated the opportunity to be a part of this effort and am grateful for the relationships and shared accomplishments–I can't wait to see what's next,” said Hardy. “Hallie brings a unique set of skills and experiences that make her ideal to lead the organization. Having worked for Horse Country member locations she's seen firsthand the impact experiences have on fan development. Her relationships, vision and passion for the mission will inspire the next phase.”

A native of Frankfort, Hardy held an internship at WinStar Farm while an undergraduate in the University of Kentucky's Equine Program, leading its public and private tours. Following graduation, she joined America's Best Racing (ABR) as one of six brand ambassadors who traveled the country to promote the sport's biggest race days. After ABR, Hardy was accepted to the Irish National Stud Breeding Course and then Godolphin Flying Start.

Since completing Flying Start, Hardy has worked for trainer Graham Motion and again at WinStar Farm. She most recently worked for Godolphin as part of the nomination sales and marketing teams, as well as assisting with several charitable initiatives and Godolphin's tour experience.

The post Hardy Named Executive Director Of Horse Country appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

“The equine industry is vital to the tourism infrastructure of Lexington and Central Kentucky tourism,” said Gathan Borden, Vice President of VisitLEX and Visit Horse Country Board Chair. “[Hardy] has been a tremendous asset in helping develop and grow Horse Country to where it is today. As we embark on this next chapter, the board looks forward to building upon her leadership and success to take Horse Country into the future.”

Horse Country members have hosted more than 180,000 guests and fans since a group of industry participants conceived the idea of a collaborative industry initiative focused on outreach in 2014. Horse Country enables guests to be a part of equine experiences in the heart of the Thoroughbred industry, with documented positive perception change for the sport as well as national and international recognition in press and awards.

“Building Horse Country with the members, board, sponsors, and supporters over these last seven years has been a beautiful challenge and I treasure the relationships I've built through this work as well as the accomplishments we've shared together,” said Hardy. “I look forward to seeing the next vision of Horse Country. I was drawn to this work as someone outside of the industry who was inspired by the members' unified vision of providing engaging access to the horse, land, and people and I still firmly believe in how this outreach prioritizes the guest and fan above all as a way to help them fall in love with the horse, the sport, and Kentucky.”

The post Horse Country Searches for New Executive Director with Hardy’s Departure appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Bell, along with father Headley, Brutus Clay, and Dr. Luke Fallon, termed themselves the “mule team,” as they worked in the early days to form and shepherd the industry initiative that would become Visit Horse Country. Each has served roles on the board with Dr. Fallon recently rejoining; Bell, Jr. has maintained the leadership position through the foundational days.

“No doubt the organization would not be what it is, or at all, without Price's generous dedication of time, contribution of boundless energy, and sheer will,” said Executive Director Anne Sabatino Hardy. “He's been a mentor and a tremendous leader. His fingerprints are all over the initiative, which has opened the gates to completely new fans over these last years.”

Borden, the Vice President of Marketing for VisitLEX, Lexington's convention and visitor's bureau, is a 14-year veteran of the tourism industry, sought-after speaker on marketing topics and trends, and was selected in 2021 as one of the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization” by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Borden has served on the board since 2019.

“As we move into the next era of Visit Horse Country, Gathan's marketing prowess, vision and strategic approach is the perfect fit for this position,” said Bell, Jr. “He's an expert in the tourism field and as we seek to attract new fans to our sport, he lends invaluable perspective on how to leverage our experiences to the leisure traveler.”

“Visit Horse Country has been a game-changer for the Lexington tourism product,” said Borden. “The outreach from the horse industry into the community has been powerful and has allowed us to truly share the Bluegrass in a way we never could before. I'm excited to be a part of helping Horse Country continue to develop fans of the industry and further cement Lexington as the Horse Capital of the World.”

Along with the change in leadership, Visit Horse Country board members Heather Higgins, VP Corporate Partnerships for Breeders' Cup, and Harold Palmer, President, The Jockey Club Technology Services, were unanimously elected to service during the organization's annual meeting, held virtually in December 2020.

The post Borden Succeeds Bell As Visit Horse Country Board President appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

“Visit Horse Country has been a game-changer for the Lexington tourism product,” said Borden. “The outreach from the horse industry into the community has been powerful and has allowed us to truly share the Bluegrass in a way we never could before. I'm excited to be a part of helping Horse Country continue to develop fans of the industry and further cement Lexington as the Horse Capital of the World.”

Borden is a 14-year veteran of the tourism industry and has served on the Horse Country board since 2019. Borden, who was selected in 2021 as one of the “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Optimization” by Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), is a sought-after speaker on marketing topics and trends.

Bell, Jr. worked alongside his father, Headley, and with Brutus Clay and Dr. Luke Fallon to form the industry initiative that would grow into Visit Horse Country. All have been on the board with Dr. Fallon recently rejoining.

“No doubt the organization would not be what it is, or at all, without Price's generous dedication of time, contribution of boundless energy, and sheer will,” said Executive Director Anne Sabatino Hardy. “He's been a mentor and a tremendous leader. His fingerprints are all over the initiative, which has opened the gates to completely new fans over these last years.”

In handing over the reins, Bell, Jr. said, “As we move into the next era of Visit Horse Country, Gathan's marketing prowess, vision, and strategic approach is the perfect fit for this position. He's an expert in the tourism field and, as we seek to attract new fans to our sport, he lends invaluable perspective on how to leverage our experiences to the leisure traveler.”

In additional Horse Country news, Heather Higgins, VP of corporate partnerships for Breeders' Cup, and Harold Palmer, president of The Jockey Club Technology Services, were unanimously elected as board members.

The post New Horse Country Board President is VisitLEX’s Borden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

“AFT is proud to partner with Visit Horse Country and as a national organization, supports the conservation of equine land,” said Billy Van Pelt, AFT director of external relations and senior advisor. “We strongly support the thoroughbred industry and want to draw attention to the importance of the equine industry and the permanent protection of its 'factory floor,' farmland.”

“Most people aren't regularly in contact with our critical productive farmland, but our experiences allow guests to engage in a personal and intimate way with agriculture,” said Anne Sabatino Hardy, executive director of Visit Horse Country. “We're excited to help carry the message of how important it is to keep farmers on the land, and preserve that land in a truly hands-on way.”

Agritourism is a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness, and a growing segment of tourism overall, with 62 million people visiting farms, ranches and wineries annually, according to the National Tour Association. Likewise, awareness of land preservation and sustainability has trended upward as a concern for Americans in recent years.

“While we know the messaging of preservation is serious, we also recognize and celebrate the value of fun,” said Hardy. “Letting people get up close and personal with the horse, land and people of Horse Country really is a delightful way to spend time and, ultimately to fall a little bit in love.”

Experiences at Visit Horse Country member locations are offered daily, and open equine locations around Central Kentucky to guests from around the United States and the globe. Since the nonprofit's formation in 2015, Visit Horse Country has welcomed more than 140,000 guests and counts the premier stallion, nursery, clinics and other equine organizations among its membership, with the unifying mission of fan development for the horse and Kentucky.

American Farmland Trust has counted among its supporters many farm owners and community leaders also participating with Visit Horse Country's touring program. AFT partners with land trusts across the nation. Bluegrass Land Conservancy is AFT's local land trust partner in Kentucky.

The post American Farmland Trust, Visit Horse Country Announce Strategic Partnership appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post