TRF Chestnut Hill Ribbon-Cutting Tuesday

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Oldham County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the TRF's newly minted sanctuary farm, Chestnut Hill, in Prospect, Kentucky, Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m.

Chestnut Hill is the permanent home of 11 horses from the organization's national herd of nearly 500 retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Located on nearly 30 acres of historic farmland in Oldham County and featuring a beautiful farmhouse restored to serve as an event venue, Chestnut Hall has been created for the express purpose of connecting Thoroughbred horses to the people of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond.  The farm is now open to the public for tours through Visit Horse Country and will be available as a unique venue for educational events and fundraisers for non-profits across the Louisville community.

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American Farmland Trust, Visit Horse Country Announce Strategic Partnership

American Farmland Trust and Visit Horse Country have announced a strategic partnership aligning AFT's mission of farmland protection with the agritourism experiences offered through Horse Country and its members.

“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 programAFT partners with land trusts across the nation. Bluegrass Land Conservancy is AFT's local land trust partner in Kentucky.

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Horse Country Remains Operational Thanks To Community Support

When the pandemic arrived to the United States ten months ago, tourism was one of the first industries to experience significant consequences from necessary public health containment steps. Horse Country, a membership nonprofit supporting fan development through experiences aimed at leisure travelers, incurred significant losses due to pre-sold admission refunds and tour closures.

“Between refunds and not being able to offer tours, a year that had been trending to exceed 40% growth year over year turned into a budget net-negative,” said Price Bell, Jr., president of Horse Country's board. “The way we're currently structured, nearly all of our operating budget is derived from revenue sharing when members give tours. When that couldn't happen, we were looking at a pretty dire scenario. We cut every expense we could, including a temporary furlough of our team. Even as a limited amount of tours reopened in 2020, we would not have made it without the financial support of our industry, community and members.”

Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, Breeders' Cup and The Jockey Club provided emergency support in the spring. The KTA-KTOB joined that group with a contribution over the summer, and Breeders' Cup has subsequently made an additional pledge of support. Claiborne Farm donated proceeds from tours in 2020, and other members have donated tour revenue. Spendthrift Farm made a contribution and has helped lay the groundwork for a future partnership between MyRacehorse and Horse Country.

Due to the organization's structure, Horse Country did not qualify for government support programs. At the suggestion of Bill Farish, Visit Horse Country partnered with the Bluegrass Community Foundation to launch a charitable fund supporting the growing charitable initiatives of the organization including services for TAA-accredited aftercare members of Horse Country which receive a complimentary membership, scholarship and field trip visits, community outreach such as Meet the Neighbors, and a new workforce development partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

So far, in a launch of the fund earlier this year, more than 70% of the initial goal of $150,000 has been raised, with major support coming from the W. S. Farish Fund, followed by the Duncan & Carol Taylor Fund, Headley & Nancy Bell, Priscilla Fallon, The Bakhaus Family Foundation, The Jones Family Foundation, Siena Farm and Godolphin, and others.

“The successful work of fan development through Horse Country is vital to our industry. For it to go away after the dedication of so many wasn't acceptable,” said Bill Farish of Horse Country member Lane's End Farm, and on behalf of the W. S. Farish Fund. “The financial health of Horse County is vital to the success of the effort. I'm thrilled to hear the match by the W. S. Farish fund has worked and that Horse Country will make it through this pandemic.”

“Like many this year, the key to our survival was creativity, and community support,” said Anne Sabatino Hardy, executive director of Visit Horse Country. “We pivoted to free virtual tours and reached millions. We reopened a limited number of tours at reduced capacity and they were often sellouts; private tours were a particularly attractive product this year. We are deeply grateful our industry, guests, members and community continue to be committed to Horse Country's mission, and excited about what we have to offer.”

Tours for 2021 will be offered on a limited basis beginning late December, though some members may not resume regular operations until later in the new year. Updates can be found at www.visithorsecountry.com or by contacting the office at info@visithorsecountry.com.

“We know experiences at member locations are effective at fan development, and owner development; it's been rewarding to see the support for creative new ideas and the purely educational and charitable work that has always been part of our mission, which can now grow. It's been a tough year, but we've learned a lot, made some changes, and look forward to continuing our work.”

For more information on supporting Horse Country's charitable fund with a tax-deductible donation: https://bgcf.givingfuel.com/horsecountry or contact Anne Sabatino Hardy at ahardy@visithorsecountry.com.

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Visit Horse Country Launches Charitable Fund

Visit Horse Country, like many others, suffered a serious financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Several members of the industry, such as Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, the Breeders’ Cup and The Jockey Club, stepped into help. However, Visit Horse Country has now partnered with the Bluegrass Community Foundation to launch a charitable fund supporting initiatives like services for TAA-accredited aftercare members of Horse Country which receive a complimentary membership; scholarship and field trip visits; community outreach such as Meet the Neighbors; and a new workforce development partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

“Between refunds and not being able to offer tours, a year that had been trending to exceed 40% growth year over year turned into a budget net-negative,” said Price Bell, Jr., president of Horse Country’s board. “The way we’re currently structured, nearly all of our operating budget is derived from revenue sharing when members give tours. When that couldn’t happen, we were looking at a pretty dire scenario. We cut every expense we could, including a temporary furlough of our team. Even as a limited amount of tours reopened in 2020, we would not have made it without the financial support of our industry, community and members.”

So far, in a launch of the fund earlier this year, more than 70% of the initial goal of $150,000 has been raised, with major support coming from the W. S. Farish Fund, followed by the Duncan & Carol Taylor Fund, Headley & Nancy Bell, Priscilla Fallon, The Bakhaus Family Foundation, The Jones Family Foundation, Siena Farm, Godolphin and others.

“The successful work of fan development through Horse Country is vital to our industry. For it to go away after the dedication of so many wasn’t acceptable,” said Bill Farish of Horse Country member Lane’s End Farm, and on behalf of the W. S. Farish Fund. “The financial health of Horse County is vital to the success of the effort. I’m thrilled to hear the match by the W. S. Farish fund has worked and that Horse Country will make it through this pandemic.”

Tours for 2021 will be offered on a limited basis beginning late December, though some members may not resume regular operations until later in the new year. Updates can be found at www.visithorsecountry.com.

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