Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailee Hansen.
Hi Hailee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I fell in love with horses when I was 5 years old. My dad had taken me out to a farm just to pet some horses, and even then, I could tell what amazing animals they were. After that experience, I wanted to learn how to ride. However, at that time, the closest affordable barn near us was over an hour away. My family gave up countless hours of their time so I could learn a sport that taught me values like consistency and hard work, which ultimately shaped who I am today. This part of my journey inspired me to start H2R Ranch with a mission to provide a fun environment where people could learn about riding and horse care at any level and to promote accessibility within the sport. I’m proud to nurture a supportive community for both our boarders and students, where the joy of horses brings people together. Looking ahead, I envision H2R Ranch as a place where more lives can be touched by the magic of these incredible animals.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many other small business owners, I know that the journey of building a business is rarely smooth, especially when your life revolves around a business you are deeply passionate about. At H2R Ranch, we are currently embarking on an exciting major expansion that will bring beautiful enhancements and new opportunities to our community. I feel truly blessed to be part of this journey.
My family has always been my greatest support system. When I shared my vision for the expansion with my dad, he immediately jumped in, helping me figure out how to turn that vision into reality. He has never been one to say, ‘Your dream is too big’ or ‘That’s insane,’ but instead, ‘Okay, how do we make this work?’
However, life has its challenges. Just last week, I received a call that my dad had gone into heart failure. With the support of my fiancé, Grant, and our friends Buggs (Who you will meet if you ever come out to H2R Ranch) and Kaycee and Aaron at AH Equine, our expansion project has continued and is looking stunning. I am incredibly grateful to have such amazing people around me.
Despite his tough choice between a risky heart procedure and hospice care, my dad chose to push through to see two significant life events: my wedding and the ranch expansion. Thankfully, he is now on the path to recovery, and one of the first things he asked about was how the ranch was developing.
While we still face a long journey ahead, I truly appreciate my resilient support system and feel empowered to continue moving forward with our expansion plans.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about H2R Ranch?
H2R Ranch is a horse boarding, teaching, and training facility conveniently located near the Legends Outlets. We specialize in all-around western riding, barrel racing, and roping, with a primary focus on providing top-of-the-line horse care that ensures the health and happiness of our equine companions.
What truly sets H2R Ranch apart is the vibrant community we’ve cultivated. Here, riders of all levels and ages can come to learn, ride, and most importantly, have fun in a supportive environment. Our feed program features high-quality hay and grain, and our meticulously maintained facility offers a range of outstanding amenities, with even more exciting developments on the horizon.
I take great pride in our commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that we always provide the best possible experience for our horses and riders. At H2R Ranch, you’re not just boarding your horse; you’re joining a community that shares your passion for these amazing animals.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by some amazing supporters and mentors. First off, every single client I have is so supportive of my business; they are truly some of the best people, and I don’t know how I got so lucky – it makes my job really fulfilling and enjoyable.
Buggs, my close friend and our barn manager at H2R Ranch, is someone with a vast amount of horse experience. He has been an absolute rock for me throughout this journey and has shared some really valuable insights that have ultimately improved our operations. Buggs is someone I can rely on through thick or thin, and is just as passionate about this business as I am, which is something I really cherish.
The other person I owe a great deal to is my close friend and mentor, Kaycee, at AH Equine. Kaycee has been a shoulder to lean on, a friend who pushes you to be better, and has had some really amazing insights on the business side of things. I absolutely love bouncing business ideas back and forth with her. It’s important to have people in the industry you can openly collaborate with, and having a space to do so has been largely helpful for me. I cannot put into words how grateful I am for Kaycee and Aaron, her significant other; they have helped me grow so much.
Lastly, I want to recognize my fiancé, Grant. He started out with some nervousness around horses, but has embraced this journey wholeheartedly. He now has an abundance of horse knowledge. Not only is he no longer afraid of horses, but he actually owns his own horse and is learning how to rope! Watching him has been inspiring. He helps me navigate the complexities of this business and supports my dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem.
These incredible individuals have played a vital role in my journey, and I could not have reached this point without their unwavering support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.h2rranch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h2r_ranch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095350177209
- Other: [email protected]
