Central Kentucky Tack and Leather | Steve Conboy, DVM, Owner
3380 Paris Pike | 859.299.TACK | CentralKentuckyTackAndLeather.com
Steve Conboy, owner of Central Kentucky Tack and Leather, believes that hard work keeps a business moving forward. For him, that means constantly improving both his product and service. “It is one thing to be able to produce a premium leather product, which we do, but I feel our team is top notch at providing friendly, creative, and sincere service to the industry,” he said.
Steve has been in love with the equine industry since he was a boy. In addition to the tack shop, he and his wife Denise have a thoroughbred breeding farm. This year, one of their graduates, McCraken, ran in the Kentucky Derby!
Sallee Horse Vans | Nicole Pieratt, Owner
2053 Buck Ln. | 859.255.9406 | SalleeHorseTransport.com
Nicole Pieratt, a Lexington native, has been at the helm of Sallee Horse Vans for more than a decade. Mr. Sallee sold the business to Pieratts grandparents, who then grew the business into what it is today. All the while, Nicole gained experience and knowledge as she handled the transport of Kentuckys most prized possessions: horses.
For over fifty years, Sallee Horse Vans has built a reputation for blue ribbon customer service and satisfaction. “Whether a Triple Crown race winner, or a family steed who taught your children about caring for others, we know that the horses we carry represent hopes and dreams, friendships and fortunes,” Nicole explained.
Sallees entire staff is passionate about the equine industry and is well versed in caring for horses throughout transport. “We all understand and care about the industry and, most importantly, the well-being of your horses,” said Nicole.
Sallee Horse Vans is headquartered in Lexington with an additional operation in Ocala, Florida. This puts them close to the heart of Americas equine industry, of which they have become an important part.
Taylor Made Farm | Laura Richard, Experience Director
2765 Union Mill Rd. | 859.885.3345 | TaylorMadeAdvantage.com
“I grew up with Quarter Horses and cattle at my parents farm in Lancaster, KY so horses were always a passion of mine,” explained Laura Richard. “My earliest and fondest memories are riding with my father to make sure all the cattle were healthy.” Laura is now Taylor Mades Experience Director. “I manage our Hospitality Division – farm tours, events, and our store. I also help promote our newest venture, Daddy Joes Bar & Grill and Thoroughbred Golf Club”.
Taylor Made, a world leader in Thoroughbred sales and marketing, has been home to some of the industrys biggest stars, including American Pharaoh and California Chrome. “During your tour, youll learn about ways to get in the game like our Medallion Racing and Bloodstock Investment Packages which have both been very successful,” said Laura. The 1,100-acre family-owned farm boasts a thriving stallion, yearling and nursery division and is home to over 500 horses. “The Taylor & Payne families are wonderful people. Frank and Duncan Taylor have especially been great mentors to me. The most important thing they have instilled in me is that we are in the people business. We do right by our customers.”
Red Mile | Mary Catherine White, Director of Marketing and Spciecal Events
1200 Red Mile Rd. | 859.255.0752 | RedMileKY.com
Mary Catherine White, Director of Marketing and Special Events at Red Mile, fell in love with the equine world at an early age. “My interest in the horse industry grew from many trips to Lexington as a child to see my extended family who own a Thoroughbred farm here,” she explained. “Through their passion and love for Kentucky and the industry, I caught the bug.”
The opportunity to join the team at Red Mile combined her passion for horses, business and special events. “My main focus right now is educating the public on the massive improvements we have made at Red Mile to make us the one stop shop for most things equine: live racing, simulcasting, and now Instant Racing, which combines the thrill of pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing with the speed and excitement of electronic games,” she explained. They have been able to grow purses at both Keeneland and Red Mile while allowing local horsemen and tracks to stay competitive in the national and international landscape of racing.
“In my opinion, Red Mile is one of the most unique institutions in horse racing in Kentucky. Not only does our story and business date back to 1875, but our role now is pushing Kentucky racing into the future.”
White Horse Weddings | Dan & Elizabeth James, Owners
2150 E. Leestown Rd. Midway | 859.351.3558 | AusEquinePerformanceCenter.com
White Horse Weddings is an exciting new event venue located just minutes from downtown Lexington at The Australian Equine Performance Center. Owned and operated by Dan James of Double Dan Horsemanship and his wife Elizabeth James (a professor in the Equine Program at UK), White Horse Weddings also offers live equine entertainment and performance horses for photo shoots. The Double Dan Horsemanship team, which has been proudly featured in Vogue, Versace, and County Music Weekly, can now be part of private parties and pictures!
White Horse Weddings is a stunning venue with beautiful views of Kentucky landscape and Elkhorn Creek. The venue features barns, lawn space and great amenities all on one farm. photo by Dainya Sapergia