Mill Ridge Farm’s New Marketing Coordinator is Thrilled to be in the Bluegrass
Daniella Ricci, Mill Ridge Farm’s new Marketing Coordinator, has found living in the “horse capital of the world” to be everything she’s dreamed of. She wants people to know that Mill Ridge offers so much more than horse boarding. Ricci recently started her position overseeing external client communication and marketing content development. She has always known she wanted to work in the horse industry, and her background includes experience in equine science and genetics, and working as a horse racing photographer.
Daniella, you recently moved to Kentucky. What are your favorite parts of Lexington and the Bluegrass Region so far?
Being surrounded by so many incredible farms, having the ability to visit them, learn about their history, and how they all differ from each other.
What brought you to Mill Ridge? How is it different from the other places you’ve worked?
Growing up and attending college in New York, and far away from farms and racetracks, the opportunities were limited for me. I wanted to have more racing industry experience under my belt before graduating, so during the summer of 2021, I came to Kentucky and completed an internship at Mill Ridge. After graduation, Mill Ridge took me on full-time. Compared to my previous work, farms have a completely different atmosphere. All my jobs have been rewarding, but it’s a different feeling when you have known these horses since they were foals, and you watch them grow up, “graduate” from the farm, and go on to win races. There is no feeling like it.
What is it that first drew you to horses? Have you always wanted to work in the horse industry?
I’ve been fascinated by horses since I was very young. They’re elegant animals with so many unique abilities. Not to mention, they have so much personality and grow on you easily. I’ve known I wanted to work in the horse industry for as long as I can remember.
Mill Ridge Farm has quite an impressive resume of Grade 1 winners, producing 36 since 2000, which is 2.5 times the industry average. Included within that are eight Breeder’s Cup Champions and the 2005 Kentucky Derby winner, Giacomo. To what do you attribute Mill Ridge’s success?
None of this is possible without our dedicated employees, our clients who have long supported us, and of course, the horses. Alice Chandler once said, “If you take care of the horse, the horse will take care of you.” I believe that philosophy has helped us get to where we are today.
Alice Headley Chandler founded Mill Ridge with four broodmares she received from her father, Hal Price Headley, himself one of the founders of and the first president of Keeneland. I imagine that even with the advantage of being raised in the horse industry, women running horse farms in 1962 was rare. Can you tell us a little about her? Are there many women involved in different roles in horse breeding and racing now?
Alice Chandler is one of the most remarkable figures in horse racing. Shortly after founding Mill Ridge, she became the first woman to breed an Epsom Derby winner sold at auction. Mrs. Chandler also held many leadership roles, including chairperson of the University of Kentucky Equine Research committee, President of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, and Director of the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Mrs. Chandler had the utmost compassion for horses which helped Mill Ridge become what it is today. Nowadays, there are many women involved in significant racing operations.
What sets Mill Ridge Farm apart from the other farms both here in Kentucky and outside of Kentucky?
I believe our foundation and philosophy sets us apart from everyone else. Our clients who board with us are considered family, and by using Alice Chandler’s philosophies when raising horses, our clients have found great success. Kentucky is unique in that we sit on the fertile land that supplies natural nutrients to horses, and rolling hills that promote bone development and competitiveness within our herds.
Mill Ridge Farm offers thoroughbred horse boarding from birth until two years old. Can you tell me more about how that works?
We’ve got horses residing here as old as 27! Mill Ridge and its clients have a large broodmare band and will raise foals until they’re more than halfway into their yearling year. At that stage, they either sell at auction or move on to another facility to begin the breaking process. We also board racehorses that need time off from the racetrack.
Once the thoroughbreds reach the age of one, they are ready to be sold at one of the four yearly auctions. It looks like the next one will be held at Keeneland in September. Can you talk a little about what those auctions look like?
Thoroughbred auctions are busy, fast-paced environments. There are typically hundreds of horses on the sale grounds at once. In the days leading up to the auction, horses are shown to prospective buyers all day. Consignors have their horses in pristine condition to be presented in front of these buyers. When it’s time to sell, horses are taken for a lap around the show ring for final inspections. Then they head into the auction hall, where buyers await to place their bids.
Besides creating horses who are champions, Mill Ridge Farm is open to the general public for tours and even a sunset wagon ride. What will visitors experience during their time at Mill Ridge?
Visitors can expect to learn about the history of Mill Ridge and the process of breeding & raising horses. Then they will interact with horses and feed them carrots. Likely, visitors will get to meet our stallion Oscar Performance!
Mill Ridge also offers private tours that are tailored to the interests of the individual or group. Beyond what’s available on the regular farm tour, what do people who ask for private tours seem most interested in seeing?
A private tour is a more one-on-one experience. People can spend more time in areas they’re most interested in and see parts of the farm that large groups cannot. They most enjoy interacting with the foals and meeting our stallion Oscar Performance.
Mill Ridge Farm is gorgeous, and I imagine it looks great in every season. Are the tours available year-round?
Yes, tours are year-round, rain or shine. The public tours are offered twice a day, every day of the week. We also offer a wagon tour at 5 pm on Fridays. Tours must be booked in advance at Visit Horse Country.
I peeked at the Mill Ridge Farm gift shop online, and the Mill Ridge Carrot Hat is delightful. What are the most popular items for visitors to purchase?
Delightful indeed, as the carrot hat is one of our best sellers. Some of our other popular items are the T-shirts and the foal tags. We also recently added a plush horse toy that kids love.
Some of my favorite days are when I drive the backroads of the Bluegrass with my windows down and some good music playing while viewing the gorgeous scenery with a friend. Everything is lush and green in spring, summer, and a good portion of the fall. The limestone rock and the black wood fences are so iconic, and seeing horses dotting the landscape as we drive past is always a treat. What is your favorite part about Mill Ridge beyond the horses?
Like you, I adore the scenery. Driving through the front gates and around the farm at Mill Ridge never gets old. Sometimes you need to stop for a moment and take it all in. I am very fortunate to work at a place with so much beauty.
What else would you like to share about Mill Ridge Farm that you think folks would like to know?
Mill Ridge is on social media platforms such as Instagram (@millridgefarm), Twitter (@millridgefarm), and Facebook (@millridgefarmky). Followers can stay up-to-date on our sales and graduates, general farm pictures, and Oscar Performance. Be sure to give us a follow.
Between the champion thoroughbreds, the stunning scenery, and caring staff members like Daniella Ricci, Mill Ridge Farm is the place to be any time of year. Ready to book a visit to Mill Ridge Farm? Tours are available year-round at Visit Horse Country.