Page 110 - 2018 Barrel Stallion Register

HALLIE HANSSEN
“I’m doing what I love and can’t imagine doing anything else.”
by John Moorehouse
Hallie Hanssen grew up around horses, so for her, a career in barrel racing almost seemed like a perfect fit.
“I was pretty much born into it,” she said. “My family has been involved in the horse and rodeo indus- try for a long time, and I just fell in love with it, too.”
Recent results indicate that Hanssen has made a sound career choice. Her record as a rider includes a BFA Derby World Championship, as well as wins in the Fizz Bomb Futurity, the Classic Equine Futurity Slot Race, the Cornhusker Futurity, the VGBRA Futurity (twice), the Dash N Dance Futurity (twice), the Diamonds and Dirt Derby, the Parker Wood Memorial Derby . . . you get the idea. The point is, she wins, and does so with consistency.
In addition to her career in barrel racing, Hanssen competes on the professional rodeo circuit. She and her husband, Lee, also breed and train horses.
That’s quite a hectic schedule, but Hanssen found the time to be the subject of our latest “Lighter Side” feature.
Q: Where were you born?
A: I was born in Pierre, South Dakota, but have lived most of my life in Hermosa, South Dakota.
Q: What hobbies do you have outside of Barrel Racing?
A: I know it’s kind of a crazy hobby, but I really enjoy organizing. I also really enjoy singing while driving the skidsteer.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “Hunger Games,” probably.
Q: Any interesting facts about your family (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.)?
A: My mom, Teresa Melvin, was the National High School Rodeo Queen. She was also a Badlands and Great Lakes Circuit Champion in the barrels. My dad, Monte Melvin, was very successful in the rodeo
arena before he was injured in a bull riding accident. He was a Badlands Circuit Champion and also an All-Around Champion in the Badlands Circuit.
Q: What is the strangest personality quirk you have seen in a horse?
A: Our stallion, Famous Charmer, will hold one front leg up while he eats his grain, and I have noticed several of his offspring do the same thing.
Q: If you were not in the horse industry, what job would you like to have?
A: I’m doing what I love and can’t imagine doing any- thing else, but if being in the barrel racing industry wasn’t an option, I would be a private investigator.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living where you live?
A: The Black Hills. I’m always amazed by how beau- tiful they are.
Q: If you could vacation anywhere on the planet, where would you go?
A: I would vacation in Belize, in one of those huts over the water.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote?
“You can’t have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic.”– Stephen C. Hogan “Work hard in silence and let success be your noise.” – Frank Ocean
Q: If you could sit and visit with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why? A: Jesus. Just to sit in His presence would be enough.
Q: What drink would your friends describe you as, and why?
A: Ask Lacey Donegan Harmon.
Q: Who’s your favorite athlete of all time?
A: Michael Jordan. He was amazing on the basketball court, but also very inspirational.
Q: What’s one thing you don’t like about Barrel racing?
A: Exhibition lines...
Q: What’s one thing you like about Barrel racing?
A: Competition and amazing athletes—both trainers and horses.
John Moorehouse
108 SPEEDHORSE
THE LIGHTER SIDE