McDermitt, Nevada
Hannah Ballantyne has deep roots in the ranching world. Born to a cowboy father and artist mother, she grew up on ranches and embodies everything that’s cowgirl while maintaining a creative eye in everything she does. Hannah’s passion for the western way of life is clearly shown through her ability to make a living on the ranch while creating her successful business, Ballantyne Leather, making amazing leather pieces for those within the same lifestyle, and those that are not.
What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning?
How fortunate I am to live the way I do. Even with its challenges, ranching is such a vital and rewarding life. It’s the challenges that make it rewarding.
Where is your favourite place to ride?
In the wide-open spaces of Nevada, and also Wyoming.
How do you up your game year after year?
By always being open to growth. Never stop learning and never think you have it all figured out.
Who are your heroes? Who do you look up to?
My parents and brother. Beryl Markham and Jackie Hobbs Crawford.
What haven’t you accomplished that you aspire to in your lifetime?
Raise and show my own horses. Travel across New Zealand and Scotland by motorbike.
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
The American West is a place where true restlessness still lives. I am born to it and proud of it.
If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
When Mother Nature is harsh and the industry and livestock suffer as a result, there can be a sense of helplessness.
What sound or noise do you love?
Horses trotting and the laughter of my loved ones.
I am happiest when I am _______.
On horseback with a rope.
What would be your day job if you weren’t doing what you currently doing?
I’d like to think I’d be a stuntwoman.
If you could bring anybody in the world with you to do what you love (dead or alive), who would it be?
Beryl Markham, I know she’d love it!
What does YETI mean to you?
“Tools to be adventurous”.
What does it mean to be built for the wild?
“To be tough and prepared”.
What is the YETI that you cannot do without?
The Hopper® M30 Soft Cooler so far!
How do you use a specific YETI product in your market?
Branding season is much easier with the Hard Coolers and LoadOut® GoBox™.