The Cowboy Way Story
Nancy and Lindsay Hilchie are living out a dream through The Cowboy Way.
Both lifetime horse owners and riders, they've always wanted to find a way to share their passion for horses with the world. And now they're doing just that.
"Lindsay and I want The Cowboy Way to be much more than just a store," says Nancy.
"We want it to be a gathering place for people like us - people who love horses and know the joy that they can bring to your life." And that's just what's happening.
The Cowboy Way not only features the latest western wear styles and fashion, the newest western jewelry and giftware, it's also home to a comfy leather sofa, a bottomless pot of coffee and a beckoning fireplace. It's a great spot to sit and chat, trade stories and share a laugh.
"We've had folks from down the road and from around the world drop in," notes Lindsay. "It's just amazing how the love of horses brings people together. And we're thrilled to be a part of it."
The Cowboy Way was started in 2000 by John and Tammy Dolliver in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley.
In the fall of 2005, Nancy and Lindsay bought the store from the Dollivers and incorporated the company into what it is now - The Cowboy Way Western Wear Outfitters. They relocated the store to their farm in Lawrencetown Beach, near Halifax, constructing a brand new building, offering 1100 square feet devoted to a western way of life - making The Cowboy Way, Atlantic Canada's largest western wear store.
Nancy and Lindsay's family has a long history with horses. Nancy's mother Shirley Robertson was a long time Equine Canada Steward, officiating all over Canada and the USA at huge events such as the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, world class shows at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, the World Equestrian Games and even the 1997 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Nancy's father Roddie Robertson, was involved with Hackney & Roadster ponies for decades. He bred and showed them for years and continues to have some at the farm.
Nancy's equestrian career saw her excel in the hunter and jumper rings throughout Atlantic Canada.
After more than 20 years of training and showing, she retired from the show ring to bring The Cowboy Way to life and to support Lindsay in her riding and showing career.
Lindsay has been riding and competing since the age of 4. Growing up in a strong english riding family, Lindsay started her riding career showing pony hunters in the late 80's. Later, moving up through the hunter ranks in Atlantic Canada, she was successful in the Children's and Adult Amateur hunter divisions. She has even tried her hand at dressage, winning 2 Atlantic Canada dressage championship titles.
In 2003 Lindsay felt she needed a change and switched to western riding and hasn't looked back!
She now competes in Barrel Racing and other Gymkhana events throughout the Maritimes on her current horse "Tri Bright Chance" and is busy starting her new colt "TK Special Win"
Both Nancy and Lindsay sit on the Maritime Barrel Racing Associations Board of Directors and can be found at most of the associations events throughout Atlantic Canada.
