Happy birthday KYEHC!

If the book ever gets published, you will read about Staci Hancock, the driving force behind the Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KYEHC) and the person who introduced Gretchen Jackson to the cause of anti-slaughter. Staci and her husband Arthur are legendary breeders in Lexington; they bred Gato del Sol, the winner of the 1982 Kentucky Derby.

Staci's knowledge of slaughter practices began after she read about another thoroughbred legend, Exceller, who had been sold to a breeder in Scandinavia after he proved to be less than a prolific stud. This breeder went under and Exceller was ultimately taken to a slaughterhouse because his owner could not afford to keep him. Gato had also been sold to a European buyer in 1991 and once she read about Exceller's horrific end, Staci launched a one woman campaign to bring Gato home.

She succeeded and in 1993 Gato returned to Stone Farm where he lived out his days. Gato del Sol succumbed to the infirmities of age on August 7, 2007 at the ripe old age of 28.

Once Staci became aware of the practice of horse slaughter in this country, however, she latched on to the cause with the tenacity of a bulldog. She joined a local group to lobby Kentucky state senators. As one of her jobs, Staci wrote to all Kentucky Derby winners to ask them to support House Resolution 503. After the Jacksons won the Derby, she wrote to them. Like Staci, Roy and Gretchen had been unaware of the existence of horse slaughter in America and became fervent supporters of anti-slaughter legislation.

One of the byproducts of Staci's involvement with the anti-slaughter groups has been the creation of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, a horse rescue operation that is a refuge for unwanted and abused horses. They recently celebrated their one year anniversary and their newsletter is available on the website. You can sign up to receive copies free of charge and also read about their efforts to save horses.

Staci is a remarkable woman and her organization is well-worth your perusal.