by Press Release

Equine Advocates will throw its biggest party and fundraiser of the year on Thursday, August 1, at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Kentucky is this year’s theme as Staci Hancock and Carol and Tracy Farmer will be Equine Advocates 2019 award recipients. Terry Finley, CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds and last year’s Safe Home Equine Protection Award honoree, is chairing this year’s gala:

“Staci Hancock and the Farmers epitomize the best and most honorable aspects of our industry which include their immense compassion for horses,” said Finley. “It takes courage and tenacity to speak out and do the right thing, especially when some people consider ‘the right thing’ to be controversial.  It’s not!  Staci, Carol and Tracy have been steadfast in their views of what is needed to help improve the lives of Thoroughbreds. They are determined to do all they can to effect positive change for the horses and for those of us who work within the industry by elevating fairness and creating a level playing field. These aspects are essential for the survival of our sport, which also include confidence with the public that we are operating in an honest and ethical fashion.”

Staci Hancock, who owns Stone Farm in Paris, Kentucky with her husband, Arthur B. Hancock III, will receive this year’s humanitarian Safe Home Equine Protection Award as a co-founder and the managing member of the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA). She has also been a long-time advocate against horse slaughter.

“Over the last 30 years,” Staci Hancock said, “I have witnessed growing ranks of ‘equine advocates’ spread across America with their focus on welfare issues: slaughter, rescue, rehoming, second careers and medication concerns.  In 2019, equine welfare is front and center in our industry and beyond.  I hope I can represent each and every person who has put their time, talents and treasures behind efforts to do what is right for our horses.  I am honored to accept the Equine Advocates Safe Home Award on their behalf.”

Carol and Tracy Farmer will be honored with the 2019 Ellen & Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award. They were among the original founders of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center.  From the time they joined the efforts of former Kentucky Congressman Ed Whitfield, the late John Hettinger, the Hancocks and others to try to pass the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act back in 2005, they have been advocates against horse slaughter and strong supporters of equine aftercare and rescue. They own Shadowlawn Farm in Midway, Ky., and are the proud owners and breeders of Sir Winston, winner of this year’s Belmont Stakes.

Tickets are $250 per person.  To purchase tickets or for more information, please call (518) 392-0175 or email events@equineadvocates.org. The fun-filled evening will feature silent and live auctions. There will be a cocktail hour during the silent auction, followed by a delectable sit-down gourmet dinner. Click here for more information.