Mother-Daughter Team Organizes 7th Operation Gelding Clinic, Gelds 100th Stallion
December 29, 2016 – Operation Gelding clinic organizers Lacey Edge and Kaye Garrison have gelded 100 stallions through the Unwanted Horse Coalition’s Operation Gelding Program.
Kaye and her daughter, Lacey, have been organizing clinics since the program began in 2010. Lacey, who was 13 years old at the time, learned about the program after conducting research for a school project. This year, she returned from West Texas A&M University to continue the tradition.
A two-year-old, Crash, named for busting through several fences when he was only a few weeks old, was the 100th stallion to be gelded. Owner, Nikki Rebel, was grateful to find a clinic in her area.
“I was thrilled to attend this final clinic for 2016” said UHC Director, Jennifer Purcell. “It was exciting to celebrate such a big milestone for the program, plus it was a chance to personally thank everyone involved. Dr. Freeny not only donated her time, but created a dynamic learning experience for the college and veterinary students who were there to help.”
Ten volunteers, including local Flower Mound, TX, veterinarian Dr. C.G. Freeny, gave a total of 116 hours to plan and conduct the clinic.
Since 2010, the UHC’s Operation Gelding program has provided funding to geld 1,562 stallions at 122 clinics in 31 states. This year, 348 stallions were castrated, just 18 fewer than the last two years combined. Numbers are expected to surge again in 2017 when the program will pay $100 per horse, an increase that was approved by the UHC at its annual meeting last June. Vouchers are also available to owners with financial need.
Individuals interested in hosting a clinic should contact the UHC office at 202-737-7325 or uhc@horsecouncil.org; or visit the UHC website at unwantedhorsecoalition.org.
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