LEXINGTON, Ky. — Central Kentucky’s hard-working horse, Hank, of For Hank’s Sake, is receiving a special honor this year from the National Association of Legal Assistants. 

What You Need To Know

  • For Hank's Sake, an equine nonprofit, was recognized as the National Association of Legal Assistant's Charity of the Year

  • The nonprofit was founded by Tammi Reagan, who rescued Hank, a Tennessee Walking Horse with a big grin 

  • For Hank’s Sake has visited 23 libraries and schools, reaching 15,600 students

  • This summer, Hank the Horse will make a special trip to Louisville for Nala’s national convention that will be held here in the Bluegrass. 

Almost 12 years ago Tammi Reagan rescued her Tennessee Walking Horse in Kentucky. He was found alone in a muddy pasture and is now living safely with Reagan and his forever friends. 

In 2011, Reagan created the nonprofit For Hank’s Sake to help foster inspiration and empower kids through horses and literacy. It features the horse with tricks and talents, bells, and inviting big smiles. Hank has traveled over 15,200 miles for his community service. It helped him collect and donate over $102,500 to charities.

Hank the horse is the face and symbol of For Hank’s Sake, an equine nonprofit. (Spectrum News 1/Sabriel Metcalf)

Reagan said she envisioned the nonprofit to be intimate and close-knit as someone who has an unwavering amount of love for the horses that come into her care.

Last year, Hank’s smile and his children’s book about his life before rescue caught the attention of the Kentucky chapter of the National Association of Legal Assistants.  

In 2024, leaders of the national group honored the nonprofit with its Charity of the Year award. Besides being a learning tool for children, For Hank’s Sake is also a small sanctuary for rescues and others Reagan has taken in.

“I just thought he was hilarious. I thought he was funny. I thought he was interactive. I knew he was smart. So I’m like, how can I help this horse? What can I do to best help this horse and me?” Reagan explained. 

Through the nonprofit, Reagan can help many animals like Hank. Reagan is also the director of equine care at Brave Hearts in Paris, Kentucky, which currently has almost 130 different horses, donkeys, mules and pony rescues. 

She says by this summer they hope to have the center open for tours and experiences with their horses. Reagan says Hank will remain her special guy and her first-ever rescue for her nonprofit. 

“Hank happens to be a riding horse who was my competitive trail horse at one point. But mostly we’re on our feet now, walking together, working together to help people. And I think we’re all caught on to that vision and that passion of ours to serve others through our community service endeavors,” she shared. 

Regan says she hopes they can make a bigger impact around the country.  

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