Horse advocate John A. Hettinger, a member of the Board of Trustees of the New York Racing Association (Thoroughbreds) and Chairman Emeritus of the Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation, died Sept. 6 at his Akindale Farm in Pawling, N.Y., after a lengthy illness.

Born Dec. 18, 1933, Hettinger attended Yale and earned a degree in American History in 1955. He took over Akindale Farm about 75 miles north of New York City as an adult. His father had purchased the 18th century farm house and 55 acres many years before, and Hettinger expanded the property to 800 acres.

Winner of the Eclipse Award of Merit in 2000, Hettinger was an outspoken opponent of horse slaughter and founded Blue Horse Charities to abolish the mistreatment of horses and to set up adoption for many after their racing careers were over.

Asked in one interview why he was so devoted to the cause, Hettinger said: “All of my best friends have four legs