A young person leads a brown horse with white blaze on their halter

Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover

Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover in the news: Equine rescue, 4-H members from across Oklahoma team up for project to rehab, rehome horses

— Many thanks to our sponsors for their support! —

Applications are NOW OPEN for Round 4 of the Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover.

Application deadline: March 15, 2023
Day one: March 26, 2023 (SUNDAY) at Nexus Equine Facility in El Reno, OK 
Finale Day: JULY 15, 2023 (SATURDAY) at Grady County Fairgrounds

  • We will have two different categories; each category will have a Champion, with the possibility of each winning a scholarship.
  • Basic farrier trims will NOT be reimbursed this year.
  • Every horse will be leaving with feed for the 90 days. 
  • Hay WILL be reimbursed up to a certain dollar amount per horse (reimbursable amount will be determined by the nutritional needs of each horse; a pony will require less hay than a 17hh horse)

The Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover is presented by Nexus Equine with the support of some generous sponsors. Nexus Equine collaborates and partners with other equine organizations, horse and breed associations, national animal welfare organizations and horse enthusiasts on a local and national level to be able to help horses more efficiently and effectively.

The primary desired impact is to reduce the number of at-risk horses through education, outreach and adoption. Nexus Equine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and funded solely on donations and grants. Nexus is a limited intake program and is not a sanctuary. The Mission of Nexus Equine is to facilitate alternatives for horses and owners through innovative opportunities and outreach.

Youth that are applying for the Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover must be current and active 4-H Members in Oklahoma. Eligible youth must be at least 13 years old to participate & must have attended an Oklahoma 4-H Educational Event. Applicants must provide their Oklahoma 4-H leader’s NAME, EMAIL & PHONE NUMBER on the application.

HORSES IN THE OKLAHOMA 4-H EQUINE MAKEOVER MUST BE ADOPTED BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN AT THE TIME OF PICK-UP. The adopter must attend pick-up, with a photo ID, in order to complete required adoption paperwork. (The horse may be returned back to Nexus Equine at the conclusion of the Makeover Challenge.)

References are required. Your application will not be considered until our office receives two completed written references. Examples for references include veterinarians, clients, industry professionals/associates or anyone else who can attest to your animal welfare and horse care/handling abilities (not family members).

You MUST have two WRITTEN references submitted to: jessica@nexusequine.org for your application to be considered.

Not a current member of Oklahoma 4-H? Enroll Now!

Check out dates for qualifying events here!

● Horse Communication Contest
● 4-H State Judging Contest
● Statewide 4-H Family Horse Camp
● 4-H Cowhorse Clinic
● Equine Education Extravaganza
● 4-H Round Up
● Horse Science Academy

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and narrowed down to up to 20 finalists (ten in each category). The finalists will be paired with a horse to participate in the 90-Day challenge. The parent/guardian will be required to adopt the horse on “Day 1.” All horses in the program will be up to date on all vaccinations, farrier work and microchipped. Participants and parent/guardians are required to be present on “Day 1” to receive the horse, complete the initial evaluation before the panel of judges, and set goals for the 90-Day Challenge. Participants will be required to keep financial records as well as a goal and objective training record.

Nexus Equine has arranged transportation assistance for the horses to those that need it. Nexus will also identify mentors to assist all of the participants during the 90-Day Challenge.

All participants will be required to present their equine on “Day 90” to the original panel of judges. The judges will review the individualized goals (set forth on Day 1), the record book and the partnership created in the 90-Day Challenge. A $1,500 Scholarship will be awarded, as well as many other awards & prizes to participants.

These prizes are in addition to each finalist getting the option to keep (own) the horse, or the horse may be returned back to Nexus Equine for adoption.

SCHEDULE

March 15th, 2023 – Application deadline

March 26th, 2023 – “Day 1/Round 4” The 20 Finalists will be presented their equine at the Nexus Equine Facility in El Reno, OK

July 15th, 2023 – “Day 90/Round 4 Finale” The 20 Finalists will demonstrate their accomplishments to the panel of judges and be evaluated. The Finale will be held at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha, OK

SPONSORS

Interested in being a sponsor for the Nexus Oklahoma 4-H Equine Makeover? Let us know!