2024 Debbie Pellegrino Memorial 4-H Equine Makeover

In honor of Debbie Pellegrino‘s unwavering love for horses, this 90-day event stood as a testament to her legacy, ensuring that her cherished equine companions continue to inspire and uplift lives. The Makeover was not just a competition; it was a celebration of connection, dedication, and the transformative power of the human-equine bond.

Here’s a glimpse into the magic of the Debbie Pellegrino Equine Makeover:

Connected Oklahoma 4-H Youth with Pellegrino Horses: Applications from passionate 4-H youth were meticulously reviewed, and qualified contestants were paired with horses from the Pellegrino legacy. It’s a process driven by knowledge, experience, and a shared commitment to equine welfare.

Set Preliminary Goals: Our Nexus Equine Trainer assessed the horses and set preliminary goals, paving the way for a journey of growth and accomplishment. Each horse was then carefully paired with a youth finalist based on a deep understanding of both horse and finalist.

90-Day Transformation Journey: The finalists met their horses on Day One, marking the beginning of an emotional and inspiring 90-day journey. With individualized goals and unwavering dedication, these pairs worked together to achieve milestones, fostering a connection that goes beyond competition.

Competed with Self, Not Others: In the spirit of honoring each individual journey, finalists were not pitted against one another. Instead, they competed with themselves, striving to achieve personal goals that align with varying experience levels. This approach fostered an inclusive environment where every accomplishment was a triumph, regardless of the differing starting points.

Judged Finale Showcase: A panel of three equine industry professionals witnessed the Day One pairings and, on the 90-day Finale, observed captivating 4-5 minute presentations showcasing the accomplished goals. The finalists and their horses came together for a moment of celebration, growth, and profound connection.

Honored the Legacy: As a tribute to Debbie Pellegrino‘s legacy, every finalist received a custom-designed Nexus Equine belt buckle, a swag bag for their horse, and the Grand Champion was awarded a matched $2,000.00 cash scholarship. Each finalist was also offered the amazing opportunity to keep their horse at the conclusion of the Makeover.

Together, we celebrated legacies, transformed lives, and continued the beautiful story Debbie Pellegrino began.