Oklahoma 4-H members, their parents and volunteers stand behind and in front of a tan brick wall that is waist-high alongside a jockey riding blue and white racing silks atop a bay horse with the number 3 on its saddle blanket. The horse's groom is at the horse's head. — 4-H members, parents and volunteers experience the winner's circle after a race and tour of Remington Park in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Oklahoma 4-H)

Oklahoma 4-H hosts new Horse Heritage Experience

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Media Contact: Gail Ellis | Editorial Communications Coordinator | 405-744-9152 | gail.ellis@okstate.edu

Oklahoma 4-H members, volunteers, parents and Oklahoma State University Extension educators attended the inaugural Horse Heritage Experience on Oct. 21 in Oklahoma City.

This event provided high school 4-H’ers the opportunity to learn about the racehorse industry at Remington Park and explore the National Western Heritage Museum.

Participants attended crafting workshops at the museum where they made leather coin pouches and leather keychains. They also braided horsehair, and families were given free time to explore the museum.

Dr. John Chancey, supervising veterinarian at the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission, led the group on a tour of the backside of Remington Park where horses are housed, exercised and trained.

After visiting the National Western Heritage Museum and Remington Park, participants were treated to lunch before watching the first set of racehorses in the saddling paddock. The 4-H members followed the horses and jockeys to the racetrack and watched the race from the Winner’s Circle before posing for a photograph with the winning horses of the first two races.

Cotton County 4-H Educator Kimbreley Davis attended the Horse Heritage Experience with Cotton County 4-H member Raelynn Scott.

“I was so excited to attend the tour because I remember going to Remington Park with my 4-H Horse Club when I was a kid,” Davis said. “Raelynn enjoyed touring the barns and the track. She was so excited to see the horses race.”

Kris Hiney, OSU Extension equine specialist, assisted with organizing the event.

“I think the event went well,” she said. “The kids enjoyed seeing the park and learning more about the equine industry.”