By Keona Mason
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.”
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
