OklahomaHorses Magazine September 2023

28 OklahomaHorses • September / October 2023 A lthough a summer camp for kids was new to Nexus Equine this year, introducing people to horses through the Community Connection Program is more than a year old. Officially launched in April 2022, the program was designed to give different populations the opportunity to learn about and connect with horses. “There’s nothing better than allowing a horse the opportunity to elicit positive emotions in people,” said Rita Hoch, pres- ident and CEO of Nexus Equine. “Nine months before we launched the program, we moved into our current location in El Reno. That property has allowed us to do a lot more and reach people in the commu- nity while developing programs that bring people to the facility. We always knew we could do more but didn’t have the facility for it until now.” Partnered with the Police Athletic League of the Oklahoma City Police Department, Nexus Equine created an opportunity for kids in Oklahoma County to learn all about horses. The two-day 2023 summer camp covered everything from anatomy and grooming to veterinary care and even a demonstration from a farrier. “We like to do things at Nexus that pro- vide opportunities that might not otherwise be available,” Hoch said. “The beauty of this program is that it’s both educational and fun. It’s not just a camp where kids come out and goof around all day. They learn and grow while they’re here.” The first day of camp introduced partic- ipants to all things horses, including the wide array of disciplines they are capable of competing in. Hoch even brought in a horse-drawn carriage so the kids could watch it being maneuvered through an obstacle course. For the Kids A longtime resident of Oklahoma, Lorri Wallis now lives in Arkansas. She made the seven-hour haul to El Reno because Nexus Equine is near and dear to her family’s hearts. Introducing kids to something she is passionate about was just a bonus. “Each one of the kids got to ride on my carriage with me, and it was really interest- ing talking to each one,” Wallis said. “There was one little boy who was withdrawn and quiet when he first got on. I decided to let him take the reins, and he really perked up after that. I would even venture to say he felt empowered by having control of that horse.” Through those conversations, Wallis discovered that many of the campers had met horses through relatives in the past but had never gotten the immersive experience quite like they were at Nexus. It was an inspiring day for Wallis, who kept busy most of the time. “I was very impressed with Nexus, Rita, and all the volunteers,” Wallis said. “I thought the horses on the place looked great. Nexus is doing a wonderful job rescuing horses and incorporating rescuing people as well.” Hoch knew the carriage driving would be a hit but didn’t know to what extent. “It was so cool to watch the kids ride in the carriage and watch how Lorri cued the horse,” Hoch said. “I absolutely underesti- mated how much I would enjoy watching the carriage driving.” On day two, campers continued to learn more about horses and then put some of that knowledge to work when it was time to saddle up and ride. Typical camps have about 25 partici- pants, and this one was no different. There’s usually at least one in the group who comes in on the first day timid and shy and then transforms by the second day. “One of the most satisfying things that I get to see through this program is when someone comes into it tentatively and maybe doesn’t jump in to participate at the beginning,” Hoch said. “And then by the end of the camp, they’ve overcome that fear; they’re on the horse and even want to ride again. To me, that symbolizes a life skill of overcoming their fear and gaining confidence in the process.” For the Horses Originally established to rescue horses, Nexus Equine has significantly expanded its goals through programs and camps. How- ever, at its core, Nexus is about the horses. The horses used for the Nexus programs are known as the Ambassadors, and they are permanent residents at the Nexus property. “They are the right temperament to interact with kids who don’t have any horse experience,” Hoch explained. “We have all different sizes, from a 28-inch mini to The two-day 2023 summer camp at Nexus Equine at El Reno drew 25 campers who learned many things about horses.