Two Oklahoma 4-H’ers Awarded Karen Richardson Memorial Scholarships
Friday, July 18, 2025
Killian Baker, second from left, and Jenna Stutzman, third from left, received the 2025 Karen Richardson Memorial 4-H Horseman of the Year Scholarship during the State 4-H Horse Show on July 12 at the Grady County Fairgrounds. Presenting the awards, from left, are Kris Hiney, state equine Extension specialist, and Steve Beck, state 4-H program leader. (Photo provided by Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development)
Two Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development members were honored with the 2025 Karen Richardson Memorial 4-H Horseman of the Year Scholarship during the State 4-H Horse Show on July 12 at the Grady County Fairgrounds.
Jenna Stutzman of Custer County and Killian Baker of Creek County were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of their dedication, leadership and involvement in the Oklahoma 4-H Horse Program.
The scholarship, established in memory of longtime 4-H horse program advocate Karen Richardson, honors youth who exemplify total involvement in the horse project through leadership, service and education. Richardson dedicated more than 30 years to supporting 4-H youth and the horse program across Oklahoma.
“The scholarship recognizes what we look for and try to achieve in our horse program — a great horseman, a civic leader, someone who is involved in their community, and a great sense of sportsmanship,” said Kris Hiney, state equine Extension specialist. “The goal is to create kids who are confident, see the value in giving back to others and continue to strive for excellence, and use the horse as a centering point for their endeavors.”
In addition to the original scholarship, a second award was made possible this year thanks to Professionals Choice, a leading equine equipment company headquartered in Oklahoma City.
Finalists for the award were selected based on their applications, project involvement and in-person interviews conducted during the state show.
The Karen Richardson Memorial Scholarship is administered through the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation and is awarded annually to high school 4-H members who have completed at least two years in the horse project and competed in at least two classes at the State 4-H Horse Show.
For more information about the Oklahoma 4-H Horse Program, contact an OSU Extension county office.