08/24/2026
I am so honored to be helping with the Nexus Gala in November. Please reach out to me if you would like more information!! Nexus Animals is an Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofit that started in 2016 as Nexus Equine, originally focused on helping at risk horses. In 2023, they expanded their work to dogs and cats, and the programs now operate collectively under the Nexus Animals name. Their basic mission is to connect people and animals through placement and community initiatives, with an emphasis on keeping animals secure, cared for, and connected with appropriate homes.
What I particularly like about their model is that it’s broader than a traditional animal rescue. Their work includes horse assessment, training and adoption, dog and cat fostering and adoption, veterinary assistance, shelter partnerships, transportation, community resources, and programs designed to help people keep their animals rather than surrender them. Their dogs and cats are primarily cared for through foster homes rather than a traditional shelter environment.
Their equine side is especially substantial. Horses entering the adoption program are evaluated by professional trainers, receive medical care and individualized training, and are matched with adopters based partly on the person’s skill level. That makes it much more of a rehabilitation and placement program than simply “rescuing horses.”
The organization is led by Rita Hoch, President and CEO, who is an Oklahoma native from Edmond and grew up on a horse farm. She has a lifelong equestrian background and previously worked in healthcare as a speech language pathologist.
