YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS
AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Since its inception in 1976, the American Quarter Horse Foundation scholarship fund has made over 1,350 dreams come true by providing over $7.6 million in financial assistance to youth pursuing higher education. Find out more today at www.aqha.com/foundation
AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE YOUTH ASSOCIATION
Youth members of the world’s largest equine breed association can compete for prizes and awards including scholarships. To learn more about opportunities in horsemanship, education, competition, and leadership go to www.aqha.com/youth.
ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE PLAID HORSE HIGHER LEARNING SCHOLARSHIP
In 2022, The Andrew Ryback Photography and The Plaid Horse Higher Learning Scholarship is returning. Over the past years, the scholarship has awarded over $10,000 to students pursuing higher education.
“We are looking forward to continuing this program in the coming years and beyond,” said Piper Klemm, Ph.D., Publisher of The Plaid Horse. “It is exciting to be able to give back to some really hard-working and dedicated students.”
Take a look back at a past winner, Aimee Schulz.
1. Three-part essay (please complete parts A, B, and C ):
Part A: A horse show photographer is important because…
Part B: What about being an equestrian has taught you about success and failure?
Part C: Please tell us about someone in the horse industry that inspires you and why?
2. A color photo.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. Unofficial or official high school or college transcript(s).
5. A letter of acceptance from a college or university.
About The Plaid Horse
The Plaid Horse is a woman-owned small business dedicated to education in the horse show industry. We publish 10-12 magazine issues per year as well as a series of novels and select non-fiction, run a daily website, and produce a weekly podcast. A frequent horse show sponsor, we are committed to inspiring young riders to take a more active role in the industry.
About Piper Klemm
Dr. Piper Klemm is the owner and publisher of The Plaid Horse. Her mission is to educate young equestrians in every facet of our industry and to empower young women in particular to find their voices and stories—and to share them.
She has spent her entire career focusing on education through various channels, including The Plaidcast, North America’s most listened-to horse show podcast; as a professor at Clarkson University; co-authoring the Show Strides book series; and by providing educational articles, grants, and experiential learning opportunities for riders of all ages and levels. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.
Piper lives in Canton, New York, with her husband, Adam Hill. Adam is a Chemistry Professor at St. Lawrence University and the Faculty Mentor to the national champion IHSA Riding Team. She owns a fleet of lease ponies, and competes in the Amateur Hunter divisions with MTM Sandwich.
About Show Strides
Show Strides is a middle-grade novel series about riding, showing, horsemanship, and the special friendships we form with our animals and fellow horse lovers. Set on the sprawling grounds of a large hunter jumper barn, the series features a diverse range of characters, from the lesson kid to the A-rated show regular, and everyone in between. While the reading level is appropriate for young riders, the series has fans of all ages! Read more about our books, including excerpts from all four novels, at www.theplaidhorse.com/show-strides/.
CERTIFIED HORSEMANSHIP ASSOCIATION
CHA Educational Scholarship
For students currently in or accepted for an equine studies program at an accredited college or university.
DUE: September 1 (annually)
CHA Certification Scholarship
For individuals in critical financial need seeking to develop career opportunities or program credibility through CHA certification.
DUE: February 28 (annually)
https://cha.horse/how-to-host-a-cha-clinic-2/#clinic-scholarships
HARNESS RACING SCHOLARSHIPS (NATIONAL)
HHYF provides this listing as a service to potential applicants and is not responsible for errors.
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
https://hhyf.org/scholarships/
317.908.0029
Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: applicant must have a passion for harness racing.
Sweet Karen Scholarship
Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: applicant must have completed a Harness Horse Youth Foundation summer program.
Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association
Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: students who demonstrate a strong commitment to their Christian faith and are involved in harness racing are encouraged to apply.
Harness Horsemen’s International Foundation
www.harnesshorsemeninternational.com
609.747.1000
Jerome Hauck Scholarship
Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: candidate must be a child of a full-time groom and a member of an HHI association, or a child of a member of an HHI member association.
Harness Tracks of America
Harold Snyder Memorial Scholarship
Information not confirmed.
Edward Weiner & Edward Yarock Equine Scholarship
201.567.7957
Deadline: information not confirmed.
Eligibility: information not confirmed.
HARNESS RACING SCHOLARSHIPS (REGIONAL)
Delaware Standardbred Owners Association
302.678.3058
Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: applicant must be a child or grandchild of a DSOA member in good standing and/or a member of DSOA him/herself.
Florida Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association
954.927.5400
Lester & Eunice Vance Scholarship
Deadline: July 31
Eligibility: applicant must be a son or daughter of a full-time groom or son or daughter of a member of FSBOA or a full-time groom.
Florida Chapter – US Harness Writers Association
www.ushwa-florida.com/finkelson-scholarship.html
954.654.3757
Allen Finkelson Scholarship
Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: preference for these scholarship awards will be given to students majoring in journalism, communications or veterinary related studies. Applicants must be a resident of the state of Florida and currently accepted or enrolled in a fully accredited college or university in the United States.
Indiana Standardbred Association
800.565.5725
College Assistance Program
Deadline: July 15 – fall semester; December 15 – spring semester
Eligibility: see application for requirements
Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association
207.623.6442
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: applicant’s parents, grandparents, or guardians members of MHHA or applicant a member of MHHA.
Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association
207.441.6876
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: applicant must be, or have a relative who is, a current member of the ME SBOA and applicant must be, or have a relative who is currently involved in the harness racing industry.
Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association
517.349.2920
Deadline: information not confirmed.
Eligibility: Information not confirmed.
Standardbred Breeders & Owners of New Jersey
732.462.2357
Deadline: mid summer
Eligibility: candidate must be either a son or daughter of a full-time participant in New Jersey harness horse racing OR be a full-time participant in New Jersey harness horse racing.
Harness Horse Association of Central New York
hhacny.com
315.829.3872
Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: available for members and dependents of HHA of CNY who meet the criteria set forth by the Scholarship Committee and complete the required application.
Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
724.228.3644
Deadline: May 14
Eligibility: candidate must be son or daughter of an owner, trainer, driver or groom who has participated in harness racing in Pennsylvania on a regular basis over the two years preceding application. Said parent must be a MSOA member.
Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association
https://www.ohha.com/assets/2021-ohha-scholarship-application.pdf
614-221.3650
Deadline: July 10
Eligibility: applicant or family members must be a member of the OHHA.
Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association
610.874.5200 or 570.831.2129
James Manderino Scholarship Fund
Deadline: November/December
Eligibility: candidate must be the child of an owner, trainer, or driver who has participated in harness racing in the State of Pennsylvania on a regular basis over the two years preceding application. Parent must be a member of PHHA. Children of deceased members are also eligible. Previous winners are encouraged to reapply provided they have not reached the maximum lifetime benefit amount of $10,000.
Wisconsin Harness Horse Association
Deadline: December
Eligibility: applicant must complete a minimum of 2 years of service with WHHA. The applicant is not required to be a member of WHHA during the time of service or when applicant submits the application.
INTERSCHOLASTIC EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION
Click below for a listing of available scholarships through the Interscholastic Equestrian Association.
JOCKEY CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS
Click here for more information or to be directed to the Jockey Club website.
The Jockey Club Scholarships: 2021-2022
Please read the below guidelines and requirements carefully.
Guidelines/requirements for ALL Scholarships:
- To be eligible for any of The Jockey Club’s scholarships, an individual must be a resident of the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico.
- Candidates have the option to apply for all scholarships for which they are eligible; however, they can win only one scholarship per academic year.
- Scholarships are open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry.
- Scholarships are for one academic school year, paid per semester, and recipients must reapply every year.
- If awarded a scholarship, recipients are required to commit to at least eight community service hours per academic year (at least four per semester) in the equine industry (e.g., volunteering for an aftercare or backstretch organization). The Jockey Club can assist students in securing volunteer opportunities.
- For spring 2022 semester renewal of a scholarship, students must maintain a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (2.50 grade point average for the recipient of The Jockey Club Benevolence Scholarship) and full-time status at the college/university/program that the recipient was enrolled in for the fall 2021 semester.
- If selected to receive one of The Jockey Club’s scholarships, the recipient must provide The Jockey Club with official transcripts directly from the recipient’s current academic institution, a copy of the recipient’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and proof of enrollment at a college/university/program for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Link to Scholarships Application: thejockeyclub.slideroom.com/
“The Jockey Club Scholarships: 2021-2022” link enables you to apply for all scholarships except The Jockey Club Benevolence Scholarship.
“The Jockey Club Benevolence Scholarship” link is for those who are applying to The Jockey Club Benevolence Scholarship. Those applying to The Jockey Club Benevolence Scholarship may apply to other scholarships for which they are eligible using this link.
The Jockey Club Scholarship – $15,000 ($7,500 per semester)
- Scholarship for students in academic pursuit of majors for future employment in the equine industry. Open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the academic credentials, work experience, and expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry.
- Open to undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in a full-time program at a college or university.
- Minimum grade point average: 3.0
The Jockey Club Vision Scholarship – $20,000 ($10,000 per semester)
- Scholarship for a student who is from a minority racial or ethnic group: Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, American Indian or Native Alaskan, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, or Black or African American.
- Open to undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in a full-time program at a college or university.
- Open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the academic credentials, work experience, and expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry.
- Minimum grade point average: 3.0
The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship – $20,000 ($10,000 per semester)
- Open to women only.
- Open to undergraduates and graduate students enrolled in a full-time program at a college or university.
- Open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the academic credentials, work experience, and expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry.
- Minimum grade point average: 3.0
Jack Goodman Scholarship – $6,000 ($3,000 per semester)
- Scholarship for a student enrolled in the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program.
- Selection based on academic achievement, proposed career path in the racing industry, and previous industry involvement.
- While incoming freshmen could be preferred, students in any class year or graduate students are eligible.
- Minimum grade point average: 3.0
The Jockey Club Benevolence Scholarship – $15,000 ($7,500 per semester)
- Scholarship to reduce financial hardship for a low-income student to enable attendance at a full-time program at a college, university, or trade program.
- Selection based on financial need, leadership skills in extracurricular activities, and proposed career path.
- Preference to backstretch and horse farm employees and their family members.
- Open to graduating high school seniors and undergraduates.
- Minimum grade point average: 2.5
KHC SCHOLARSHIP
Click here to be directed to the KHC Scholarship!
Kentucky Horse Council Scholarship Applications Open for Fall 2021
$3,000 To Be Awarded to Students Pursuing Equine Careers
June 1, 2021 – Lexington, KY – Each year, the Kentucky Horse Council offers $3,000 in scholarship funds to students attending a Kentucky college, university or trade school in the pursuit of an equine-associated career. Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2021 semester. Qualified applicants must demonstrate academic success, Kentucky equine industry involvement and community service during the past year. Applicants must be student members of the Kentucky Horse Council.
Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who are currently enrolled or who will be enrolled for the Fall 2021 semester. Applicants must be participating in equine-oriented classes or equine programs that focus on preparing students for careers in the equine industry. If no major or minor is offered, students must be able to demonstrate how they plan to use their area of study within the equine industry.
Some Kentucky schools that offer equine-focused programs include: Asbury University, Eastern Kentucky University, Georgetown College, the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program, Kentucky Horseshoeing School, Midway University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, the Equine Program at Bluegrass Community & Technical College, Northern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University, among others. Examples of courses of studies for which the scholarships are intended include equine science, equine management, equine business, equine-assisted therapy, pre-veterinarian, national farrier training program, equine industry workforce certificate and others.
“The Kentucky Horse Council is grateful for the ability to once again offer scholarships to deserving students attending schools in our state,” says Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Sarah Coleman. “Education is a key tenet of our mission and we look forward to assisting multiple students as they explore careers in the equine industry.”
Applications for this scholarship will be accepted until July 1, 2021.
OTHER RACING SCHOLARSHIPS
AQHYA Youth Racing Experience
https://www.aqha.com/youth-racing-experience
AQHA Scholarships
https://www.aqha.com/scholarships1?redirect=%2Fscholarships
Equine Guelph
519-824-4120. ext. 56727
Roger L’Heureux Memorial Equine Award
Deadline: November 30, 2021
Eligibility: Applicants for this award can be individuals employed in the Standardbred sector as either a Groom or Trainer in Ontario or Canada or University of Guelph student. Preference will be given to industry professionals.
Selection will be based on a demonstrated love of horses, commitment to horse welfare and the Standardbred racing sector, and a desire to learn more about horses and shows.
Apply by email to eginfo@uoguelph.ca in the form of a 250-word letter explaining why you are deserving of the award. A letter of reference from the Standardbred racing sector may enhance your chances at this award.
The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award
Deadline: November 30, 2021
Eligibility: To be eligible to apply, you currently must be a Groom in the racing industry with a valid Groom licence for horse racing in Ontario.
The Groom who best demonstrates his/her love of horses, commitment to the horse racing industry, sincere desire to learn more about horses and shows commitment to horse welfare will be selected.
Apply by email to eginfo@uoguelph.ca with a 250 – 500 word explanation of why you are deserving of the award. A reference letter from one of the following: Current Racing Employer, Past Racing Employer or Racing Industry Professional may enhance your chances at this award.
Equine Guelph – Tuition Awards
Award: The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award Racing Industry Scholarship for Two Equine Guelph Courses: The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award has been created by the Stocks family in memory of their beloved brother, son and uncle, Mr. Stuart Stocks.
Full details for both awards posted at: https://www.equineguelph.ca/education/tuition_awards.php
Gillian Luxton MD Scholarship Fund
http://www.cthsont.com/scholarships.html
Godolphin Flying Start
https://www.godolphinflyingstart.com/
Jockey Club Scholarship
http://www.jockeyclub.com/Default.asp?section=Initiatives&area=15
Race For Education
http://www.raceforeducation.org/programs/scholarships
Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards
PATH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS
PATH Intl. New Generation Higher Ed Scholarship. At the 2020 Awards Celebration, Teresa Morris, recipient of the 2020 PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award and former board president, announced the establishment of the New Generation Higher Ed Scholarship so that those in higher education can attend PATH Intl. conferences, both national and regional. The fund already has more than $4,000 through donations! Teresa has poured much of her love and knowledge into not only equine-assisted services but also into those who will follow in her footsteps. They have big boots to fill, and Teresa’s generosity and humble heart will help them get there.
The EQUUS foundation scholarship
The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to offer the following scholarships in 2022 based on the volunteer service performed by Champions in the 2021 calendar year to assist prospective instructors with the cost of obtaining the PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) Certification. The scholarship will be used to cover the certification exam fee for a PATH Intl. member of $525. The recipient must provide proof of a valid Authorization to Test letter from PATH Intl. and arrange to complete the exam on or before August 31, 2023. If the recipient does not complete the exam on or before August 31, 2023 or does not request an extension in writing to the EQUUS Foundation, the scholarship will be forfeited. The certification exam fee will be disbursed to PATH Intl. on behalf of the recipient. More info is at: https://www.equusfoundation.org/champions/champions-scholarships.php
UNITED STATES HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION AWARDS
USHJA Youth Leadership Award and USHJA Nominee for the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award
Each year, young riders from every discipline apply through his or her affiliate organizations to be considered for the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, which is presented annually to a USEF member under the age of 18. Junior members of the USHJA between the ages of 12 and 15 have an additional opportunity to be considered for the USHJA Youth Leadership Award, formerly the USHJA Young Horseman’s Award, which is presented during the USHJA Annual Meeting each December.
The primary goal of the USHJA Youth Leadership Award and the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award is to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry while recognizing youth for their achievements.
Each applicant must demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USEF and USHJA by promoting the equestrian sport, demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship, and serving as a role model for his or her peers. Applicants may participate at any level of competition, including local, state or national levels.
UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS
The USPA Intercollegiate Polo Scholarship was launched in 2015 and has awarded at least six, $4,000.00 scholarships a year. Awards are auto-renewable up to four years provided that the students meet playing and eligibility requirements. Six awards are available in 2021 to applicants that meet the following requirements:
- Applicant must be a current USPA member in good standing.
- Applicant must be or have been an active team member of an interscholastic polo program, competing in at least two of four years of their high school career, with priority going to players who competed in their senior year, as proven by appearing on their team’s USPA official Interscholastic Team Roster and on USPA I/I Official scoresheets for that team, in an official Qualified game, in which the Applicant plays, for each year.
- Attending a college or university with an existing intercollegiate polo program.
- Applicant must be an active team member of an intercollegiate polo program, as proven by appearing on their team’s USPA official Intercollegiate Team Roster and appear on, at least one USPA I/I Official scoresheet for that team, in an official Qualified game, in which the Applicant plays, in the current academic year. Current intercollegiate players must also meet the interscholastic polo requirement.
- GPA Requirement of: 3.0.
- In good standing with their college or university.
- Two non-relative letters of recommendation:
- One from a registered USPA Member attesting to students: polo skills, horsemanship, sportsmanship and character.
- One from a community member: e.g.: teacher, employer, etc.
- Essay: 200 words or less, describing a polo experience of choice.
Applications must be submitted by 4:00 PM ET June 1, 2021 and can be found HERE. Contact Amy Fraser (Director of Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Polo) at afraser@uspolo.org for more information!
YOUNG RIDER OF THE YEAR (Thoroughbred Incentive Program)
Click here to be directed to the Young Rider of the Year Award.
The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award will recognize a young rider, 18 or under as of January 1 of the award year, who owns or leases a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club or other activities.
The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000 annually that can be applied to the college of their choice or to their participation in an event that furthers their involvement with horses.
To apply for the T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award, please download, complete and return an application to The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program.
Applications are due June 30.
Young Rider of the Year Application Opens April 15
CURRICULUM
AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE ASSOCIATION MERIT PROGRAM
AMERICAN YOUTH HORSE COUNCIL
Publications: https://www.ayhc.com/shop
Videos & webinars: https://www.ayhc.com/videos
Free brochures: https://www.ayhc.com/free-
AMPLIFY HORSE RACING VIDEOS
BACK COUNTRY HORSEMAN OF AMERICA
E-BOOK ON CAREERS WITH HORSES! (SPANISH AND ENGLISH)
HARNESS HORSE YOUTH FOUNDATION
HORSE LOVER’S MATH
KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM
MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FANE (IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH)
NRHA COLORING BOOK
SADDLE UP! MAGAZINE
SOUTH CAROLINA HORSE COUNCIL
US EQUESTRIAN LEARNING CENTER VIDEOS
YOUTH INTERNSHIPS
THE JOCKEY CLUB INTERNSHIPS
U.S. EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION INTERNSHIPS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
T.I.P. Youth Ambassador Program
The T.I.P. Youth Ambassador Program is offered on an annual basis to young riders who own or lease a Thoroughbred and have actively participated in T.I.P. sponsored shows, classes, or award programs. The goal of the T.I.P. Youth Ambassador Program is to promote participation in T.I.P. with the mission to encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers in racing or breeding. A Youth Ambassador’s role is to positively represent T.I.P. and the Thoroughbred breed at his or her local barn, shows, competitions, or any other activities in which he or she may participate.
