YOUTH RESOURCES
Resources for Youth Scholarships and Internships available within the Equine Industry.
American Quarter Horse Foundation Scholarship
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.
American Quarter Horse Youth Foundation
Youth members of the world’s largest equine breed association can compete for prizes and awards including scholarships.
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)
Don Diego Scholarship Foundation
The Don Diego Scholarship Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for outstanding high school seniors and graduates who participate in activities and events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, including the San Diego County Fair. Scholarship winners demonstrate talent for organization, leadership and innovation and make a valuable contribution to the community through participation in events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, their school and extracurricular activities.
Four scholarships are offered in each of four categories: Zable Foundation 4-H, FFA, Employee, and Exhibitor/ Participant. Eight Junior Livestock Auction (JLA) Scholarships are offered to students who qualify for the 4-H or FFA Scholarship and who wish to apply also for a JLA Scholarship. Two Vocational Education Scholarships are offered to support students pursuing an AA/AS degree or certificate at a community college or accredited trade school.
Harness Racing Scholarships
Harness Racing Scholarships & Assistance Programs
HHYF provides this listing as a service and is not responsible for errors.
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
317-908-0029
Harold & Marcia Snyder Memorial Scholarship
(sponsored by David Snyder & International Sound Corporation)
Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Applicant must be personally involved in the harness racing industry or have a relative involved. Applicant may or may not be pursuing a career in the harness racing industry. Under-graduate and graduate students are eligible.
Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Applicant must have a keen interest in harness racing. Graduate students are not eligible.
Sweet Karen Scholarship
Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Applicant must have completed a Harness Horse Youth Foundation summer program from 1999 to present.
Lynn Fortna Financial Assistance Program
Deadline: June 1 and December 30
Eligibility: Applicant must be a young-at-heart female in harness racing who wants to continue her education and/or expand her knowledge of horses.
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.
Jim & Barbara Boese Scholarships
DSOA Scholarships
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.
Indiana Standardbred Association
800-565-5725
Deadline: Spring – December 31; Fall – July 15
Eligibility: For the year of application for the college assistance, applicant/parent/grandparent/guardian must be a current ISA Member and hold an IHRC Standardbred license and applicant/parent/grandparent/guardian must be an Indiana resident.
Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association
207-623-6442
Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Applicant must have connection to Maine harness racing and a relative must be a member of MHHA.
Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association
517-349-2920
Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: MHHA members, and dependents or immediate family members – including step-children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews – of living or deceased members that are/or have been a MHHA member for two years in good standing.
732-462-2357
Deadline: last Friday of June
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. Only one candidate per household will be considered.
Meadows Standardbred Owners Association
724-228-3644
Deadline: Mid May
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
614-221-3650
Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Applicant or immediate family member or guardian must be a member of OHHA.
Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association
610-874-5200
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.
Other Financial Assistance Programs
937-869-4904
Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Applications are open to beginning harness drivers 1) ages 16 and older 2) residing within the continental United States 3) holding a current “Q/F” Qualifying/Fair or higher-level licensure granted by the US Trotting Association and 4) owning no to few pairs of registered driving colors.
Interscholastic Equestrian Association
Click here 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
Kentucky Horse Council
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
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
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.
SAHJA Scholarship Program
Each spring, SAHJA’s Scholarship Program seeks out seniors heading to college in the fall.
Application Qualifications:
- Graduating senior in 2021, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- SAHJA member for at least three years including the application year (need not be consecutive years)
- Planning to attend an accredited college in the fall of the application year
Applications are now available! Deadline to submit is May 17th. Scholarship awards will range from $500-$2500. For questions or more information contact Karine at karine@sahja.org Download the application below.
This great program is made possible in part by a generous donation from a family of our SAHJA community.
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.
Click here for more information.
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!
US Equestrian Higher Education Scholarship
US Equestrian Higher Education Scholarship — US Equestrian awards five $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors committed to continuing their involvement in equestrian sport while in college. Applications for 2022 are currently being accepted through the end of July. Eligibility has been recently expanded!
Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship — This scholarship is designed to provide opportunities for youth aged 17-27 from marginalized communities to become involved or stay involved in horse sports through financial awards and mentorship.
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
American Morgan Horse Association Merit Program
American Youth Horse Council
Amplify Horse Racing Videos
Back Country Horseman of American
E-Book on Careers with Horses (Spanish and English)
Harness Horse Youth Foundation
Horse Lover’s Math
HHYF Activity Box
Kentucky Derby Museum
Morris Animal Foundation
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (In Spanish and English)
NRHA Coloring Book
Saddle Up! Magazine
South Carolina Horse Council
US Equestrian Learning Center Videos
American Youth Horse Council
Click here to be redirected to the American Youth Horse Council Internship website.
The American Youth Horse Council is seeking to fill three internship positions in each of the spring, summer and fall 2023 semesters. Internships provide tasks and engagements of national importance and result in elevated resume-building and national networking. We offer a fully remote, flexible schedule and hours with a minimum of three hours per week. The interns will report directly to the AYHC Executive Director and work in collaboration with various AYHC committees. Applicants should have good written and verbal communications skills, a passion for technical and creative writing, excellent attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
Successful applicants will be assigned to one of three projects. Duties for the projects include but are not limited to:
Career Video Project
- Participate in planning meetings with the AYHC Youth Committee
- In conjunction with staff and committee members, record interviews with equine industry professionals
- Edit video for use on website and social media
- Design and execute a marketing campaign to promote career video collection
- Create social media graphics and content
- Collect and analyze data to identify consumer trends
- Monitor and manage AYHC’s social media platforms, adjusting outreach tactics as needed
Membership recruitment and retention
- Participate in planning meetings with the AYHC Membership Committee
- Create membership spotlights for website and social media
- Design graphics for social media, newsletter and website
- Craft engagement emails and new-member communications campaigns
- On-board new individual and group members; ensure that members have access to membership benefits and engage within the membership community.
- Develop and distribute membership renewal emails
- Collect and analyze data to identify consumer trends
- Monitor and manage AYHC’s social media platforms, adjusting outreach tactics as needed
Promotions, Outreach and Development
- Participate in planning meetings with the AYHC Promotions, Outreach and Development Committee
- Write content and assist with design of monthly e-newsletter
- Prepare press releases, social media posts, website content and blog posts for annual symposium, publications, awards, grants and additional topics as requested
- Measure consumer satisfaction with AYHC products or services; develop tools and methods for collecting data such as surveys, opinion polls or questionnaires.
- Collect and analyze data to identify consumer trends
- Monitor and manage AYHC’s social media platforms, adjusting outreach tactics as needed
Education/Training:
- Minimum High School diploma or equivalent
- Pursuing a degree in a relevant subject, such as Agriculture Marketing, Agriculture Communications, Equine Science, Animal Science or Agriculture Education with preference given to Agriculture Marketing or Communications students
Knowledge/Skills:
- Proficient with Microsoft Office software
- Experience in Canva is preferred
- Knowledge and experience with social media platforms, video editing and graphic design is preferred
- Results-oriented with a high level of attention to detail and ability to multi-task. Increase your visibility by using the word alfalfa within your cover letter or email subject line
- Knowledge and experience within the equine industry is preferred
- Self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision, but also work effectively within a team
- Coachable and eager to learn and improve based on constructive feedback
Each internship will run for the duration of the semester as follows
- Spring 2023 (January to May) review of applications will begin December 20, 2022
- Summer 2023 (May to August) application deadline February 1, 2023
- Fall 2023 (August to December) application deadline March 1, 2023
To apply, submit resume, cover letter, three references and at least one writing sample to info@ayhc.com Please indicate the semester(s) for which you are applying. Applicants will be considered for all three projects and preferences will be discussed during the interview process.
The Jockey Club
U.S. Equestrian Federation
Arabian Horse Youth Association
Join our community of like-minded horse lovers! If you are here to ride for the roses, improve your horsemanship, or just love the Arabian horse we have a place for you in the Arabian Horse Youth Association. AHYA is for youth 18 and under, with a variety of programs for anyone who loves the Arabian horse. www.arabianhorses.org/youth
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.