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
DON DEIGO 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
https://hhyf.org/scholarships/
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.
Delaware Standardbred Owners Association
302.678.3058
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.
Edward Weiner & Edward Yarock Equine Scholarship
201.567.7957
Deadline: May 31
Eligibility: Individual pursuing higher education related to the equine and harness racing industries. The fund also provides grants to individuals in the harness racing community (their children and/or family members) in their pursuit of higher education.
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.
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
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.
Standardbred Breeders & Owners of New Jersey &
Backstretch Community Assistance Program of New Jersey
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.
Harness Horse Association of Central New York
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: 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
2023-ohha-scholarship-application.pdf
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
Bill Dailey Foundation
Facebook.com/BillDaileyFoundation
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 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
KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL 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.
NATIONAL SNAFFLE BIT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
For more information on the National Snaffle Bit Association Scholarship, click here.
NATION MEDIA’S ANNUAL DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
“We as a horse community need to grow, to reach new audiences and to introduce another generation of riders to keep our sport going strong. A diverse equestrian community is a strong equestrian community, and it’s time to open the doors of opportunity to all.” — former Horse Nation editor Kristen Kovatch
The application deadline for Nation Media’s 1st Annual Diversity Scholarship, now representing a fund of $5,000 thanks to the generosity of donors, has been extended by one week to Friday, July 17.
It is the mission of this Scholarship to call for, encourage, elevate and immediately give a platform to minority voices in a space where they are underrepresented. The funds, which we hope will give some deserving riders a leg-up, will be allocated by consensus of a diverse committee.
Applicants are invited to submit, via essay or video, a contribution to the discussion of diversity and inclusion in equestrian sport. There is no word minimum or maximum. This is your space to use however you wish, and we are listening.
All minority equestrians of all disciplines are invited to apply. The Scholarship may be used any in way that the recipient desires to further their riding career, be it educational opportunities, competition entry fees or equipment/tack.
Please submit entries to en.contest@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday, July 17, 2020. After the Scholarship recipients have been announced, we will be honored to share applicant contributions on EN throughout the summer with permission. CLICK HERE for more details.
NEW YORK FARM BUREAU AGRICULTURAL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
2022 New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship Information
Applicant Guidelines
¨ 2022 graduating High School Seniors who will continue their education to prepare for a career in some way connected to the diverse agricultural industry. This includes advancing their education through college or pursuing advanced training in the skilled trades.
¨ Live or work on a farm or be involved with agriculture via any avenue.
¨ Family Farm Bureau membership or Student Farm Bureau membership is required. Students can join as Student members by visiting: www.nyfb.org/membership . Student membership is complimentary.
– Applicants under the age of 18 must also include the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
Process and Procedure
¨ Students are required to complete an application that is on the Reviewer online platform.
The application link is: https://my.reviewr.com/site/NYFB_Ag_Youth_Scholarship22
– Here is the application outline which includes the required information and the application questions and essay question.
– After creating an account in Review, the student will log in and begin the application. The student can stop, restart, and edit their application any time before the submission is due by logging into their Reviewer account.
– The responses to the questions and essay sections have character count limits. Before submitting the application, a summary page will be shown. This page can be printed to review the application answers.
¨ Applications must be completed and submitted by 5:00 pm on March 1, 2022.
¨ A District level competition will be held. Scoring will determine the County winners as well as the District winner. If applications do not meet the criteria to be a district winner, no district award will be given. The judging event may necessitate a personal interview and essay presentation or may be based solely upon the application and attachments. The judging will take place prior to April 20, 2022. Each District Winner will receive $250 plus a memento of their selection.
¨ State winner selection will be made from District Winners, based solely on the submitted applications; there will be no personal interviews.
A $3000 and $2000 Scholarship will be awarded.
For More Information: www.nyfb.org, proed@nyfb.org, 1-800-342-4143
OPTIMUM YOUTH EQUESTRIAN SCHOLARSHIP
The mission of the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship is 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 focusing on not only horsemanship and equestrian pursuits, but also career planning and education.
We believe that opportunities for riding, training, and showing are not easily attainable to individuals facing socioeconomic and accessibility hurdles as well as overt and passive discrimination based upon their race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Together we seek to bridge this gap through the sharing of knowledge, opportunities, and solidarity.
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
SADDLEBOX EQUESTRIAN STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP
SaddleBox is dedicated to making sure that horses across the United States are able to live healthy, happy lives. In order to give back to the community of equine professionals who do so much for our customers, we award a yearly scholarship to one current student who is studying to work in the equestrian field. (Scholarship funds can also go toward college equestrian team or club participation.)
Every year, SaddleBox will award a scholarship of $1,000 to a student currently enrolled full-time in an equestrian-related program, or who is participating in a college equestrian team or club. Eligible fields of study include equestrian science, equine management, horsemanship, animal science with an equine concentration, and other programs that specifically concentrate on horses.
The deadline to submit your application for the scholarship is November 16th of every year. The scholarship winner will be chosen and awarded funds the following December.
Eligibility
One scholarship will be awarded to a student who meets the following criteria:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Applicant must be in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Student must be currently enrolled in a program related to the equine field, or participating in a college equestrian team or club.
At least one year of the program must be completed before the deadline
Requirements
To be eligible for this year’s scholarship, the following must be received by the deadline:
Completed equestrian studies scholarship application
Official school transcript
At least one letter of recommendation including the person’s name, position and contact information.
Complete a short essay detailing why you chose to pursue an education in the equestrian field (or why you participate in your college equestrian team or club), and what you hope to accomplish in your career. The essay should be no longer than one page in length.
The completed application should be postmarked by November 16th.
Completed applications and all required documents should be mailed to:
SaddleBox
Scholarship Committee
7500 West Ridge Road
Elyria, OH 44035
Applications are accepted via regular mail only, not by email. Questions should be sent to: contact@saddlebox.net
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.
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!
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
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
AMERICAN YOUTH HORSE COUNCIL INTERNSHIPS
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
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Participate in planning meetings with the AYHC Youth Committee
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In conjunction with staff and committee members, record interviews with equine industry professionals
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Edit video for use on website and social media
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Design and execute a marketing campaign to promote career video collection
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Create social media graphics and content
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Collect and analyze data to identify consumer trends
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Monitor and manage AYHC’s social media platforms, adjusting outreach tactics as needed
Membership recruitment and retention
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Participate in planning meetings with the AYHC Membership Committee
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Create membership spotlights for website and social media
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Design graphics for social media, newsletter and website
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Craft engagement emails and new-member communications campaigns
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On-board new individual and group members; ensure that members have access to membership benefits and engage within the membership community.
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Develop and distribute membership renewal emails
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Collect and analyze data to identify consumer trends
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Monitor and manage AYHC’s social media platforms, adjusting outreach tactics as needed
Promotions, Outreach and Development
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Participate in planning meetings with the AYHC Promotions, Outreach and Development Committee
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Write content and assist with design of monthly e-newsletter
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Prepare press releases, social media posts, website content and blog posts for annual symposium, publications, awards, grants and additional topics as requested
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Measure consumer satisfaction with AYHC products or services; develop tools and methods for collecting data such as surveys, opinion polls or questionnaires.
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Collect and analyze data to identify consumer trends
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Monitor and manage AYHC’s social media platforms, adjusting outreach tactics as needed
Education/Training:
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Minimum High School diploma or equivalent
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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:
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Proficient with Microsoft Office software
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Experience in Canva is preferred
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Knowledge and experience with social media platforms, video editing and graphic design is preferred
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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
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Knowledge and experience within the equine industry is preferred
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Self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision, but also work effectively within a team
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Coachable and eager to learn and improve based on constructive feedback
Each internship will run for the duration of the semester as follows
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Spring 2023 (January to May) review of applications will begin December 20, 2022
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Summer 2023 (May to August) application deadline February 1, 2023
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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.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS
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.
