Scholarships
Morgan Horse Associations Nationwide, along with Morgan Shows and Clubs offer great scholarships for our Youth. Please check out the links below for opportunities across that nation!
USEF
US Equestrian National Youth Sportsman's Award: This award is open to applicants aged 17 or younger as of December 1-The Start of the current competition year. The award is open to individuals across all breeds and disciplines who are active members of US Equestrian and their Recognized National Affiliate organization. The goal of the award is to identify potential future leaders in the equine industry and recognize youth members for their achievements both in and outside of the sport. Applicants should demonstrate an ongoing dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, serve as a positive role model for their peers, participate at any level of equestrian competition, exhibit characteristics of positive sportsmanship, and be involved in their community. Applications for Morgan Horse exhibitors can be send directly to AMHA Executive Director, Carrie Mortensen at carrie@morganhorse.com. AMHA will select one nominee to submit to US Equestrian for final selection of the overall award winner. The National Youth Sportsman’s Award winner will be recognized during the Pegasus Awards at the US Equestrian Annual Meeting. The overall winner will receive a commemorative trophy and a $1,000 grant to be paid to the educational program of their choice. The overall reserve winner will receive a $500 educational grant.
Deadline is August 15th.
Morgan Horse Association of Oregon
Alex Mooney Scholarship: Created in Memory of Alex Mooney with hopes to promote the values of learning, sharing, leading, volunteering and good sportsmanship inside and outside of the arena. It is an annual scholarship available to any member of the MHAO who is interested in pursuing a career in any discipline that a college degree, trade school or post-education program could enhance. $500 and one 8x10 color photo with the Morgan shot by Howie Schatzberg.
Deadline is May 15th.
Morgan Dressage Association
MDA Scholarship: MDA offers at least 3 $500 scholarships annually open to amatuer, professional and youth members of the MDA. One scholarship awarded to riders in each of the following catagories: Training/First Level, Second/Third Level, Fourth Level and above. At least one will be awarded to an amateur or Junior rider. Scholarships must be used to further the training and education of the applicand and their Morgan, including instruction, clinics, and educational materials.
Deadline is November 1st.
The Dressage Foundation
Lynn Palm Western Dressage Fund for Individuals: Grants in the amount of $1,000 each are available for riders who need financial help to continue their Western Dressage education. Applicants can be professionals, amateurs, or youth. The grant review committee will look for applicants who are eager to grow and improve, have shown a passion for the sport, have financial need, and who have demonstrated a commitment to learning.
Deadline is July 20th.
Connecticut Morgan Horse Association
Eileen Hunter Youth Scholarship: Eileen Hunter loved Morgan Horses and youth! She was an active member of the American, New England, and Connecticut Morgan Horse Associations and volunteered with countless youth organizations. To honor her memory CMHA created The Eileen Hunter Youth Scholarship. This scholarship offers a one-time $1000 payment to students who are currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program (any major) or an equine-specific apprenticeship program.
Sue Brander Sport Horse Grant Sue Brander was passionate about her Morgan sport horses! The Sue Brander grant was created to celebrate her passion for the versatility of the Morgan breed while providing students and young professionals with financial resources to further their equine education! This grant offers a one-time $500 payment.
All scholarships are awarded at the Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show.Please submit your application to scholarships@ctmorgans.org by May 3 to be considered.
Deadline for both is May 3rd.
UPHA
UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship Fund
The UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship was established to honor UPHA Professional, Maria Knight and her commitment to providing a college education for her daughter. The purpose of the program is to provide a scholarship to children of professional horsemen. Applicants must have at least one parent, step-parent, or legal guardian who is a professional horseman and a current Professional Member of UPHA. Applicant must have entered their senior year in high school at the time of application or accepted to (or currently enrolled) in an institution of higher education. One $5,000 scholarship will be awarded.
Deadline is May 31st.
UPHA Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship
The UPHA Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Sandra Hall whose commitment to giving back to the show horse industry and its horsemen was unparalleled. The purpose of the program is to provide a scholarship to current members of UPHA who are high school seniors or freshman in college. Applicants must be a UPHA member for at least one year prior to application. Emphasis will be placed on applicants demonstrating a commitment to their community and/or the show horse industry. One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded. Applications and materials are due May 31 each year. Click HERE for more information and the application.
Deadline is May 31st.
MHF
The Harry Sebring Memorial Grant is offered to all AMHA members under the age of 40 who would like to further their equine education, skills, or proficiency and/or provide equine-related experiences and education that will further the grant recipient’s business endeavors.
Application deadline November 30th.
The Ava Boyce-Bender Memorial Grant is offered to all AMHA members under the age of 40 who would like to further their equine education, skills, or proficiency and/or provide equine-related experiences and education that will further the grant recipient’s business endeavors. Application period from May 13 through approximately August 13 (see application for actual deadline).
Deadline is August 13th.
The Alex Mooney Scholarship: Offered by the MHF with the winner(s) recognized at the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. A minimum of $5,000 will be awarded for undergraduate academic scholarships and/or professional development.
Deadline is June 30th.
WDAA Youth Educational Scholarship Progarm: The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) offers a scholarship opportunity funded by a youth grant provided by the US Equestrian Federation. Youth riders (under the age of 18 at the time of application) who are active members of both the WDAA and USEF, are eligible to apply for three (3) scholarships of $500 each to enhance their Western Dressage education (i. e. clinics, camps, and/or non-show events). Applications are accepted year-round and are awarded three (3) times per year: April, August, and December.
Deadlines are March 15th, July 15th and November 15th.
YAA Juding School Scholarship: Every year the Young Adult Alliance gives away up to $2500 in reimbursement for successfully completing all aspects of applying for your judges card to a qualified young Morgan enthusiast!
The Ellen DiBella Western Dressage Scholarship: This scholarship honors the founder of Western Dressage, Ellen DiBella, for her years of service to all things Morgan and especially her support in the creation of the WDAA (Western Dressage Association of America). To preserve and encourage the classical methods as applied to the Western discipline that Ellen DiBella strongly believed in, The Morgan Horse Foundation, Inc. shall make an award of up to $1000 to a Morgan individual wishing to further his or her skill, knowledge, or proficiency in ridden Western Dressage utilizing Morgan horses. Applicants must submit a fresh application package each year to be considered. Applications will be scored independently by a team of qualified reviewers designated by the MHF. Applicants will be notified no later than April 1st.
Deadline is November 30th.
The van Schaik Dressage Scholarship: Throughout his life, Dr. H.L.M. van Schaik fought to preserve the classical art of Horsemanship in dressage. To van Schaik, this meant utilizing gentleness, psychology and the horse’s innate qualities to develop a horse that is useful, willing and correct in his work. To preserve and encourage the classical methods van Schaik so strongly believed in, the Morgan Horse Foundation, Inc. (MHF) shall make an award of $1,000 to a Morgan individual wishing to further his or her skill, knowledge or proficiency in classically ridden dressage. Applicants must submit a fresh application package each year to be considered. Applications will be scored independently by a team of qualified reviewers designated by the AMHA. Applicants will be notified no later than the following April 1st.
Deadline is November 30th.