Thursday, July 30, 2015

How To Find Equestrian Scholarships

By Dorthy Lloyd


Almost anyone can benefit from a little help when it comes time for higher education. College or university is expensive, but the fact remains that a degree helps find significant work in any field. Fortunately thousands of public, private, corporate, and civic organizations offer financial aid for tuition and other expenses. Many of these are unused, since no one applies for them. Dedicated equestrian scholarships are only one of many kinds of awards that a student interested in working with horses may qualify for.

All sorts of aid is out there, from purely academic packages to those offered to athletes. Some are based on community service, others given to winners of beauty pageants or talent contests. Institutions offer their own aid for students who meet the academic requirements but who may be unable to pay their own way completely.

Many a scholarship does not specify how it should be used, stipulating merely that the monies go for tuition and necessary expenses such as books or room and board. Others cover only certain activities or expenses. An athletic award, for instance, many only be binding as long as the student participates in a certain sport. An academic award might require maintenance of a certain grade point level. Institutional funds will probably not follow a student who transfers to another school.

Riding can pave the way to college. Both English and western organizations proudly award financial aid year after year. As horse shows and rodeos gain popularity as a spectator sport, schools have come to offer degree programs in all sorts of equine activities and to field teams for intramural competitions. Whether the sport is barrel racing, polo, or Grand Prix jumping, success in the arena can count for more than ribbons or belt buckles.

Breed associations also offer funds for higher education. A boy or girl can apply for aid if they show - or sometimes merely own - an Arabian or an Appaloosa, for instance. Those who have Quarterhorses, Saddlebreds, Morgans, or other breeds should check out what is available. A student may qualify for several of the small, one-time awards given throughout the horse industry.

The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association maintains a list of college and university teams across the country. Their website offers a lot of other information as well and is a good starting point for those who are top-notch riders. Schools with horse-based programs place a high priority on winning in intramural competition.

People who can't compete at the top level or who may not even want to ride may still want to work with horses. There are courses in barn management, riding school operation, the legalities of the equine industry, equine nutrition, and in things like dentistry or hoof care for horses. This field is as amenable to individual talents and inclinations.

The internet makes it easy to search out offers of financial aid from community organizations like the Rotary Club, from youth groups like the Boy and Girl Scouts, from retail and corporate organizations, and from private sources. The schools themselves will publicize the aid they can offer. Students who want help paying for the education they need should start earlier rather than later to see what is available.




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