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Find And Win Equestrian Scholarships

By Dorthy Lloyd


Everyone should know that many scholarships go unclaimed because no one applies for them. Since higher education costs are high, making use of free money just makes sense. Major awards may be hotly contended for, but others go unnoticed by the general public. Equestrian scholarships are one fairly restricted field that students interested in a career in the horse industry, or talented riders who want to focus on other fields, should definitely check out.

There are many kinds of aid available for qualified students. Some are based on need, others on academic excellence. Athletic prowess is a well-known way to get a free ride to a degree. But there are others, like a beauty pageant prize or a talent show award, or ones which reward community service or club membership. Schools offer help with tuition and other costs, as well. Every avenue should be explored when facing the huge investment a college education requires.

Much of the money available is not too specific, but other awards may depend on certain courses of study or participation in certain activities. An academic scholarship may be used for tuition and textbooks of any kind, while an athletic scholarship might require consistent and active participation in a certain sport. Some may require maintenance of a satisfactory grade point level, while others are one-time awards that have no such stipulation.

Outstanding riders, both English and western, will find opportunities from show associations and from schools which field competitive riding teams. Equine sports are becoming more popular and more of a spectator sport, as jumping, eventing, and rodeo events are televised and high profile people compete. A well-rounded education can be paid for if a rider has shown true excellence in competition.

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.

Schools which offer complete equine industry degree programs often field competitive teams. A regional list can be found on the home site of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. (Winning at intramural competitions is one way schools attract students who may go on to become leaders in the industry). There are dedicated websites that post scholarship offers of all kinds, including equine ones.

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.

Civic groups like the Lions or the Rotary Club offer aid, as do corporate and retail entities. The Internet makes is easier than ever to find out about even obscure offers of help with tuition and books.




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