Heading off to college is a big step, whether you choose to go thousands of miles away or just an hour or two. Everything seems like it’s changing, but one thing that doesn’t have to change is how much you love horses! Whether you choose to make horses your major and get an equestrian college degree or just want to keep riding while in school, there are numerous ways to keep equines in your life.

If you’ve thought long and hard and decided you want to pursue a profession in the equine industry, whether as a professional rider, veterinarian, horse show manager or something else, you’ll have a lot of options to consider. As you explore the majors at schools you like, keep in mind that many schools will have equine options that are specifically theirs.

A Major Decision

Many of the majors mentioned here will have different concentrations, minors or certificates specific to the school that offers them. These could include concentrations in riding instruction and training, communications, management and more.

Here are some of the common equine majors related to equestrian college degrees.

◆ Equine Business or Equine Business Management

Students who graduate with an Equine Business or Equine Business Management degree typically combine equine science classes with traditional business classes, such as economics, law, marketing and accounting. Some of these classes will have an equine-specific slant, while others could be typical business classes that are applicable to any business, equine or not.

◆ Equine Studies

“Equine studies” is a catch-all term for a multi-faceted program of study that can culminate in either a bachelor’s or an associate degree. This degree is typically designed to provide students with the tools necessary to step into an entry-level position in the equine industry.

Required classes may include farm operations, equine anatomy and physiology, equine nutrition, record keeping, basic business classes, and selecting and operating farm machinery, among others.

◆ Equine Science

An Equine Science degree is traditionally part of a four-year degree program with a more intense focus on the sciences and how they apply to the equine industry. Students are typically required to take additional science classes and classes that focus on practical horse care, equine management, prevention and treatment of equine illness and disease. Classes on equine legal issues may also be included.

◆ Equine Training and Management

You may choose to major in discipline-specific training, whether in hunt seat, western, saddle seat or driving. You’ll learn classroom theory as well as get hands-on experience, typically in everything from breaking to finishing horses. Schools that offer training majors typically have large barns and many horses for students to work with. In addition, many schools also bring in clinicians and guest lecturers for expanded learning opportunities.

◆ Equine-Assisted Therapy

Also called equine-assisted wellness, equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted mental health, among other names, this is a stand-alone major at some schools and a minor or concentration at others. This degree is part of a rapidly growing field that partners mental health professionals and horses to foster healing with clients who may suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or abuse, in addition to serving those who may be developmentally challenged.

Riding in College

If you decide you don’t want an equine-related major or equestrian college degree, but still want to keep horses as part of your collegiate life, there are lots of ways to do it! Just as important as the horses is the ability to meet like-minded horse lovers—some of whom are destined to become your best college buddies. Some options to explore to keep riding in college include:

◆ The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA)

The most popular team riding opportunity for collegiate riders is the IHSA. This organization currently hosts over 400 member colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada, with more than 10,000 hunt seat and western riders. Because there are eight levels of hunt seat riding (walk-trot through open) and six levels of western riding (beginner through open/reining), there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned show-ring competitor or just starting out. Horses for IHSA competitions are provided by the host school, so you don’t have to have your own horse to participate.

◆ The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)

Designed to be an affordable and fun way for students to make dressage part of their college experience, riders compete both individually and in teams of four at Intro, Lower Training, Upper Training and First Level. Riders don’t need their own horse.

◆ The Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA)

The Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA) provides beginners through experienced saddle seat riders with the opportunity to learn to ride or continue their saddle-seat riding experience while in college. Owning a horse is not necessary.

◆ The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA)

Competing in the NCEA is every rider’s dream: you get a scholarship to ride in college! The mission of the NCEA is to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete in a collegiate national championship event. Unlike the majority of riding programs across the country, the 24 NCEA programs are supported by the school’s athletic department and riders receive the same treatment as other collegiate athletes. In NCEA competition, riders ride in head-to-head competition instead of competing against multiple other schools.

◆ The Intercollegiate Eventing Program

The United States Eventing Association’s Intercollegiate Eventing Program is just a few years old. Riders compete their own horses as individuals at regular horse trials but let the show secretary know they are riding as part of a team. From there, the scores from each team member are combined and then matched against other teams’ scores. A standalone championship takes place each year, offering Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels.

This article on equestrian college degrees and intercollegiate riding programs runs originally appeared in the September/October 2019 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Horses and Higher Ed appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

As students move on to higher education, such as colleges and universities, it can become stressful on them to figure out how to pay for it. Here is a collection of equestrian college grants and scholarships listed by organization and then by breed-related organizations below that. And for more about the intercollegiate equestrian associations, check out our Complete Guide to Intercollegiate Riding Programs.

Certified Horsemanship Association

CHA Educational Grant—This award from the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is due annually on September 1 and is based on career goals, objectives, and equine-related activities. Applicants must be a current CHA member in good standing, at least 18 years old, be enrolled in a recognized university/college equine program at time of application and cannot be a relative of a current member of the CHA board of directors or a staff member. For more information, go to www.cha.horse/how-to-host-a-cha-clinic-2/#clinic-scholarships.

Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF)

Margaret “Maggie” Blackmon Memorial Award—This award is awarded in honor of Margaret “Maggie” Blackmon, who was a 20-year-old junior studying anthropology at St. Lawrence University. She passed away suddenly in 2020 and was a three-year member of the St. Lawrence equestrian team. This scholarship recognizes a college-level rider who demonstrates the same passion and commitment to equestrian sport as Blackmon.

Jack Fritz Memorial Award—This scholarship was named in honor of Jack Fritz, a professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He co-founded the IHSA organization alongside Robert Cacchione, who was a student there at the time.

Joan Johnson Memorial Award—This award was named in honor of Joan Johnson, who was one of the founding members of the IHSA. To receive this award, students must turn in an application, official transcripts, and recommendation letters.

Emily Jane Hilscher Memorial Award—This scholarship was created in memory of Emily Jane Hilscher, who was a 19-year-old freshman studying veterinary science at Virginia Tech and who was one of the victims during the 2007 mass shooting on campus. She also competed on the Virginia Tech IHSA equestrian team.

For more information on these four scholarships, please visit www.iefscholarship.org/general-scholarships.

Jon Conyers Memorial Scholarship—IEF encourages coaches to nominate a rider from their team in honor of Jon Conyers. The nominee must be a full-time undergraduate Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) member who competes or has competed in the Introductory; Beginner Horsemanship; Pre-Novice, Novice, or Rookie Horsemanship divisions during the year of qualification for the award. The nominee must also be in good standing with the IHSA and the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) if the nominee is a hunter seat competitor. He or she must also demonstrate financial need and display a passion for horses and a desire to better themselves on and off the horse. For more information, visit www.iefscholarship.org/jon-conyers-scholarship.

Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF) for Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Members

Bob Anthony Memorial Scholarship—This scholarship was established in honor of Bob Anthony, a legendary horseman and National Reining Horse Association Hall of Fame inductee. Coaches are encouraged to nominate a rider from their team. The student must be a full-time undergraduate IHSA member who competes in the IHSA Open Reining class during the year of qualification for the award. Nominee must be in good standing with IHSA and demonstrate financial need. For more information, visit www.iefscholarship.org/bob-anthony-scholarship.

Teresa L. McDonald IHSA Scholarship Challenge—Teresa L. McDonald taught at Virginia Tech, was an active IHSA board member, and is a founder of the Intercollegiate Dressage Association. This scholarship challenge is a free online test covering non-discipline-specific general horsemanship topics that is open to all IHSA undergraduate members. The timed test consists of 50 questions from the USHJA study guide and will be available for a two-week time period during the spring semester. The participant with the top score from each zone is then invited to compete in the next phase at IHSA Nationals, along with the next top four scores from across the country. The top 10 combined scores at IHSA Nationals win scholarships. For more information, visit www.iefscholarship.org/horsemanship-challenge.

Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA)

The Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA) scholarship for $1,500 will be given to an undergraduate-full time student participating on an Intercollegiate Saddle Seat Riding Association (ISSRA) team and is applicable to the school of their choice. For more information, visit www.intercollegiatesaddleseatriding.com.

Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA)

Financial Assistance Program—This program was established through donations from the Equus Foundation. This fund was created to assist students that have the promise, potential, and desire to move forward in their careers but lack the financial support. This fund is also available to financially assist IEA coaches during times of unexpected misfortune or hardship. For more information, please go to www.rideiea.org/opportunities/for-riders.

Coaches Assistance Grant—This grant is made available for IEA coaches who has endured some unexpected event that affects their ability to generate income. They can apply to the IEA for a one time “hardship” donation. For more information, please go to www.rideiea.org/opportunities/for-riders.

National Sportsmanship Award—This award is available to recipients of the Sportsmanship winners for each of the regular season shows. In past years, the award winner has received $500 from the IEA with an additional $500 from the IHSA if that rider attends an IHSA college or university. For more information, please go to www.rideiea.org/opportunities/sportsmanship-award.

IEA Founders College Scholarship Awards—These awards are given out to the highest-placing senior and the second highest-placing senior from each of selected individual rider classes. For more information, please go to www.rideiea.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Founders-Scholarship-Page-2020.pdf.

Zone Specific Scholarships—Each IEA zone offers scholarships to graduating seniors. For more information, students should contact the zone administrator in their area.

Jockey Club

Jockey Club Scholarship—This award provides $15,000 (at $7,500 per semester) to a student who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher at any university and has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred racing industry. For more information, go to www.jockeyclub.com/Default.asp?section=Initiatives&area=15.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Division 1 and Division 2 schools are able to offer up to 15 scholarships per school. Division 3 schools must provide athletic scholarships per NCAA rules, so they typically make up for it in academic awards and scholarships. Equestrian programs are also allowed to divide scholarships into partial awards as a way to distribute scholarship dollars among a greater numbers of players. Scholarship eligibility requirements vary across individual schools, so interested applicants are encouraged to contact individual programs for more information.

National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHA)

The Reining Horse Foundation—The National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) members are encouraged to apply for seven annual scholarships provided by this program based on financial need, academic achievement, and reining involvement. Three scholarships valued at $2,000, two at $1,500, and two at $750 are awarded. For more information, please go to www.nrhya.com/scholarships.php or www.usef.org/media/press-releases/1680_reining-horse-sports-foundation-awards–in-scholarships.

Youth Team Tournament—Youth contestants from each affiliate championship youth contestants can receive an application and turn it in within seven days to be eligible to receive a $1,000 or $800 scholarship. For more information, please go to www.nrhya.com/scholarships.php.

John McQuay Memorial Scholarship—The NRHyA awards a $2,500 John McQuay Memorial Scholarship to the highest scoring individual in combine Youth 13 & Under and Youth 14-18 classes at the NRHA Derby. For more information, please go to www.nrhya.com/scholarships.php.

Varsity Reining Club (VRC)—Points that are received throughout the year are counted at the end of the year for both age divisions, and scholarships are awarded based on point earnings. For more information, please go to www.nrhya.com/scholarships.php.

The Race for Education Scholarship Program

This award assists horsemen and women pursuing a related education, including agricultural disciplines and animal stewardship. The Horsemen’s Scholarship and The Thoroughbred Scholarship are awarded to deserving students, who are evaluated based on background and income. Age and GPA are additional selection criteria for awards valued at up to $6,000 each. For more information, visit www.raceforeducation.org/programs/scholarships.

United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)

Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant—This grant from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) was created to promote proper horsemanship in equestrian youth. This is awarded at the zone and national level and each winner at the zone level will receive a $100 grant to be used toward education or equestrian-related expenses. Each winner during Pony Finals will receive a $500 grant to be used towards educational-related expenses. For more information, visit www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/hunter/emerson-burr-horsemanship-grant.

Youth Sportsman—This award was made to identify future leaders within the equine industry. Individuals 17 or younger, as of December 1 of the current competition year, can apply. To be eligible, applicants must be active members in good standing with USEF and their recognized national affiliate or international discipline association. The overall winner with receive a commemorative trophy and a $1,000 grant payable to the educational program of choice. The reserve winner will receive a $500 grant payable to the educational program of choice. The application runs from May 1-September 5 of each year. For more information, go to www.usef.org/learning-center/youth-programs/grants-scholarships/youth-sportsman.

Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship—USEF offers five separate $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors preparing to enter a college or university. The scholarship funds are provided to students interested in furthering his or her equestrian education throughout college. Students must be actively competing or are registered fan members of USEF. They also should be preparing to enter a college or university in the fall of the current competition year. Applicants must turn in an essay, at least one reference from an individual within the horse industry, and a completed application. For more information, go to www.usef.org/learning-center/youth-programs/grants-scholarships/high-school-scholarship.

United States Equestrian Association (USEA)

Wilton Fair Fund Grants—This program allows up to $100,000 in grants to be given out each year for a variety of educational opportunities for riders 29 and under who have not yet ridden for a senior team.

Rebecca Broussard Developing Riders Grant—Available to riders at the CCI4*-S and above who have not yet represented the United States in official team competition. The National Developing Rider Grant awards $10,000 to one rider at the USEF convention and the International Developing Rider Grant award $50,000 to one rider at convention.

The Essex Horse Trials Grant—This award is made available to a rider aged 25 and under who is competing successfully at the CCI4*-S and above and who is working towards representing the U.S. in international team competition. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

Seema Sonnad Junior Rider’s Grant—This award is made available for riders 14-18 years of age who are competing successfully at the Preliminary/two-star level and who are working towards representing their area at the North American Youth Championships CCI3*-S team competing the following year. The grant may be used for expenses related to equestrian education, coaching, training, and competing.

Worth The Trust Scholarship—This award is a $4,000 scholarship that is available to riders 16 years old or older who have declared amateur status with the USEA.

Le Samurai Fund – Area Adult Amateur Education Grants—The USEA Foundation has a total of $10,000 annually from this fund for adult amateur education programs that are USEA Area activities.

For more information on USEA scholarship and grants, please go to www.useventing.com/events-competitions/awards/grants.

United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)

The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has more than 50 grants and scholarships readily available, offering more than $90,000 in funding to support members across the nation who hold a current paid membership with the USHJA. Individual grant or scholarship criteria are outlined in the application. Members are encouraged to visit www.ushja.org/zones-affiliates and look more into what their zone is offering.

$25,000 Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education—This award is designed to encourage further education among equestrians. The USHJA Foundation awards up to $25,000 to be used for college, graduate, trade or professional school to one USHJA member each year. For more information, please go to www.ushja.org/foundation/how-we-help/hamel-family-scholarship-further-education.

Horseman’s Assistance Fund—This program was established to provide emergency financial support to active USHJA members who require assistance as a result of accident or illness. For more information and eligibility requirements, please go to www.ushja.org/foundation/how-we-help/horsemans-assistance-fund.

Gochman Grant for USEF Pony Finals Presented by Collecting Gaits Farm—This award is offered to three young pony riders to give the opportunity to attend and compete at USEF Pony Finals. For more information and eligibility requirements, go to www.ushja.org/foundation/how-we-help/gochman-grant-usef-pony-finals.

J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant—This award was made available to encourage excellence in the equitation arena for inspiring junior riders with a passion for equitation to pursue their goals. For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit www.ushja.org/foundation/how-we-help/jt-tallon-memorial-equitation-grant.

Alvin Topping Governance Grant—This award was established to provide one $500 grant to assist one USHJA member, 25 years of age or under with funding to support their attendance at the USHJA or USEF annual meetings. For more information and eligibility requirements, please go to www.ushja.org/foundation/how-we-help/alvin-topping-governance-grant.

Charles “Chuck” Keller Grant for Equestrian Excellence—This award was established to provide an annual $500 grant to one USHJA Emerging Athletes National Training Session participant to further his or her equestrian training to pursue excellence. For more information, please visit www.ushja.org/foundation/how-we-help/keller-grant-equestrian-excellence.

Horsemanship Quiz Challenge (HQC) National Grant—The HQC offers participants to take two levels of online horsemanship quizzes, which consist of multiple-choice and true/false questions to quality for the HQC Nationals. To learn more about the HQC, please go to www.ushja.org/education/horsemanship-quiz-challenge.

Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program (EAP)—This program was created to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their education to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper industry. For more information, please go to www.ushja.org/education/emerging-athletes-program.

Trainer Certification Program (TCP) Grant—This program was developed to preserve the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System by offering an educational program for professional horse trainers. To learn more about the TCP, please go to www.ushja.org/education/trainer-certification-program.

United States Pony Club (USPC)

The United States Pony Club (USPC) distributes financial assistance at multiple schools across the United States. USPC members can earn awards based on criteria established by each school. Only certain schools partake in the USPC scholarship program, so students should check with potential schools they are considering to find out more information.

Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA)

IHSA/YEDA National Achievement Award—This award, sponsored by the Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA), goes to the YEDA alumni rider that achieves the highest placing in individual western classes in any IHSA western division. The scholarship award is $250, and the YEDA member would have to have been on a YEDA team and competed for at least one season to be eligible. For more information, visit www.ihsainc.com/membership/scholarships.

Scholarship Incentive Fund—This scholarship was designed to provide support for competition members who are graduating seniors based on their individual performance. Applicants must be a YEDA member during their senior year of high school to receive a distribution. For more information, please visit www.showyeda.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2020-2021-Scholarship-Incentive-Fund-SIF-Application-Packet-Information-Rules-Applications-PDF-.pdf.

Tim McHugh Dodge Jeep Senior Achievement Scholarship—This $1,000 scholarship’s due date is March 1, and the winner will be announced and presented at the YEDA national championships. The winner will receive their award and a certificate to recognize their outstanding achievement. For more information, please visit www.showyeda.com/scholarships-2/scholarships.

ROSS Environmental Services, Inc Junior & Senior Achievement Scholarships—One $2,000 senior scholarship and one $1,000 junior scholarship will be awarded. The due date is March 1, and the winners will be announced and presented at the YEDA national championships. The winners will receive their award and a certificate to recognize their outstanding achievements. For more information, please visit www.showyeda.com/scholarships-2/ross-scholarship.

Lakota of Ohio Senior Achievement Scholarship—This scholarship’s due date is March 1, and the winner will be announced and presented at the YEDA national Championships. The winner will receive their award and a certificate to recognize their outstanding achievement. For more information, please visit www.showyeda.com/scholarships-2/lakota-of-ohio-senior-achievement-scholarship.

Breed Organizations

Various breed organizations offer a plethora of scholarships and grants for college students. Here are just a few examples.

American Paint Horse Foundation

The American Paint Horse Foundation (APHF) offers 53 academic scholarships each year. For consideration, students must be a member of the American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) or the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) for the past three years, must be a graduating high school senior (or apply within two years of graduating), must pass a college entrance examination, provide three letters of reference, and submit an essay explaining their educational plans. Once granted a scholarship, the student must maintain a “B” or 3.0 GPA each academic year to be eligible for renewal. For more information, visit www.apha.com/foundation/scholarship-application-info/academic-scholarships.

American Quarter Horse Foundation (AQHF)

The American Quarter Horse Foundation (AQHF) recipients are selected based on academic achievement, financial need, and Quarter Horse involvements, as well as an applicant’s leadership and communication skills. Applicants must submit an application form with financial information, three reference letters or appraisal forms, and a high school or college transcript. Students applying for a state or regional scholarship will also need to provide proof of membership in their state. For more information, visit www.aqhfoundation.smapply.io/prog/aqhf_scholarship_program.

Arabian Horse Association

◆ Region III Scholarship – www.diabloaha.org/youth-members/scholarships
◆ West Michigan Arabian Horse Association – www.wmaha.org/scholarships.html
◆ AHA Youth Scholarships – www.diabloaha.org/youth-members/scholarships
◆ Dale and Debbie Harvill Foundation Scholarship – www.diabloaha.org/youth-members/scholarships
◆ More AHA Scholarships – www.arabianhorses.org/export/content.export/youth-docs/AHYA_Scholarships.pdf

American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA)

◆ ASHA Youth Scholarships – www.asha.net/clubs/youthscholarships

American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA)

◆ All AMHA Scholarships – www.morganhorse.com/youth/scholarships
◆ Alex Mooney Memorial Scholarship – www.morganhorse.com/upload/photos/863Alex_19_scholarship.pdf
◆ American Morgan Horse Educational Charitable Trust – www.amhect.org

Appaloosa Youth Association (AYA)

◆ AYA Scholarships – www.appaloosayouth.com/contests/scholarships.html

American Shetland Pony Club

◆ ASPC Scholarships – www.shetlandminiature.com/programs/youth/awards

Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America, Inc. (WPCSA)

◆ WPCSA Scholarships – www.wpcsa.org/youth/scholarship-application

College-Specific Equestrian Scholarships and Grants

Many colleges may offer their own form of equestrian scholarships and grants. These vary based on different schools, so students are highly encouraged to be in contact with the potential schools they are considering to find out more about college-specific award options.

The post A Primer on Equestrian Scholarships and Grants appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) and Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation (IEF), Inc. is proud to announce and congratulate the 2020 academic achievement and scholarship award winners. Academic achievement awards are presented to those who have earned a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) or above throughout the academic year. Scholarships are awarded to those members who meet eligibility requirements, excel in horsemanship and in the classroom, and demonstrate financial need.

“We love seeing our members excel in the classroom as well as in the show ring,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “It is our aim that members’ academic and IHSA equestrian experience helps prepare them for life beyond college.”

As the oldest and largest of the intercollegiate equestrian organizations with more than 10,000 members, IHSA welcomes men and women of all riding levels to compete in individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, western horsemanship and reining at more than 400 member colleges and universities in 47 states and Canada. IHSA college and university team participation is represented through a variety of programs including varsity athletics, academic departments and club sports. IEF fosters and promotes intercollegiate equestrian activities and competition through the awarding of scholarships and grants.

IHSA Academic Achievement Awards

The Senior Athletic Academic Achievement Awards are presented to IHSA members who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and have been a member of their intercollegiate equestrian team for three years, including their senior year.

Congratulations to the 2020 IHSA Senior Athletic Academic Achievement Award recipients. Click here for the full list of winners.

The IHSA recognizes its members who excel academically throughout the year with the All-Academic Awards. Eligibility for the First Team All-Academic Award members must have a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher, and a 3.5 or higher for the Second Team All-Academic Award.

Congratulations to all of the IHSA All-Academic Award winners. See the First Team All-Academic and Second Team All-Academic winners.

The Teresa McDonald Scholarship Challenge is comprised of a written test and a practicum held at the IHSA National Championships. Due to the unique situation this year, the 2020 awards are presented to the members in each zone with the highest written test scores.

Congratulations to the Teresa McDonald Scholarship Challenge written test high scores. See the written test high scores by zone here.

IEF Scholarships

The Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation, Inc. (IEF) scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who have competed in intercollegiate equestrian activities and are based on criteria including academic achievement, equestrian sport achievement, community service and financial need.

The mission of the IEF is to foster and promote intercollegiate equestrian activities by providing scholarships and grants. The IEF presents multiple general scholarships each year. Included in these general IEF scholarships are three named awards.

• The Jack Fritz Memorial Award in honor of the legendary horseman, scholar and co-founder of the IHSA, Jack Fritz.
• The Joan Johnson Memorial Award in honor of Joan Johnson (JJ), IHSA founding member, Stony Brook University equestrian team coach, Associate National Steward (1967-2000), Zone 3 chairperson and chair of the Scholarship Foundation since its inception. Johnson is remembered for her uncommon devotion and leadership of the IHSA.
• The Emily Jane Hilscher Memorial Award created in memory of Hilscher, a 19-year-old Virginia Tech freshman. She was studying veterinary science and was among the victims of the massacre at Virginia Tech in 2007. Along with competing on the Virginia Tech equestrian team, Hilscher was an animal lover, horsewoman, passionate cook and creative artist.
• The Margaret “Maggie” Blackmon Memorial Award is awarded in honor of Blackmon, a 20-year-old junior studying anthropology at St. Lawrence University. A three-year member of the St. Lawrence riding team, Blackmon passed away suddenly in 2020. Her love of horses and riding led her to develop tremendous skills and knowledge transferable to all aspects of her life. This scholarship recognizes a collegiate rider who demonstrates the same passion and commitment to equestrian sport.

The IEF also awards two noted scholarships, the Jon Conyers Memorial Scholarship and Bob Anthony Memorial Scholarship. Recipients must be nominated by their coaches and meet eligibility criteria.

The Jon Conyers Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a freshman or sophomore in his or her first year of competition in the introductory, beginner horsemanship, pre-novice, novice or rookie horsemanship divisions and must be a full-time IHSA undergraduate member in good standing, display a passion for horses, strive for excellence, and demonstrate financial need.

Conyers competed in the IHSA, instructed and coached for multiple college programs, served as an IHSA board member in many capacities, including regional president, zone chairperson, director of alumni, director-at-large and national horse show manager.

The Bob Anthony Memorial Scholarship is in memoriam of legendary horseman, NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee and six-time NHRA World Champion, Bob Anthony.

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be a full-time undergraduate IHSA member in good standing, compete in open reining throughout the year, and demonstrate financial need.

The IHSA congratulates the IEF scholarship award winners. For a full list of the IEF Scholarship Award winners, click here.

The post Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation Announces 2020 Academic Awards and Scholarship Winners appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

“We are so proud to announce this first group of inductees into the IHSA Hall of Fame,” said Peter Cashman, interim IHSA executive director. “We honor these legendary leaders for the impact they’ve had on collegiate and mainstream equestrian sports and for the good of the industry.”

Robert E. “Bob: Cacchione

Cacchione, from Harrison, N.Y., and now Fairfield, Conn., founded the IHSA as the first official collegiate riding and competition organization in 1967. With as many as 250,000 men and women that have participated in the IHSA, he has made a profound impact on the equestrian world. Cacchione was just age 18 and a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, N.J., when he launched the program. He has made the organization his life’s work and passion. He served as IHSA executive director for more than 52 years. The organization now has more than 400 participating colleges and universities and 10,000 members.

Because the IHSA offers all levels of competition, from beginner through advanced, it gives college students a way to learn to how to ride,. Therefore, IHSA has made a significant contribution to the grassroots development of the equestrian sports.

In addition to joining the IHSA Hall of Fame, Cacchione has been recognized for his commitment to college riding with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Presidents Distinguished Service Award, U.S. Equestrian/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award, a Doctor of Humane Letters from Centenary College, and the American Horse Publications Equine Industry Vision Award, sponsored by Zoetis. He also serves as vice chairman of the Gentlemen’s Committee of the National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park. He retired from the executive director position in September 2019 and continues to promote the IHSA and serve as founder emeritus.

John H. “Jack” Fritz (1925-2012)

Fritz was originally from Rockford, Ill., and later from Gladstone, N.J. Fritz was the equestrian coach of Fairleigh Dickinson University at the Madison campus, one of two inaugural teams that competed at the first IHSA horse show in 1967. He served as an adviser and mentor to Cacchione in the early days of the IHSA. Fritz founded several key equestrian organizations, including the United States Combined Training Association (USCTA, now the United States Eventing Association, or USDF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF).

Fritz was a member of the United States Equestrian Team (USET) board of directors since the early 1960s, serving as USET vice president for administration and the chief executive officer from 1974 to 1989. He served on various committees of the American Horse Shows Association (now the United States Equestrian Federation, or USEF/U.S. Equestrian) and was a sustaining member of the United States Pony Club (USPC) since 1955. He was named a USPC governor in 1960 and in 1961 became a national examiner, a role he held for 30 years. He was elected president in 1981. Fritz dedicated his life to equestrian sports, promoting the IHSA and the greater horse industry.

Sally Batton

Sally Batton of Canton, Ohio, coached and taught at Centenary University before accepting the position as head coach of the Dartmouth College Equestrian Team. Batton coached the Dartmouth team for 29 seasons and has coached at the collegiate level for 35 years. She led the Dartmouth equestrian team to five Ivy League titles in 1997, 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2016. Batton also sent numerous Dartmouth riders to IHSA National Championships.

Batton served on the IHSA board of directors from 1984-2017, first as a regional president, then chair of several committees, and she served as IHSA National Steward from 2001 to 2017. In 2008, Batton was named the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) Instructor of the Year and is an ARIA Certified Level III hunter seat trainer and a USHJA certified trainer. Batton was awarded the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. She retired in 2019 and plans to continue teaching and working with the Athletic Equestrian League she founded in 2010.

Cindy Ford

Originally from Albany, N.Y., Ford coached at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs from 1988 to 2019. She is the winningest coach in the IHSA, earning eight IHSA national team championships. Ford guided her first team to a repeat national championship in 1991 and then proceeded to win national titles in 1995, 1996, 1999, 2010, 2013 and 2018. Ford was honored by her peers with the IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Her 1991, 1995 and 1999 teams were inducted into the Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame along with Courtney Phibbs, who in 1997, became one of her most decorated and successful riders. In 2019, Ford announced her retirement. She proceeded to lead her team to an unbeaten regular season, won regional and zone championships and finished fourth at IHSA Nationals.

Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden

Madden, originally from Milwaukee, Wisc., was the 1984 IHSA Cacchione Cup winner as a member of the Southern Seminary team. She launched her grand prix show jumping career in 1985. She was the first woman to achieve $1 million in earnings in show jumping. Madden is an Individual Olympic Bronze medalist and was a member of Team Gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, where she rode Authentic. She was also a member of the U.S Silver-medal team in 2016 with Cortes ‘C.’

In 2013, Madden won the FEI World Cup Finals in Gothenburg, Sweden, aboard Simon. Madden followed up that win with a repeat in 2018 with Breitling LS. She became the first rider to win the $1 Million AIG HITS Grand Prix in all three locations offered in 2019 with her win with Darry Lou.

Madden is one of the greatest riders in U.S. history and continues to deliver consistent wins. In September, she notched a second win of the CP International Grand Prix, earning the victory gallop of the coveted $1 million event with Darry Lou. Madden, who is now based out of her farm in Cazenovia, N.Y., is a four-time recipient of the USEF Equestrian of the Year award.

Cindy Morehead

Cindy Morehead, from Milford, N.H., joined the Findlay University equestrian program upon its inception in 1977 and served as the IHSA team coach from 2005 to 2017. Morehead led the Findlay Western team to four national titles (2005, 2007, 2009 and 2010). She also led the Oilers to four reserve national championships, coached four American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) national high-point riders, won 13 regional team championships, 12 semi-final titles and coached 13 regional high-point riders. She coached 29 of her riders to capture national titles during her tenure with the team. In 2018, the University of Findlay presented Morehead with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a part of the Oilers Athletic Hall of Fame to honor outstanding individuals who have attained an extremely high level of success in their industry, sport or profession. She is also a long-standing director of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. Morehead is a well-respected clinician and judge.

J.T. Tallon (1953-2015)

Born in Phoenixville, Penn., and later moved to Lexington, Va., J.T. Tallon coached the Southern Seminary and Randolph Macon Women’s College teams. With his leadership, he held the longest winning streak in IHSA history. As an assistant coach for Southern Seminary, the team won for four back-to-back national championships and, as the head coach and equestrian director for Southern Seminary, won the team title four times. Tallon was well-known throughout the Virginia horse community as an enthusiastic teacher and competition judge. He retired from Randolph-Macon in 2011 and died in an automobile accident in 2015. In 2016, Tallon was posthumously awarded the IHSA Pioneer Award for his contributions to collegiate riding.

Clifford

Clifford, also known as “the big red horse,” was a member of the Cornell University team. From 2004 to 2010, the 1996 chestnut gelding was every IHSA rider’s favorite draw. Donated by a client of Gary Duffy, he partnered with various IHSA members to win many national titles, including two USEF Cacchione Cup wins. He competed in nine IHSA National Championships, more than 30 IHSA regional and regular season shows in flat and jumping classes by riders of every level. Clifford was the recipient of multiple National Hunter Seat Horse of the Year awards.

All of these inductees make fitting additions to the IHSA Hall of Fame.

About the IHSA

The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) welcomes men and women of all riding levels and offers individual and team competition in hunter seat equitation, Western horsemanship and reining at more than 400 member colleges and universities. Membership in IHSA means that college students can participate in horse shows regardless of their experience or financial status. Students compete at eight levels from beginner through advanced with suitable provided horses, eliminating the expense of horse ownership.

Founded in 1967 by Bob Cacchione, it is the oldest and largest intercollegiate equestrian organization with 10,000 members in 47 states and Canada. IHSA college and university team participation is represented through a variety of programs, including varsity athletics, academic departments and club sports. IHSA offers valuable hands-on experience and professional development in multiple facets of the equine industry. Many IHSA teams participate in service projects, giving back to their communities. Through the IHSA, students enhance their college experience and develop the tools that help build successful careers.

For more information about IHSA and the IHSA Hall of Fame, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

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