Juniors’ Ring

Three Ways USEF Can Help You Pay for School

If you’re looking for scholarship or grant opportunities, don’t forget that the equestrian side of your life can help.

Start by checking out the United States Equestrian Federation’s three major opportunities for USEF members: the Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship, USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award, and the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant. All have deadlines this summer, so move fast to take advantage of this chance to earn funds toward your education.

For more information about USEF grants and scholarships, visit usef.org/learning-center/ youth-programs/grants-scholarships.

The Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship

Deadline: July 31

Open to graduating high-school seniors, the Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship offers five $1,000 scholarships to students committed to furthering their equestrian knowledge and skills during their college or university careers.

Applicants must continue their involvement in equestrian sport or activities throughout their higher education to be eligible. That can mean by pursuing an equine-related degree or classes, but it can also be through participation in an intercollegiate team or club, an equestrianrelated internship or job, volunteer work, or any other proven commitment to equestrian sport and learning. Scholarship funds go directly to the recipients’ educational institution.

To apply, students must be active competing or subscribing members of USEF who are preparing to enter college or university in the fall of the current competition year.

Applicants must submit a completed application form, an essay, and at least one reference from an individual from the horse industry. Applications must be submitted to the USEF office in Lexington, Ky., no later than July 31.

For more information, contact Emily McSweeney at emcsweeney@usef.org.

USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award

Deadline: Aug. 15

US Equestrian established the Youth Sportsman’s Award to identify future leaders across all breeds and disciplines in the equine industry and to distinguish outstanding youths for their

Rebecca Share is the 2022 USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award winner.

achievements. The award comes with a $1,000 grant payable to the educational program of their choice; reserve winners also receive a grant of $500 payable to the educational program of their choice.

The Youth Sportsman’s Award is open to those age 17 or younger as of Dec. 1 of the current competition year who are active members in good standing with US Equestrian and their recognized national affiliate organization. Applicants are expected to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport; serve as a positive role model for peers; and exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles. They are also required to show that they are involved at any level (local, regional, or national) in equestrian competition and in their communities, and they must provide three letters of reference.

For complete application requirements, visit usef.org/learning-center/ youth-programs/grants-scholarships/ youth-sportsman or contact Emily McSweeney at emcsweeney@usef.org.

Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant

Deadline: Varies by competition venue

The Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant program is open to junior riders competing in hunter/jumper pony classes at participating horse shows at the Zone and National levels. Winners at the Zone level receive a $100 grant to be used toward educational or equestrian-related expenses; National winners receive a $500 grants to be used toward educationrelated expenses. Grants are awarded in four age groups: eight and under, nine to 11, 12 to 14, and 15-17.

Emerson Burr competitions take place at participating horse shows throughout the year. At the Zone level, each participant takes a short multiple-choice tests on horsemanship, as well as a possible essay question. The National level competition takes place each year at the USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms, which this year run Aug. 8-14. The National competition consists of two parts: all participants take a multiple-choice test, and the top four finishers in each age group from the multiplechoice exam move on to a hands-on horsemanship test. Winners are chosen from each age group based on knowledge and horsemanship skills.

For a list of participating Zone competitions, more detailed information, and suggested study material, visit usef.org/compete/disciplines/hunter/emersonburr-horsemanship-grant or contact Samantha Robinson at srobinson@usef.org.

Opposite: The Emerson Burr Horsemanship Grant competitions consist of a multiple-choice written test at the Zone level and a multiplechoice test and hands-on horsemanship test at the National level. Above: Equestrian sport promotes mental and physical wellbeing and teaches equestrians valuable life skills, but it also can help students fund their educations.