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Many scholarships for equine studies are available nationwide for horse lovers to finance their undergraduate or graduate degree.
Equine studies programs are focused on educating students on how these large, intelligent creatures must be trained, housed, groomed, fed, and bred. Most equine science degrees will include barn workshop sessions for gaining hands-on experience with several horse breeds. Graduates are prepared to pursue diverse jobs in stable management, hoof care, equine veterinary medicine, horse training, horse racing, rehabilitation, equine journalism, and more.
If you’re ready to jump into the saddle, start lassoing in some of these money-saving equine studies scholarships to afford your degree.
1. AQHF Racing Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 1st
Ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 in value, the AQHF Racing Scholarship Program is held annually by the American Quarter Horse Association for college students who are studying equine studies or a related major for a career in the horse racing industry. Eligible candidates must be accepted at an accredited college, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, have experience in horse racing, and exhibit financial need. Funding can be applied to two or four-year degree programs.
Contact
AQHF Racing Scholarship Program
2601 East Interstate 40
Amarillo, TX 79104
(806) 378-5040
foundation@aqha.org
Scholarship Link
2. Barbara J. Stock Scholarship
Deadline: December 1st
Annually, the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Professional Horsemen’s Association (EPPHA) offers the Barbara J. Stock Scholarship for children of professional horsemen and women who are attending an accredited college to major in equine science or a related field. Qualified applicants for the $1,000 scholarship must have parents with EPPHA membership, be Pennsylvania residents, provide two character references, submit an official secondary school transcript, and write a brief one-page biography about their equestrian interests.
Contact
Barbara J. Stock Scholarship
84 Derstine Road Suite 1217
Hatfield, PA 19440
phamare@netcarrier.com
3. Bunge North America FFA Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
As one of several equine studies scholarships offered by the Future Farmers of America, the Bunge North America FFA Scholarship is awarded for $1,000 annually for graduating high school seniors pursuing an accredited two or four-year degree. Acceptable majors include agriculture, engineering, equine science, public service, marketing, and management. Eligible applicants should reside in the continental U.S., exhibit strong leadership skills, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and wish to work in the agricultural field.
Contact
Bunge North America FFA Scholarship
6060 FFA Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268
(317) 802-6060
Scholarships@ffa.org
4. Cliff Murray and Floyd Fuller Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
Sponsored by the Vermont Horse Council, the Cliff Murry and Floyd Fuller Scholarship is granted for $1,000 each year for graduating high school seniors bound for pursuing equine studies at any in-state college or university. For consideration, candidates must reside in Vermont, have extensive experience with horses, be seeking an equine-related career, and be VHC members in good standing. Selection will be made based on volunteer service with horses, leadership potential, financial need, and academic achievement.
Contact
Cliff Murray and Floyd Fuller Scholarship
P.O. Box 314
Sheffield, VT 05866
(802) 626-5085
waterdanceacres@yahoo.com
5. Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship
Deadline: December 1st
Highly regarded for being one of the most lucrative graduate equine studies scholarships, the Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship is bestowed annually for $75,000 through the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Eligible applicants must be enrolled at an AVMA-accredited veterinary medical school in the United States or Canada with equine-focused studies. Recipients must be entering their third year, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate a desire for working in equine veterinary practice.
Contact
Coyote Rock Ranch Veterinary Scholarship
2601 East Interstate 40
Amarillo, TX 79104
(806) 378-5040
foundation@aqha.org
6. Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
Established by the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF), the Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship will deliver $2,500 each year to honor the legacy of an enthusiastic racer in the Harness Racing Hall of Fame Communicator’s Corner. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, plan to enroll as full-time undergraduate students, be majoring in equine studies, and express a keen interest in a harness racing industry career. Parents’ IRS tax returns must be attached to the application to demonstrate financial need.
Contact
Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship
16575 Carey Road
Westfield, IN 46074
(317) 867-5877
Ellen@hhyf.org
Scholarship Link
7. Doris C. Murphy Endowed Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Through the Equine Science Center at Rutgers University, the Doris C. Murphy Endowed Scholarship is available annually to provide $1,000 for full-time undergraduate women who are majoring in Animal Sciences with a minor in Equine Science. Applicants must be New Jersey residents, be accepted into the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, have academic merit with a minimum GPA of 3.0, possess unmet financial need, and demonstrate a clear passion for equine studies.
Contact
Doris C. Murphy Endowed Scholarship
57 U.S. Highway 1
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(848) 932-9419
esc@aesop.rutgers.edu
8. Dorothy Potter Scholarship Program
Deadline: December 1st
The Massachusetts Horse Council (MHC) offers the Dorothy Potter Scholarship Program each year to award $1,000 to active junior or senior members in good standing who are currently attending college with any equine-related major. Along with the application, candidates must submit an official transcript showing a minimum cumulative average of 2.6, a one-page resume, and a color or black/white photograph head shot. There’s also a Board of Governors Scholarship given for high school seniors planning to study equine science.
Contact
Dorothy Potter Scholarship Program
540 Drift Road
Westport, MA 02790
(508) 636-8620
JoTeh2@comcast.net
9. Ed Frickey Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: July 1st
Sponsored by the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation (AHHSF), the Ed Frickey Memorial Scholarship is gifted for $2,500 each year to sophomore, junior, or senior college undergraduates majoring in equine studies. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need, show involvement with Hackney horses or ponies, be committed to the equine industry, and have a track record of academic success. After reviewing applications and reference letters, finalists will be chosen and invited to a personal interview.
Contact
Ed Frickey Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 372
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-5977
palisadesranch@aol.com
10. Edward and Mary Crosby Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
At the University of Findlay, the Edward and Mary Crosby Scholarship is granted for $1,500 each academic year for incoming freshmen majoring in equestrian studies or pre-veterinary medicine to pursue their vocation working with horses. Eligible students must have a high school diploma, be actively involved in extra-curricular activities, hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and plan to maintain full-time enrollment in the College of Sciences. Priority is given to those participating in the equine 4-H program.
Contact
Edward and Mary Crosby Scholarship
1000 North Main Street
Findlay, OH 45840
(419) 434-4732
henderson-dean@findlay.edu
11. Fritz Lang Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
Each year, the Fritz Lang Foundation Scholarship is awarded for $1,200 per semester for several graduating seniors attending high schools in Jefferson Davis, Vermilion, and Acadia parishes. Eligible applicants must be accepted for full-time enrollment at McNeese State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Louisiana Tech University, or Louisiana State University with an acceptable major, including equine science. Students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and score at least 16 on the ACT test.
Contact
Fritz Lang Foundation Scholarship
P.O. Box 6300
Lake Charles, LA 70606
(337) 474-2840
wanda@fritzlangfoundation.org
12. Genevieve C. Geeve Scholarship Fund
Deadline: August 1st
The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has created the Genevieve C. Geeve Scholarship Fund to provide $500 for graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into an undergraduate degree program for equestrian science, horse husbandry, and/or related studies. Qualified applicants must reside in Maine, be accepted at any U.S. higher learning institution, show academic merit, have financial need, and be actively involved in horse-related volunteer or community service.
Contact
Genevieve C. Geeve Scholarship Fund
28 Third Hill Drive
Stockton Springs, ME 04981
(207) 567-6511
Education@FAMEmaine.com
Scholarship Link
13. Idaho Horse Council Education Scholarship
Deadline: February 10th
Since 1999, the Idaho Horse Council Education Scholarship has been granted for $1,000 to legal state residents who are graduating from accredited high schools and pursuing post-secondary studies related to equine science. Qualified candidates must hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, demonstrate involvement with the horse industry, attach ACT/SAT scores, submit three letters of personal recommendation, and exhibit leadership potential. Three of these undergraduate equine studies scholarships are awarded each year.
Contact
Idaho Horse Council Education Scholarship
16114 Idaho Center Boulevard Suite 5
Nampa, ID 83687
(208) 465-5477
hymas@cox.net
14. Isaac Murphy Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 25th
Using funding from Team Valor International, the Race for Education hosts the Isaac Murphy Scholarship Program annually to award up to $5,000 to African American college students pursuing any equine-related major. For consideration, students must be 24 years old or younger, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85, have at least sophomore standing, and display an annual household of less than $75,000 or financial independence. Recipients are chosen from Thoroughbred Scholarship applicants.
Contact
Isaac Murphy Scholarship Program
1818 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 252-8648
info@raceforeducation.org
15. Jay Pumphrey Animal Sciences Scholarship
Deadline: December 1st
Also granted by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the Jay Pumphrey Animal Sciences Scholarship is a $6,000 four-year award given to students pursuing a major in animal science, equine studies, or another large animal-related degree from Texas A&M University or Tarleton State University. Qualified candidates must be AQHA or AQHYA members, reside in Texas, have a rural farming or ranching background, carry an overall GPA of 3.0, and apply during their senior year of high school.
Contact
Jay Pumphrey Animal Sciences Scholarship
2601 East Interstate 40
Amarillo, TX 79104
(806) 378-5040
foundation@aqha.org
16. Jim Kirkham Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 1st
Created in 2013 by the Indiana Horse Council, the Jim Kirkham Scholarship Fund is designed to award $1,000 annually to full-time or part-time undergraduate students registered at an accredited in-state college with an equine studies major. Eligible applicants must be Indiana residents, have completed at least 200 hours of community service in the past three years, actively participate in the equestrian community, and have a minimum GPA of 2.8. Award announcements are made at the Hoosier Horse Fair.
Contact
Jim Kirkham Scholarship Fund
225 South East Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 289-4299
chiefwtd2@sbcglobal.net
17. Kentucky Equine Education Project Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
For $1,000 apiece, the Kentucky Equine Education Project Scholarships are bestowed upon five outstanding full-time junior or senior undergraduate students who are receiving a bachelor’s degree in equine studies. To qualify, applicants must be attending an approved Kentucky university or college, be KEEP members, carry a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, submit official transcripts, attach two references, have unmet financial need, and show evidence of involvement in Kentucky’s horse industry.
Contact
Kentucky Equine Education Project Scholarships
4063 Ironworks Parkway Suite 2
Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 259-0007
info@horseswork.com
Scholarship Link
18. Minnie’s Honor Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
Each year at the Regimental Ball, the California Rangers provide the Minnie’s Honor Scholarship for $1,000 in memory of a beloved Eagle Troop horse. Eligible recipients must be former Rangers, reside within California, be pursuing a veterinary or equine science major, attend an accredited U.S. higher education institution, display outstanding horsemanship skills, and be 21 years old or under. There’s also a California Ranger Scholarship awarded for $1,000 to five current cadets studying at community colleges.
Contact
Minnie’s Honor Scholarship
11035 Osborne Street
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
(818) 962-0225
info@californiarangers.org
19. Nancy Stockwell Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th
Annually, the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association (CHHA) awards the Nancy Stockwell Memorial Scholarship for $1,000 to graduating high school seniors and/or college students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in equine studies or a related major. Qualified recipients must be enrolled full-time, have financial need, show involvement in harness racing, demonstrate a strong commitment to their Christian faith, submit their Student Aid Report (SAR), and be accepted at an accredited higher learning institution.
Contact
Nancy Stockwell Memorial Scholarship
157 North Main Street
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 747-3608
joannekmann@gmail.com
20. Olivia M. Saylor Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 25th
In honor of the daughter of prominent horse owner Paul Saylor who died in a house fire in 2011, the Olivia M. Saylor Scholarship Fund is granted by the Race for Education each year for up to $5,000. Eligible applicants must be New York residents, be enrolled as full-time undergraduate studies, wish to pursue a career in the thoroughbred industry, submit two recommendation letters, and display financial need. Majors could include equine studies, equestrian science, equine business management, or equine-related agriculture.
Contact
Olivia M. Saylor Scholarship Fund
1818 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 252-8648
info@raceforeducation.org
21. Robert J. Frankel Horsemen’s Scholarship
Deadline: March 25th
Also established by the Race for Education, the Robert J. Frankel Horsemen’s Scholarship is presented annually for up to $5,000 to New York residents who are attending in-state colleges or universities to major in equine studies. Qualified candidates must come from families employed in the thoroughbred industry, be 24 years old or younger, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85, and demonstrate an annual household income under $75,000 or financial independence. Recipients are chosen from Horsemen’s Scholarship applicants.
Contact
Robert J. Frankel Horsemen’s Scholarship
1818 Versailles Road
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 252-8648
info@raceforeducation.org
22. Tony Gasser Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: November 1st
Through the Minnesota Horse Council (MNHC), the Tony Gasser Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for at least $3,000 to up to 11 graduating high school seniors and college undergraduate students majoring in any equine-related field of study. Qualified candidates must be at least 18 years old, reside in Minnesota, demonstrate a horsemen’s background, have scholastic achievement, and possess leadership potential. Applications must include three letters of recommendation, proof of acceptance or enrollment, and official transcripts.
Contact
Tony Gasser Memorial Scholarship
3035 34th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 729-7798
TrinaJoyce@mnhorsecouncil.org
23. USPC Champion of Equine Service Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
In the amount of $1,000, the USPC Champion of Equine Service Scholarship is awarded via the EQUUS Foundation for a minimum of four college students with at least one semester remaining of undergraduate and graduate studies in equine science. Eligible recipients must carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, volunteer with the Equine Welfare Network, perform at least 24 hours of community service, and attend an accredited U.S. college. Certain Champions will receive a $250 gift certificate for Ariat boots too.
Contact
USPC Champion of Equine Service Scholarship
168 Long Lots Road
Westport, CT 06880
(203) 259-1550
scholarship@equusfoundation.org
24. Victor A. Rice Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 28th
At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Victor A. Rice Scholarship Program will provide $1,000 annually to currently enrolled students who have completed at least one full semester of the animal science, pre-veterinary, or equine management program in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Eligible candidates must be actively involved in equine-related UMass clubs, research projects, internships, and/or independent study activities. Other undergraduate equine studies scholarships include the Anthony Borton Scholarship and Drew Memorial Scholarship.
Contact
Victor A. Rice Scholarship Program
161 Holdsworth Way
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-2222
stockbridgeschol@cns.umass.edu
25. Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
For up to $5,000 per year, the Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship is bestowed upon a Washington resident attending an in-state college to pursue a degree in equine science, racetrack management, equine business, pasture management, or pre-veterinary equine medicine. Qualified students must carry a minimum 2.85 cumulative GPA and have an annual household income under $75,000 or financial independence. Online applications should be accompanied by a 500-word essay, two recommendation letters, official transcripts, and FAFSA forms.
Contact
Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship
3220 Emerald Downs Drive
Auburn, WA 98001
(253) 288-7878
info@thoroughbredfoundation.org
Scholarship Link
Even though some equine jobs don’t require a degree, attending an accredited university can unlock better opportunities for horsemen and women. According to the NAEAA, 76 percent of college equine studies majors complete a valuable internship that leads to promotion. Affording your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree can be challenging with rising tuition though. Unlike loans that rack up debt, scholarships give free gifted money that won’t need to be repaid. Consider applying for some of these great scholarships for equine studies to follow your passion for horses.
