Show me the money! Scholarships for equestrians

Thanks to the timely comment of one of my readers, I learned that I underestimated just how far the benefits of riding can go! Not only can riding teach responsibility, self confidence and a whole slew of powerful skills, it can also fetch scholarships all across the country.

After a bit of web snooping, I realized I’d just clipped the edge of an incredible iceberg.

Many breed and sport organizations offer scholarships to members. For example, the American Quarter Horse Association has given $4.7 million since 1976 to youth members for scholarships (http://www.aqha.com/foundation/scholarships/index.html)

The website, CollegeScholarships.org (http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/sports/equestrian.htm) provides an extensive review of possible equestrian-based opportunities. Some schools offer scholarships to members of one of my favorite equestrian organizations, the US Pony Club. Another reason to join! CollegeScholarships.org listed the following participating schools:

• Bethany College in West Virginia
• Centenary College in New Jersey
• Delaware Valley College
• Georgetown College in Kentucky
• Lake Eerie College in Ohio
• University of Louisville in Kentucky
• Midway College in Kentucky
• Otterbein College in Ohio
• Salem International University in West Virginia
• Stephens College in Missouri
• William Woods University in Missouri
• Wilson College in Pennsylvania

And, also according to CollegeScholarships.org, equestrian sports are “emerging sports in the NCAA,” garnering richer scholarships than ever before to attract talent. You can indeed be recruited for collegiate riding programs. Below is the site’s list for division I and II college equestrian programs:

Division 1 NCAA Equestrian Programs:

• Auburn University in Alabama
• Baylor University in Texas
• Brown University in Rhode Island
• California State University, Fresno
• College of Charleston in South Carolina
• Cornell University in New York
• Delaware State University
• University of Georgia
• Kansas State University
• New Mexico State University
• Oklahoma State University
• Sacred Heart University in Connecticut
• University of South Carolina
• South Dakota State University
• Southern Methodist University in Texas
• Stephen F. Austin University in Texas
• Texas Christian University
• University of Tennessee, Martin
• Texas A&M University, College Station

Division 2 NCAA Equestrian Programs:

• University of Minnesota
• Pace University in New York
• Stonehill College in Massachusetts
• West Texas A&M

Lastly, Angelia Almos publishes as book called, “Horse Schools: The International Guide to Universities, Colleges, Preparatory and Secondary Schools, and Specialty Equine Programs” (http://www.thoroughweb.com/html/horse_schools.html). In addition to addressing programs for equine-related careers, the book also discusses scholarships available to equestrians.

Here’s to many successful rides, and a future full of well-educated horsewomen ;)