Equestrian Scholarships
NCAA
Horse riding is an emerging sport. It is called Equestrian, a NCAA recognized sport. There are a plenty of Division I and Division II scholarships available for both men and women who can ride horses competitively. The best way to get an Equestrian Scholarship is by joining a local club and compete. As the recipient of an Equestrian Scholarship you may get up to $3000 per year towards your college tuition. Almost all major schools and colleges have an Equestrian program and a scholarship to encourage student.
NJCAA
While not all community or junior colleges are big enough to support equestrian as a sport and qualify for NJCAA scholarships, some of the junior colleges in the Rodeo states are willing to offer financial aid to students who are great horse riders.
NAIA
If you are flexible about moving to Canada for education then you may be in cluck for an NAIA equestrian scholarships at one of the Canadian colleges. Certain smaller schools in the US might be open to offering a scholarship too.
To learn more about the sports and competitions you can visit United States Equestrian Federation
Other Notable Equestrian Scholarships
| IEF Scholarship | The IEF scholarship is open to both Intercollegiate Horse Show (IHSA) members and non-members. The selection process is different depending on their membership status. However, grades and recommendation letters matter. | Varies | Feb 15th | Greenwich |
| The Jon Conyers Memorial Scholarship | Managed by Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation, this award was established to honor an extraordinary teacher, judge and coach and is available annually to an undergraduate competing member of the IHSA. It is a need based scholarship for students who are passionate about horses. | $1500 | Feb 24th | |
| IHSA Senior Athletic Academic Achievement Award | IHSA offers two scholarships to Seniors who have been long-time members of their IHSA team. The student must have a 3.5 grade point average or better. | $500 | March 23rd | South Hadley |
| IHSA National All-Academic Award | The IHSA National All-Academic Award recognizes the individual academic achievements of the undergraduate and alumni members each year. | Varies | April 1st | Baltimore |
| IHSA EQUUS Scholar | This unique scholarship allows the winner of the written test competition at the National Horse Show get a free laptop along with the trophy. Students should learn about the scholarship opportunity at the IHSA website. | Varies | Varies | |
| Baylor University Equestrian Scholarship | Funded by Ken and Celia Carlile's generous donation, this scholarship empowers Baylor students who are not only academically strong but also are great horse riders. | Varies | Varies | Waco |
| Brown University Post Graduate Equestrian Scholarship | Brown University offers equestrian scholarships to post graduate students whoa re great riders. | Varies | Varies | Providence |
| Black Hawk College Equestrian Scholarship | The Black Hawk College in Moline, IL has one of the finest Equestrian teams. The Equine Endowed Scholarship Fund enables horse riding student athletes fulfill their college dream and compete at a national level. | Varies | Varies | Moline |
| American Quarter Horse Foundation General Scholarships | The general scholarships include scholarship opportunities for students to complete either their undergraduate or graduate level degree. Students may enroll in a college degree plan of their choice and achieve the personal advancement needed to enter their desired professional employment field. | Varies | Varies | Amarillo |
| AQHA Racing Scholarships | AQHA offers scholarships to students seeking a career in the racing industry. Preference is given to students at undergraduate, graduate or doctoral level studying racetrack management, veterinary medicine or another related field. | Varies | Varies | Amarillo |
| AQHA Career Path Scholarships | This scholarships allows students to purse a degree in a career where employment is tied either directly or indirectly to the horse industry. Students can get a scholarship to pursue a degree in animal science, journalism, therapeutic riding and veterinary medicine. | Varies | Varies | Amarillo |
| AQHA State Scholarship for Horse Riders | This scholarship is for youth leaders who are actively involved through their state's industry may be eligible for scholarships supported by Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. | Varies | Varies | |
| Indiana Horse Council Scholarship | The Indiana Horse Council Foundation, Inc. is an Indiana non-profit corporation offers educational scholarships for youth and adults who are involved in horse racing or horse industry. | Varies | Varies | Indianapolis |
| Arabian Horse Foundation Scholarships | The AHA offers need based academic scholarships to students who are involved in equine. | Varies | April 1st | Aurora |
| American Paint Horse Association Scholarship | APHF offers scholarships to students who are horse racers or in related activities. | Varies | Varies | Fort Worth |
| Alabama Horse Council Scholarship | The Alabama Horse Council Scholarship is awarded to students studying in an Alabama college or university. | $1000 | December 5th | Morris |
| Cowboy Tag Scholarships | The Cowboy Tag scholarship is given in partnership with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association with proceeds generated from the sale of the “Cowboy Tag”. | $1000 | December 2nd | Montgomery |
| Alabama Equestrian / Rodeo Team Member Scholarship by ACA | This scholarship is for students who are horse riders. | $1000 | Varies | Montgomery |