Niche College Scholarship
Updated: April 16, 2024

Rodeo/Equestrian Scholarships

The world of equestrian sports, including riding, jumping, rodeo and barrel racing, has grown in popularity across the country, and it's no longer concentrated in Western schools. As the sport grows in popularity, so does competition for scholarships, and the sport is definitely one where talent matters if you're vying for an award from a top equestrian program. If you consider yourself a top equestrian, you could be eligible for a full or partial scholarship from your intended college. To be eligible for college-based NCAA scholarships, equestrians must have minimum GPAs and maintain good grades throughout their time at their intended schools, so it would be smart not to rule out academic scholarships to supplement your financial aid package if you only receive a partial scholarship.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 Rodeo/Equestrian Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • The Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 3, 2024

The Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship is available to a student attending a college or university in Washington state, pursuing a career in pre-veterinary medicine (equine emphasis) equine science, racetrack management, equine business or pasture management and equine marketing and/or communications as it pertains to racetracks, horse farms, and other related fields. To be eligible

  • 2

  • Race for Education Scholarships

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMay 3, 2024

To apply for a scholarship, please click on the individual scholarship names. There are five scholarships available currently, some with multiple awards. You will be asked a series of questions and required to upload materials electronically. Eligibility There are five scholarships, each of which is intended for high school seniors who will be attending college in the fall or current

  • 3

  • SJCF Stockton Student Athletes Scholarship Fund

  • Amount$6,000
  • DeadlineMarch 31, 2025

The Stockton Student Athletes Scholarship Fund was originally established as the Jester’s Club Athletic Scholarship Fund in 2015 at the Community Foundation of San Joaquin. The fund was renamed the Stockton Student Athletes Scholarship Fund in 2020. Two renewable scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each will be awarded this cycle, which means you could receive up to $6,000 over four

  • 4

  • West Coast Equine Foundation Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineApril 5, 2025

The West Coast Equine Foundation is a non-profit organization working to advance the equine industry through scholarships and grants that support a variety of equine health and youth agricultural programs. The intention of this scholarship is to advocate for the educational opportunities of youth pursuing a career in an equine-related field. Students will be selected based on their academic and

  • 5

  • Appaloosa Youth Foundation Continuing Education Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 15, 2025

The Appaloosa Youth Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding youth members of the Appaloosa Horse Club or Appaloosa Youth Association wishing to pursue higher education. Scholarships are awarded annually, with the entire amount paid to the financial office of the college or university the student will be attending. The entire award is paid at the beginning of the student’s first semester; is

  • 6

  • Appaloosa Youth Foundation Territory Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 15, 2025

The Territory Scholarship awards up to $1,000 to one graduating senior from high school. “At-Large” scholarships may also be awarded, at random, in the category. Each applicant must be a current member of the Appaloosa Horse Club or the Appaloosa Youth Association to be eligible to apply for an Appaloosa Youth Foundation scholarship. Students who are in the immediate family of an employee,

  • 7

  • Sagebrush Circuit - Lew & Jo Eklund Educational Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineApril 15, 2025

The Sagebrush Circuit - Lew & Jo Eklund Educational Scholarship will be awarded to a college junior, senior, or graduate student pursing a degree in an Equine-Related field. The applicant must be currently maintaining a GPA of 3.5 of a 4.0 scale or 5.2 on a 6.0 scale. Each applicant must be a current member of the Appaloosa Horse Club or the Appaloosa Youth Association to be eligible to apply for

Equestrians who aren't at the skill level to be accepted into a top riding program but are still interested in the sport as a hobby or on the club level should look into scholarships run by local teams and organizations. Many of the scholarships from equestrian foundations are disbursed based on not only an applicant's dedication to the sport but other criteria such as financial need, school and community involvement. College-based rodeo scholarships will often come from funds set up by alumni.

American Quarter Horse Association Scholarships

If you're a member of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) or the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA), chances are you could be eligible for scholarships through that organization. Awards are typically awarded through the state chapters of both groups, so make sure you contact your state sponsor to know the kinds of awards you could be eligible for. AGHA scholarships, which range from $500 to $75,000, are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, and American Quarter Horse involvement.

Check out some examples of where to find rodeo/equestrian scholarships below. For additional information about awards based on different criteria, try conducting a free college scholarship search at Scholarships.com.