Applicants for United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) scholarships–offered to high school seniors or college freshmen representing the show-horse breeds (American Saddlebred, Morgan Horse, Arabian, National Show Horse, etc.)–have until May 31 to submit their materials to the Lexington, Kentucky organization.

The scholarships are open to high school seniors or those currently enrolled in college who plan to continue their education. Scholarships are awarded based on the merit of the applicant’s high school or college transcripts, a résumé demonstrating extracurricular activities both in relation to the applicant’s equestrian career, participation in activities in school and the community, and personal references.

Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship

According to the UPHA website, the UPHA Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship, which is new this year, was established to honor the legacy of Sandra Hall “whose commitment to giving back to the show-horse industry and its horsemen was unparalleled.”

The purpose of the program is to provide a scholarship to current members of UPHA who are high school seniors or freshmen in college. Applicants must be UPHA members for at least one year prior to application. Emphasis will be placed on applicants demonstrating a commitment to their community and/or the show-horse industry. One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded.

Maria Knight Scholarship

The website goes on to explain that the UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship was established to honor UPHA Professional Maria Knight and her commitment to providing a college education for her daughter. The purpose of the program is to provide a scholarship to children of professional horsemen.

Applicants must have at least one parent, a step-parent or legal guardian who is a professional horseman and a current Professional Member of UPHA. Applicants must have entered their senior year in high school at the time of application or accepted to (or currently enrolled) in an institution of higher education. One $5,000 scholarship will be awarded.

For more information on the scholarships, see the UPHA website.

About the UPHA

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the UPHA is an association of professional horsemen and horsewomen who have united to improve the show-horse industry and to define and clarify their professionalism within the industry. Since its inception in 1968, the UPHA has expanded into nineteen regional chapters that comprise all 50 states and Canada. The predominant breeds represented by UPHA members are the American Saddlebred, the Arabian, the Morgan Horse, the Hackney Pony, the Roadster Horse, and the National Show Horse.

The UPHA regularly works with the United States Equestrian Federation, The American Horse Council, and the various breed organizations to promote safety, ensure fairness, improve conditions, increase attendance and improve the overall horse show experience for owners, trainers, grooms and spectators alike. In addition to its core programs, the UPHA seeks to foster communication and mutually beneficial relationships between all participants in the horse show industry.