The 2015 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show offered an astonishing $165,000 in scholarships, up for grabs in every world championship class. For several young, talented equestrians, getting a slice of that sought-after scholarship fund was the cherry on top of a sweet Youth showing career before heading off to college this fall.
Seventeen college-bound exhibitors were quick to request their scholarship funds from the show; Youth World Show scholarship payouts for the 2015–2016 academic year totaling in $17,300 have already been distributed. The awards give adolescent Paint Horse enthusiasts the opportunity to take advantage of the collegiate experience, thanks to their participation in APHA events.
“While a small percentage of our Youth come from well-to-do families, most Paint Horse exhibitors come from the worst possible prospector for higher education financial assistance: those who are too poor for college, too rich for financial aid and wise enough to understand the value of horses in their children’s lives,” APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said in the May 2015 Paint Horse Journal.
Scholarship opportunities are not the only things that keep many Youth competitors motivated; the welcoming atmosphere and inviting character of the Paint world is something they cherish, too.
“Paint people are so great,” 2015 Youth World Show scholarship recipient Carley Rinn said. “It’s just me and my mom at the shows, so coming as a competitor without a trainer can be intimidating. I always feel at home at AjPHA shows.”
Carley earned a substantial $2,600 in scholarships from the Youth World Show. In 2014, Carley was the world champion in Youth Yearling Geldings. This year, she won two awards, placing fourth in Youth 2-Year-Old Geldings with Why Keep Secrets, and third in Youth Solid Paint-Bred Mares with Cool Secret Sierra.
“I had a really great experience at this past show. It’s nice to be part of an association that cares so much about its members.” Carley’s scholarships are helping her attend Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where she is pursuing a nursing degree.
“After I get my R.N., I want to pursue a career with the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center,” Carley said.
Hard-working young horsemen and –women like Carley are striving to be their best, both in the horse show arena and in their academic pursuits. These students are supported by the generous donations given to the APHF program by APHA members.
“At this year’s show, halter and performance enthusiasts additionally supported specific classes to the tune of more than $65,000,” Billy said. “It would be great for prospective supporters to grow as we look toward the 2016 show.”
Everyone is welcome to donate to the general Youth World Show scholarship fund, as well as to specific classes at the 2016 show; these donations from the Paint Horse community make scholarship opportunities for young competitors possible. An online donation form is available at apha.com/foundation.
##
[Reprinting all or part of this news release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the Paint Horse Journal and a link provided back to apha.com.]
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses