ARHA Rewards
Youth Members for Their Reading and Their Riding
Since the founding of the American Ranch Horse
Association in 2004, the organization has been dedicated to supporting its
youth members in a variety of ways. In 2009, ARHA expanded its support with
a new scholarship program. Recognizing that some youth members excel in the
saddle and others’ highest strengths are in school, ARHA is offering two
opportunities for them to earn scholarships for continuing education.
High-Point Youth Scholarship
Program
The newest ARHA scholarship program is based on
youth members’ performanc e in the show ring. A $500 scholarship will be
awarded each year for the ARHA youth member who earns the most points in
competition from January 1 through December 31.
Youth members of any age are eligible to win the
scholarship award, although the money will be kept in an interest-bearing
account and awarded when the member enrolls in a post-secondary education
program such as a college or trade school. There is no application process,
as all members’ and horses’ points are automatically tracked by ARHA.
The High-point Youth Scholarship winner will be
announced during the ARHA National Convention each year.
Youth Academic-Based Scholarship
Program
ARHA youth members who are planning to enroll in
or who are already enrolled in post-secondary education such as a college or
trade school are eligible to apply for an academic-based scholarship. Each
applicant must be a current member in good standing and have been an ARHA
member for a minimum of two years to be eligible. An application form and
further application details are available on the ARHA website.
The deadline for academic-based scholarship
applications is December 31 each year. The recipient will be notified in
June, and announcements of scholarship winners will be made at the ARHA
World Championship Show.
ARHA and its regional charter clubs host
fundraising programs throughout the year for the scholarship programs,
including silent auctions and individual and corporate donations.
“As in our mission statement, we promote
well-broke, reliable working horses and members who share a love for the
equine athlete. We promote these scholarship programs to help our
hard-working, reliable youth who share that same love. We are truly
proud of our youth and believe they will help take ARHA to the next
level,” said ARHA executive secretary Erica Keeney.
Formed in 2004, the American Ranch Horse
Association promotes the abilities of the all-around versatile working
horse in a positive atmosphere where western tradition is genuinely
honored. Rapidly growing with more than 7,000 members, ARHA hosts
competitions, clinics and educational events throughout the year.