American Paint Horse Foundation Pays Out Big Bucks in Scholarships

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.”

To read the full article on APHA.com, click here.