Each year, the Kentucky Horse Council (KHC) offers $3,000 in scholarship funds to students attending a Kentucky college, university, or trade school in pursuit of an equine-associated career. The KHC is now accepting applications for the spring 2021 semester. Qualified applicants must demonstrate academic success, Kentucky equine industry involvement, and community service during the past year. Applicants must be student members of the KHC.

The organization will award three $1,000 scholarships to students currently enrolled or who will be enrolled for the spring 2021 semester. Applicants must be participating in equine-oriented classes or equine programs that focus on preparing students for careers in the equine industry. If no major or minor is offered, students must be able to demonstrate how they plan to use their area of study within the equine industry.

Some Kentucky schools that offer equine-focused programs include Asbury University, Eastern Kentucky University, Georgetown College, the Kentucky Equine Management Internship program, Kentucky Horseshoeing School, Midway University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, the North American Racing Academy (part of the Bluegrass Community & Technical College), Northern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University, among others. Examples of courses of studies for which the scholarships are intended include equine science, equine management, equine business, equine-assisted therapy, pre-veterinarian, national farrier training program, equine industry workforce certificate, and others.

“The Kentucky Horse Council is grateful for the ability to once again offer scholarships to deserving students attending schools in our state,” says KHC executive director Sarah Coleman. “Education is a key tenet of our mission, and we look forward to assisting multiple students as they explore careers in the equine industry