AQHA-IEA Outstanding Leader Scholarship
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday, February 15, 2023
The Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) is proud to announce a renewed partnership with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) to provide expanded scholarship opportunities for IEA riders with AQHYA memberships.
The IEA and AQHA have similar missions of promoting lifelong involvement in equestrian activities with a strong desire to develop youth involvement and their leadership skills. Through organized competitions, educational programs and leadership opportunities, IEA is focused not only on introducing young athletes to equestrian sport, but also to inspire and facilitate adults to continue their journey in equestrian athletics for a lifetime.
This partnership will provide opportunities for IEA youth members to fund their future endeavors in the equine industry which mutually benefits both organizations.
IEA youth riders who are also AQHYA members are able to earn various scholarships through the new AQHA-IEA Outstanding Leader Scholarship sponsored by AQHYA. A total of six AQHA-IEA Leader scholarships will be awarded to IEA members – two per discipline – each season.
“IEA utilizes thousands of horses across the nation annually in our draw-based competition format, many of which are Quarter Horses,” states IEA Founder and Executive Director, Roxane Durant. “The versatility of the Quarter Horse makes them perfect equine partners for all our disciplines. AQHA has been an industry leader in promoting the breed as well as offering a wide variety of strong youth programs. We are delighted to partner with AQHYA to cross-promote youth activities and leadership development and collaborate on ideas for growth.”
To be eligible for the new IEA Outstanding Leader Scholarship, IEA members must be current members of AQHYA and complete the Google Form Application found on this page.
This Leadership Award is open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who ride Hunt Seat, Western or Dressage and have been IEA members for at least two seasons.
IEA Members who are not already members of AQHYA can receive a 20% discount on AQHYA membership using the promo code IEA.
“Youth are the future of our industry and supporting youth equestrian organizations is a key initiative of AQHA,” said AQHA Chief Executive Officer Karl Stressman. “With so many American Quarter Horses used in IEA competition, we look forward to bringing that horse-to-rider connection full circle by renewing our partnership and providing expanded scholarship opportunities for IEA and AQHYA members.”
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION
(including all additional documents)
is TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025
by 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time
APPLICATION GUIDELINES and REQUIREMENTS
The AQHA-IEA Outstanding Leader Scholarship is sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Youth Association and recognizes IEA /AQHYA members who have shown outstanding leadership qualities and a commitment to participation in one or both organizations.
Applications should be submitted via the red Google Form button above. IEA recommends gathering all required documentation prior to filling out the online form.
Proof of GPA
Letter of Recommendation
90-Second Video Link
Proof of AQHYA membership number will be required in Google Form. (If you are not already a member of AQHYA, you may use the discount promo code – IEA – to receive a 20% discount on a 12-month AQHYA membership.)
Applicants must be a current member in good standing with IEA.
Applicants must be a current member in good standing with AQHYA.
Applicants must be in 10th – 12th grade (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) at the time of application deadline.
Applicants must have been an active member of IEA for a minimum of two IEA seasons. (Active members are those who have participated in a minimum of two IEA regular season shows per IEA season.)
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher and must submit proof of GPA through transcript, grade card or similar documentation.
Applicants may participate in one or more of the IEA disciplines – Hunt Seat, Western or Dressage and may ride in any class division (JV Beginner, JV Novice, Varsity Intermediate, or Varsity Open).
Applicants must submit a 90-second video expressing how your participation in IEA and/or AQHYA has prepared you for a leadership role as an adult. Phone videos are perfectly acceptable and should have clear audio and video quality. A link to your video must be provided in the Google Form. We recommend uploading your video using Vimeo, YouTube, or Google Drive to create a link. Links from Social Media will NOT be accepted. Videos should remain 90 seconds or less to be considered. Please check that the permissions on the video will allow IEA access to view.
If you have difficulty uploading documents or your video link in the Google Form, you may submit it separately via email to [email protected]. All documents must be clearly marked indicating that they are for the AQHA-IEA Outstanding Leader Scholarship Application and must be received by the April 1, 2025 deadline.
Questions about this application may be directed to: [email protected].
Note: Awards will be announced and funds distributed prior to July 31, 2025. Award checks will be mailed to the address in the application.