At Windfall Equestrian Center, we believe that horsemanship is about much more than riding. It is about developing responsibility, perseverance, confidence and a lifelong commitment to learning. Through our scholarship program, we seek to help dedicated riders continue their equestrian journey when financial circumstances might otherwise create barriers. The purpose of this scholarship is to help students bring their horsemanship level up to meet or exceed their grade in their elective discipline. Awarded to students who have been riding regularly at Windfall Equestrian Center for 12 months or more and whose Horsemanship grade is lower than their elective grade. Applications will be available by August 15 of each year with a deadline of October 1 and will be awarded on or before November 1. Previously awarded applicants are eligible for future scholarship consideration, but MUST submit a new application for each grant period.
Complete the below application and submit with it a 500-750 word essay. The essay will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Demonstration of financial need 30%
Explain the financial circumstances that make this scholarship helpful for you or your family. How would receiving this scholarship make a meaningful difference?
2. Commitment to horsemanship and learning 25%
Tell us about your experience with horses and what inspired you to pursue horsemanship. What does horsemanship mean to you? Why is it important to you? In what ways has horsemanship changed your life?
3. Clear explanation of how scholarship funds will be used 20%
Describe specifically how you plan to use the scholarship (private lessons, group lessons, membership packages, horse show entry fees, mini-clinics, etc.) and how these opportunities will help you grow as an equestrian and as a member of your community.
4. Demonstration of Windfall Equestrian Center’s Core Values 15%
Applicants need to have a track record of demonstrating the Core Values of Windfall. Your actions, past and present, need to match our mission and prove your ability to represent Windfall well and succeed in the program.
5. Quality writing, organization and authenticity 10%
The strongest essays are honest and personal. Demonstrating a genuine passion for horses and learning, a commitment to future growth and improvement and a thoughtful plan for how the scholarship will help your essay to stand out. Remember to think big picture - we hope that this scholarship will extend beyond how it is going to help just you. A willingness to contribute positively and give back to the equestrian community as a whole allows this scholarship to make the biggest positive impact possible.
Questions? Email us at scholarships@windfallequestriancenter.com
Scholarship awardees will be notified via email by November 1st.
