Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the five recipients of the USEF Higher Education Equestrian Scholarships for graduating high-school seniors. Created to support students who intend to continue their equestrian careers during college, either through an equestrian-related degree or by riding on an intercollege equestrian team, the scholarship awards a $1,000 grant to each recipient to be used towards their education at their respective college or university.

The five recipients are:

Alexa McVoy (Grand Haven, Mich.) will attend Grand Valley State University, pursuing a degree in Social Work, which she hopes to use as a foundation to become an equine-assisted psychotherapist. McVoy’s goal of starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit within the Equine-assisted Psychotherapy field would focus on at-risk youth who have previously suffered trauma and would help them overcome adversity through interaction with horses. McVoy has pursued equestrian endeavors for her entire life. She plans to compete on Grand Valley’s equestrian team and continue her education in horsemanship and sport.

“Most of all, I have learned that horses do not care what you look like, how much money you have, or what you’ve done in your past; they only care about the emotions they sense from you and how you treat them. I can use these amazing qualities of horses to make the world a better place once I graduate from college.” 

Isabella Reed (Madison, Ala.) will attend the University of Kentucky this fall and is aiming to obtain a degree in Equine Science & Management, with aspirations to pursue a career in equine business after graduation. Reed has set personal goals to compete in both the jumping and dressage disciplines and is excited for the opportunity the University of Kentucky offers with its central location in Lexington, Ky.

“I have my horses to thank for who I am as a person today, and without them I would never have made connections and learned valuable life skills. I have had to learn many hard lessons, which I used to feel set me back as a rider, but looking back from where I am today, I know that they were not setbacks, but more like steppingstones.”

Emma Young (Alexandria, Ohio) will pursue a degree in Equine Business at Otterbein University. An avid eventer and fox hunter, Young plans to continue competing as a member of Otterbein’s Eventing Team and immerse herself in the equine-related course studies available at the university. The invaluable lessons horses have taught her throughout her life will help her excel in her studies this fall.

“With this scholarship, I know that I’ll be able to change the equine world and continue to gain more confidence, knowledge, and skills for myself.”

Sarah Garrison (West Chester, Pa.) plans to attend Virginia Tech in the College of Science, pursuing a major in Biology with a pre-veterinary track. Garrison started riding at an early age and has always been intrigued by veterinary work, which helped push her into pursuing a potential career in veterinary medicine. She plans to participate on Virginia Tech’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association team and continue riding throughout college, balancing that commitment with the rigorous course load for pre-veterinary studies.

“I have had some doubts over the past few years about whether the sacrifices I would have to make would be worth it, but I can say without a doubt in my mind that after being around these incredible animals I am willing to take those sacrifices because the reward of saving a horse’s life is far greater.”

Ada Rohan (Montpelier, VT) will attend the University of Georgia in the fall of 2019, beginning her studies in the university’s Biology program. She has participated in the Emerging Athletes Program for the past two years and has continued to expand her knowledge within the equestrian industry. She will be a member of the University of Georgia’s Equestrian Team and plans to enroll in the Double Dawgs program, which will allow her to pursue both an undergraduate and master’s degree in under five years.

“All of the skills I have learned through the experiences I have had in the horse world have helped me be able to accomplish my biggest goal of riding for a collegiate team. To this day, getting the call from the coaches with them offering me a spot on their team has been the best day of my life. Working hard towards my goal and achieving it, has made me feel like I am capable of achieving anything I put my mind to.”

Congratulations to the US Equestrian Higher Education Equestrian Scholarship winners. Learn more about the different youth programs offered through US Equestrian and click here for more information on scholastic and educational programs offered at colleges and universities around the country.