Scholarships
Investing in Our Members’ Growth
At ACPS, we believe learning never stops and we’re proud to support the continuing education of our members through a variety of scholarship opportunities. While many of these awards are designed for our junior members, they are not limited exclusively to them.
Explore the scholarships available below to learn more about each option. You’ll find a brief description along with direct links to applications for full details on eligibility, requirements, and deadlines.
Overview
The ACPS Junior Scholarship is a cooperative effort supported by ACPS, the Susan McConnell Foundation, and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). The USEF contributes annually through a grant made possible by ACPS’s affiliate status. Education is a key priority of the Foundation, allowing ACPS to award up to 20 scholarships each year.
Purpose
Funds are designated for educational activities that benefit juniors and their Connemaras. Eligible horses may be purebred, halfbred, or Connemara Sporthorse, and must be registered with the ACPS (ownership by the applicant is not required).
Eligibility
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or under as of January 1 of the application year.
- Applicants must be junior members of ACPS.
Application Process
- Submit a personal story and required information by September 1.
- Scholarships are announced at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) each fall.
- Recipients share follow-up stories in the Junior Edition of the American Connemara Magazine.
How to Apply
Fill out the application
Questions?
Contact Linda Haines at [email protected]
Overview
The Dressage4Kids (D4K) American Connemara Pony Society Scholarship, generously sponsored by ACPS, provides financial support to eligible young riders who are passionate about advancing their dressage education. This partnership highlights the versatility of the Connemara breed and opens doors for members to train and compete in nationally recognized D4K programs.
Purpose
Scholarship funds are designated to support participation in the following Dressage4Kids programs:
- D4K TEAM Program
- D4K Summer Intensive Training Program
- D4K Winter Intensive Training Program
- D4K Training4Teaching Program
- D4K Unmounted Programs
- Lendon’s Youth Dressage Festival
Eligibility
- Riders must be 25 years of age or under.
- Applicants must be current ACPS members.
- Riders must compete with a registered Connemara pony.
Application Process
- Submit an application through the Dressage4Kids website.
- Recipients are required to give back to both Dressage4Kids and ACPS programs through contributions such as volunteering, organizing clinics or fundraisers, writing articles, or participating in promotional efforts.
How to Apply
Visit the D4K/ACPS Scholarship Page for application details and eligibility requirements.
Questions?
Contact Mary Livernois at [email protected]
In Their Words
ACPS Junior Scholarship Committee Chair Linda Haines says:
“Connemaras are such a versatile breed, and, as Lendon Gray herself has proven, they can excel in dressage. The D4K/ACPS Scholarship will empower juniors and young riders to explore dressage as part of their ongoing riding education. It’s a chance to hone their skills, fuel their passion, and advance their riding education. We are thrilled to partner with Dressage4Kids to make this opportunity available.”
Overview
As an affiliate member of USEF, ACPS participates in the prestigious US Equestrian National Youth Sportsman’s Award. This award recognizes outstanding junior equestrians across all breeds and disciplines who demonstrate exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to the equestrian community.
Purpose
The program’s primary goal is to identify and encourage future leaders in the equine industry while honoring youth who serve as role models and embody the values of positive sportsmanship.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be 17 years of age or younger as of December 1 of the current competition year.
- Must be an active member in good standing with both US Equestrian and the American Connemara Pony Society (ACPS).
- Expected to demonstrate:
- Dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport.
- Positive role model qualities and sportsmanship principles.
- Community involvement in equestrian activities.
- Participation in competition at the Local, Regional, or National level.
Awards
- Overall Winner: Commemorative trophy and $1,000 grant (payable to the educational program of choice).
- Reserve Winner: $500 grant (payable to the educational program of choice).
Application Process
- Applications open May 1 and close August 15 each year.
- Completed applications must be submitted to the appropriate US Equestrian Recognized National Affiliate (ACPS).
- Please refer to the National Youth Sportsman’s Award Guidelines for full details.
How to Apply
Visit the USEF National Youth Sportsman’s Award Page for application information and requirements.
Questions?
- ACPS Contact: Cathy Blackmon — [email protected]
- USEF Staff Contact: Lexie Stovel — [email protected]
Overview
Created by ACPS and the ACPS Susan McConnell Foundation, this scholarship honors the memory of Deb Busta by recognizing and supporting Adult Amateur riders of Connemaras. The award not only encourages continuing education but also celebrates the spirit of volunteerism that Deb Busta embodied throughout her involvement in the equestrian community.
Purpose
Provides financial support for Adult Amateur riders seeking to further their equestrian education while honoring the values of dedication and service within the sport.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be current individual or family members of the ACPS.
- Applicants must be at least 19 years of age as of January 1 of the application year.
- The Connemara (purebred, halfbred, or Sport Horse) must be registered with the ACPS (ownership by the rider is not required).
Award
One recipient will be awarded $500.
Application Process
- Complete the scholarship application form.
- Submit the completed application by September 1.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form
Questions?
Contact Robyn Fillman at [email protected]