Loch Moy Farm shows off its photogenic nature. Photo by Alison Green for Erin Gilmore Photography.
Six scholarships across two categories will be available this spring from the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation for Juniors and FEI riders alike.
The MEIF will award four $1,000 scholarships to riders wanting to compete at the 1*, 2*, 3* or 4* levels at the July Maryland International Horse Trials. The scholarship funds will used entry fees, stabling, travel costs, and other associated competition expenses up to $1,000.
Applications are open from January 15, 2024 to March 31, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Recipients will be announced April 15, 2024. To apply, click here.
Applicant Criteria:
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Open to riders who are USEF and USEA members in good standing.
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Horses and riders must be capable of competing at the level of scholarship they are applying for.
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Riders may apply for more than one scholarship level as long as it is a different horse/rider combination.
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Riders and horses who have competed in a 5* competition and/or outside of North America are not eligible.
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Horse and rider combination may not have competed above the level for which they are applying.
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Previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply
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Members of the MIEF Board of Directors and members of their families are not eligible. Family members or current clients of the Scholarship Award Committee are not eligible.
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Incomplete applications without a video submission and letter of recommendation will not be considered.
The Merrylegs Junior Rider scholarships are geared towards diverse, young equestrians who are competing at a grassroots level. Scholarship recipients will receive a credit of $500 towards Maryland Starter Horse Trials (unrecognized) entries and schooling opportunities at Loch Moy Farm over the next year. The scholarship period is one year after the date the recipient enters their first event. After this period, unused scholarship funds will expire. Loch Moy Farm offers a variety of fun and accessible opportunities throughout the year for grassroots riders to learn and compete.
Applications for this initial round are due March 1, 2024. Two scholarships will be awarded during this round. To apply, click here.
Applicant Criteria:
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Junior riders* age 13 – 17 riding at a grassroots level who would like to compete or are competing at the elementary, beginner novice, or novice levels. *{as defined by USEF and USEA Rulebook)
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Local to Loch Moy Farm and able to arrange a suitable horse and travel to the venue. Scholarship funds can also be applied towards stabling. Recipients do not need to own their own horse, or use the same horse throughout the year. Participants in riding school lesson programs are encouraged to apply!
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Ready to tell us how this scholarship would help them advance their riding goals.
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Enthusiastic about increasing access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.
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Willing to share their experience on Maryland Horse Trials and MIEF social & print media.
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Able to further their equestrian education by volunteering 8 hours at any Maryland Horse Trials event. The volunteer hours may be split up.
Scholarship recipients will be subject to the rules and requirements of the events they enter.
