Unlocking Opportunities: The UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship
The United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) has been a unifying force for individual trainers for over four decades, acknowledging their unique skills and talents. As part of its commitment to the equestrian community, the UPHA offers scholarships to support the educational aspirations of young individuals connected to the show horse world. Among these scholarships, the UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship stands out as a tribute to a dedicated UPHA professional and her passion for higher education.
Understanding the UPHA and Professional Membership
The United Professional Horsemen's Association serves as a collective voice for horse trainers, emphasizing their individual capabilities. To become a UPHA Professional, individuals must meet specific criteria. Firstly, they need to be at least 18 years old by January 1st of the show year, making them ineligible for the Youth division. Secondly, they must be bona fide professional horse trainers with a minimum of one year of experience in the field before applying for UPHA Professional Membership.
Overview of UPHA Scholarships
The United Professional Horsemen's Association (UPHA) provides scholarships for high school seniors or freshmen in college who represent the show horse breeds. These scholarships include the Sandra Hall Memorial Scholarship, designed for current UPHA junior members, and the Maria Knight Scholarship, tailored to children of current UPHA professional horsemen. Completed applications must be submitted to the UPHA office by May 31, 2025.
The UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship: Honoring a Legacy
The UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship was established to honor UPHA Professional, Maria Knight, and her commitment to providing a college education for her daughter. The scholarship program aims to provide financial assistance to children of professional horsemen who are members of UPHA. The UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship was established to honor and memorialize UPHA professional Maria Knight and her commitment to providing a college education for her daughter; this program provides scholarships to children of professional horsemen.
Eligibility Criteria for the Maria Knight Scholarship
To be eligible for the UPHA Maria Knight Scholarship, applicants must meet specific requirements:
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- Parental Connection: Applicant must have at least one parent, step-parent, or legal guardian who is a professional horseman and a current Professional Member of UPHA.
- Academic Standing: Applicants must be in their senior year of high school at the time of application or have been accepted to (or are currently enrolled in) an institution of higher education.
Scholarship Details and Award Distribution
Up to $10,000 annually may be distributed per year and may be divided among selected candidates. More than one recipient may be chosen per year. The scholarship money will be paid directly to the college/university for post-secondary educational expenses upon receipt of verification of enrollment.
Selection Criteria: Merit and Extracurricular Involvement
Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit of the applicant’s high school or college transcripts, a resume demonstrating extracurricular activities both in relation to the applicant’s equestrian career and participation in activities in school and the community. Prior scholarships will be taken into consideration. Scholarships are awarded based on careful consideration of the applicant's high school or college transcript, as well as a resume demonstrating extracurricular activities both regarding the applicant's equestrian career and their involvement within their school and community.
Examples of Scholarship Recipients
Colby Hoover
Colby is the daughter of Neal and Sarah Barwood Hoover. Sarah is an instructor at Signature Stables in Kentucky. Colby has a long history in the Saddlebred show ring and helping out with the Signature Stables lesson program. Colby has also worked with Stachowski Farm, Majestic Oaks, and Willowbank Farm over the past several years. In addition to her show ring success, Colby will be attending the University of Kentucky in the Fall with a major in business management, while continuing to dedicate her time to Signature Stables, helping with lessons and care of the horses. Those who know Colby are impressed by her hard work and dedication to the industry.
Tyler Walker
Tyler Walker is the son of Allison and Todd Walker of Spring Hill Stables. Tyler has grown up riding and showing American Saddlebreds. He is a 2021 Scott County High School graduate, where he was a member in the National Honor Society and FFA, as well as, involved with Track & Field and the Cross Country Team. Outside of the show ring, Tyler has worked at Highlander Feed and is currently involved as a grounds supervisor and in equine maintenance and care at Spring Hill Stables.
Savanna Miller
This year, UPHA is presenting three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each. Savanna Miller, Valle Vista, California Savanna is the daughter of Frank and Anne Miller, trainers in the San Diego, California area under the banner of Miller Equestrian. Savanna is currently enrolled at William Woods University, and will graduate in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science. In addition to growing up on her family's farm and training facility, Savanna has had the opportunity to work with world champion trainers such as Kent Swalla and Tammy DeVore as a caretaker and instructor. Those who have had the pleasure of working with Savanna say she has a tremendous work ethic, is a conscientious student, and she possesses strong leadership skills.
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Zachary White
Zachary White, Woodstock, Illinois Zach, is the son of trainers Lisa Jo and the late John White of John White Stables. He has a long history in the Arabian, Half-Arabian, National Show Horse, and Saddlebred industries. Growing up an equitation rider, he has won all six of the UPHA Arabian Breed and UPHA National Show Horse Finals in the 10 & under, 13 & under, and 14-17 year old divisions, an impressive feat. In addition to his accomplishments in the show ring, Zach has been a leader on his high school basketball team, serving as captain for three years and leading his team to the regional championship game. He has been described by others as humble, kind, dedicated, and truthful, both inside and outside of the show ring. Zachary will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and majoring in business and marketing.
Collin Wood
Collin Wood, Eden Prairie, Minnesota Collin is the son of Jay and Jean Wood. He is an instrumental part of his family's Westwood Farm assisting with their American Saddlebred training and breeding operation. He has grown up riding and driving horses for his father; often competing with a home-bred show ring star. In addition to several impressive titles in the show ring, he played baseball and football throughout his high school career. His academic record is standout, and he has held an impressive internship with a congressional campaign. Similarly, Collin will be attending the University of Minnesota where he will major in Political Science. Those who know Collin describe him as having an excellent work ethic, impeccable character, and a genuine care and concern for others.
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