Scholarships
The heart of our association shines through our commitment to helping our community. We believe in sharing the magic of riding with others.
**NEW** Grit and Grace Award In Memory of Stephanie Burns (1983-2025)
Washington State Quarter Horse would like to honor Stephanie Burn’s legacy of determination and kindness, and her love of horse showing, with a scholarship to be awarded in $100 increments up to $500. This is to be awarded to a club member struggling with adversity.
Horse Crazy was created in memory of our Horse Crazy friends Jamie Solomon, Corina Girling, and Tracey Larson. These scholarships help fund riding lessons throughout the state.
Pistols & Smoke Scholarship was created because we understand that showing horses can be expensive, which is why our mission includes helping those who need additional funding to attend our affiliate shows in Monroe, Washington. This scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Pistols and Smoke.
We also believe strongly in supporting education. Region One has united to fund two annual $5,000 scholarships, with funds vested and distributed through the AQHA Foundation.
Join us throughout the year as we fundraise to continue the legacy of the American Quarter Horse.
Grit & Grace Award - In Memory of Stephanie Burns
In loving memory of Stephanie Burns — a horse show competitor whose extraordinary spirit, indomitable grit, and boundless kindness left a lasting mark on the WSQHA community — we are honored to introduce the Stephanie Burns Grit & Grace Award.
Stephanie faced an eleven-year battle with breast cancer with both courage and compassion; it is in her memory that this grant is established.It will be awarded to a WSQHA member who exemplifies Stephanie’s values — someone who meets life’s challenges with grace, determination, and a positive spirit.
The grant is available in $100 increments, up to a total of $500. It will be awarded to a WSQHA member who exemplifies Stephanie’s values — someone who meets life’s challenges with grace, determination, and a positive spirit.
If you would like to donate and support this meaningful legacy, WSQHA would be delighted with your generosity. Please make checks payable to WSQHA and send to:
WSQHA, P.O. Box 1010, McKenna, WA 98558
Venmo donations are also accepted at: @WSQHA
Thank you for helping us honor Stephanie’s memory by empowering deserving members to continue the tradition of excellence, kindness, and resilience she so beautifully embodied.
Horse Crazy - In Memory of Jamie Solomon & Corinna Girling
Do you have a child who is drawn to horses like a magnet but it just hasn’t been an option for your family financially? Horseback riding lessons and horse activities in general are an extremely costly endeavor but there is nothing else like it on the planet! If you have a “horse crazy” kid in the 4th grade or higher and you meet our requirements for this program, this is for you!
This project is a memorial fund in honor of two wonderful horsewomen, Jamie Solomon and Corinna Girling. Both were lifelong horse lovers, accomplished AQHA competitors and members of WSQHA who lost courageous battles with cancer. The program, funded through private donations and WSQHA, will provide financial support for young aspiring riders from families of limited income. It will pay for riding lessons and/or lease opportunities at an approved facility within close proximity to the applicant. WSQHA will assist in finding an approved instructor with school horses in your area and set up a lesson plan that works for everyone. We will also assist in obtaining an approved safety helmet and riding boots for your lessons if needed.
Eligibility and Program Requirements:
- Gross yearly household income of under $50,000
- Rider must be in the 4th grade or higher in school
- Must be able to provide own transportation to and from an approved instructor in your area
- A written essay paragraph with application
- Keep a written journal of riding time to be turned in to a WSQHA “Barn Buddy”
- Written horse knowledge tests completed by the end of your eligibility year
Program Sponsors: Dave Girling and WSQHA HeartMem
Pistols and Smoke- Let’s Go Show Scholarship
“Every girl thinks they have the most special horse in the world. I tend to believe mine was one of the best. Not because he won the most trophies but because of the patience kindness he gave me and all the kids whose heart he touched. Sly was my teacher and friend for 12 years. He was the most loving creature on the planet and I hope this scholarship helps another young rider experience the same love and lessons he taught me. He showed me how important it was to hold on to what you are passionate about, and if it tried to buck you off, hold on tighter.” Jenny
This scholarship is intended for youth participating in a lesson program on a lesson horse. Two scholarships will be awarded annually to applicants that are in need of assistance to participate in a show.
Region One Scholarships
Region One proudly offers two $5,000 educational scholarships annually through the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Foundation. These prestigious awards support students pursuing higher education while maintaining their involvement in the Quarter Horse community. Eligible applicants must be Region One members. The AQHA Foundation’s professional management of these funds ensures that our investment in the next generation continues to grow and make a lasting impact.
