Equine Scholarships
American Royal Equine Scholarships
To learn more, contact [email protected]
Thank you to BOTAR for sponsoring various scholarship and awards. BOTAR is a women’s membership auxiliary of the American Royal. The organization was formed in 1949. The primary fundraiser and membership induction event is the annual BOTAR Ball. Each year, BOTAR contributes all proceeds from the ball and other fund raising events directly to the American Royal Association, theAmerican Royal Scholarship Fund, and the BOTAR Fund of the American Royal Charitable Foundation. BOTAR has grown from an initial class of 12 women to over 1700 members.
The Royal Showcase Youth and Open Horse Show Scholarship
The American Royal Association and BOTAR organization will award one $1,500 scholarship for post-secondary education to a junior exhibitor competing in the 2025 Royal Showcase, Youth and Open Horse Show.
Stay tuned for more information regarding the 2026 scholarship program.
Hilary Watson Memorial Scholarship, Cutting Horse Show
The American Royal will award one $500 scholarship to the top point average in the youth division. To be eligible, exhibitors must compete in every youth class of their division. Preference will be given to Senior Youth exhibitors. If not Senior Youth, award will be given to Junior Youth exhibitor.
Awarded to the top point average in the senior youth division. Exhibitor must compete in every senior youth class. If no senior youth exhibitor, award will be given to top junior youth. Same rules apply.
Will be awarded after the last Youth Class on the last day of show.
Age Requirements: Showing as 17 and under
UPHA/American Royal National Championship Horse Show Scholarship
November 10-15, 2025
After many years of partnership and support from the Belles of the American Royal, we are thankful for their generosity and contribution to this scholarship. This has helped many exhibitors further their education to the University of their choice and will carry on the BOTAR tradition of strong leaders.
The American Royal and BOTAR organization will each award a $1,500 scholarship to a junior exhibitor of the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show. This scholarship is open to junior exhibitors of any age. The scholarship is awarded through an application process. Two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded.
Application Materials:
- Applicant Information Form
- High School/Middle School Transcript
- One Letter of Recommendation
- High resolution headshot or other professionally done photo of the applicant
- One-page essay written by applicant describing what their participation in the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show means to them. Font Size: 12, Font Spacing: Single-Spaced
- Presented on Saturday Evening Session
Age Requirements: Applicants must be junior exhibitors (showing as 18 and under) entered to competition UPHA/American Royal National Championship Horse Show.