NSBYA Spotlight on SOQHA Challenge Scholarship Program

NSBA News (edited)

By: Ryan Flowers

The Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association hosts their annual Challenge horse show. This show awards thousands in scholarship money to youth kids every year. I spoke to Cami Claypool, the current youth advisor, about the program.

In the last seven years, 64 scholarships have been awarded to the 14-18, 13 and under, level 1, and small fry High Point and Reserve winners. Starting in 2013, and changing in 2016, the amounts of the awards were increased and a second chance scholarship was added. Winners of the 14-18 and 13 and under now get $1,500, while the reserve gets $1,000. In the remaining divisions, the winner gets $1,000 and the reserve gets $500.

During the first year, they awarded online savings bonds, which didn’t work, so she started seeking sponsors to award cash to the kids. The Scholarship Challenge was started as a way for the SOQHA youth to give back in a big way. She also wanted something that wasn’t just the same people winning the same all arounds every weekend.

The format they use is that the exhibitor picks three classes and a Halter class (no Halter is required for small fry or level 1) which makes the playing field more level for all contestants. The great thing is that there is no cost to apply. You just go to the booth at the show and sign up by picking your classes. For kids who show both level 1 and their age division, they can sign up for both chances to win! The second chance is for those kids who may not have placed well and earned points in their classes; but, as long as they signed up, didn’t win their division scholarship, and competed, they have a chance at the random drawing for winner and reserve.

Thank you to the SOQHA for supporting the youth and their future endeavors!