VERSA Scholarship Program
VERSA Scholarship Program (Print Version VERSA Schloarship)
VERSA Scholarship Application (Print Version VERSA Scholarship Application)
DEADLINES: May 1st; November 1st
Must be CURRENT VERSA Member prior to application for Scholarship
VERSA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Program Mission:
The American Saddlebred Versatility Association (VERSA) will offer scholarship opportunities to its members for the 2026 season. The mission of the VERSA scholarship Program is to provide educational opportunities for members seeking to expand their knowledge and develop their skills in disciplines outside of traditional saddle seat. This includes but not limited to versatile disciplines such as dressage, eventing, show jumping, endurance riding, combined driving, ranch and trail riding, working equitation, western dressage or other western disciplines.
Applicants must demonstrate a notable commitment to showcasing the versatility of the American Saddlebred in disciplines outside of the traditional Saddlebred show world. VERSA seeks to support qualified members through the program with the understanding that membership and the organization will benefit as a result of the knowledge and experience gained by the grantees.
Total Award Amount per Scholarship
Scholarships in the amount of $250 each are designed to help our membership attend clinics, seminars, workshops and training programs. Scholarships can not be used for professional training for your horse or to supplement show fees for a professional rider to ride your horse or extraneous expenses such as trailering, gas, food, lodging, etc., to attend shows. Scholarships must be used to participate in educational programs with someone other than the applicant’s regular trainer.
Deadlines and Criterial for Application:
Deadlines for applications are May 1st and November 1st. Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants must be current on members of VERSA. This means that dues for VERSA membership must be paid for the current program year prior to application.
Applicants must complete the scholarship application and submit at least one letter of recommendation from someone (trainer/clinician/someone else) who can describe the applicant’s current level of riding and abilities in their respective discipline.
Photos and any additional documentation that supports the applicant’s participation in a discipline which showcases the versatility of the American Saddlebred are also encouraged for submittal.
Award Process:
The Scholarship Committee (consisting of at least 3 members), will meet to review applications in a timely manner. They will award scholarships depending upon availability of funds, qualifications of applicants.
Each applicant will be screened with a uniform set of criteria in order to ensure equity among applicants. These will generally include benchmarks such as length of VERSA membership, competition level and any previous awards and recognitions in disciplines outside of saddle seat.
Those who are awarded scholarships will be notified by a “Letter of Award” which outlines how the scholarships can be used. In addition, the letter will state that, as a condition of the Award, the recipient will be required to submit an essay sharing their experience which will be published in the VERSA newsletter.
Reimbursement of Award:
Scholarship monies will be disbursed when a voucher is submitted, as reimbursement for approved services/functions detailed within the scholarship guidelines. Each recipient will be asked to write a brief article about how they utilized scholarship funds and the experience they gained for publication on the VERSA web site and VERSA social media platforms.
VERSA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
( Please Print, Attach additional documents and email to ASBVERSA@gmail.com )
