MIHA Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association

The Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (MIHA) is thrilled to announce the availability of 8 annual scholarships, amounting to a total of $11,500. This year, MIHA will be granting four scholarships of $1500 each and another four of $1000 each. Furthermore, the Michigan Horse Council, in collaboration with MIHA, will be awarding two scholarships of $500 each, and Lighthouse Sportswear, MIHA's official merchandise provider, will be sponsoring a $500 scholarship. MIHA registered riders/grooms who have participated in 3 out of 4 high school years, with their senior year being mandatory, are eligible to apply for these scholarships. Detailed eligibility criteria are provided below. As an interscholastic organization, MIHA is committed to supporting its members in their future educational pursuits. We extend our gratitude to the Michigan Horse Council and Lighthouse Sportswear for their partnership in this endeavor.

The scholarship recipients will be formally announced at the Winter Meeting in February.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must submit a complete application packet, which includes the scholarship application form, a character reference letter, and two essays. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The deadline for submission is midnight, November 1, 2025, at scholarships@miha.org

Eligible applicants are registered riders/grooms who have competed in 3 out of 4 high school years, with the senior year (the fall High School season directly preceding the Scholarship application due date) being mandatory.

• A character reference letter from a Coach, District Chairperson, Counselor, or Teacher is required. It is recommended that the letter not be from a parent. (Accepted formats: Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF)
• Two Essays, each not exceeding 500 words: (Accepted formats: Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. GOOGLE DOCS AND SHEETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED)

1. Describe a unique MIHA experience that helped you overcome a challenge as a team member. Remember, there is no 'I' in 'Team' while writing your essay!
2. How has your MIHA experience influenced or motivated your future? (Examples: School, career, volunteerism)

• The completed scholarship application form, recommendation letter, and both essays should be sent in ONE email to scholarships@cm1.bc7.mywebsitetransfer.com with the subject line 'MIHA Scholarship 2025/2026'
• All applicants will receive a confirmation email within 7 days of submission. If you do not receive a confirmation, please resend your email address, the date and time of your submission, and we will confirm receipt. DO NOT SEND IT TO mihaexecutiveboard@gmail.com. Applications sent to this email will not be accepted.

Once the scholarship recipients are announced, the MIHA Treasurer will provide information on how the funds will be disbursed. All scholarship winners are required to attend the Horse Expo at MSU in the spring.