Leg Up Scholarships
SEE’s Leg Up Scholarships offer a variety of opportunities for riders from diverse backgrounds to train with top professionals and advance their equestrian goals. Scholarships typically cover the cost of instruction for a 2-5 day period or event entry fees. Scholarships do not typically cover the cost of the recipient’s travel. Some scholarships include room and board or use of a lesson horse.
For Riders
Looking for a leg up in your riding?
Now Accepting Applications: Kentucky Dressage Association Fall Festival I & II 2026
Strides for Equality Equestrians is very proud to partner with the Kentucky Dressage Association to provide an entry to the 2026 KDA Fall Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
The KDA Fall Festival Leg Up Scholarship recipient will receive funded entry for two classes of choice at the Fall Festival I or II on September 12 and 13, 2026.
Applications to the KDA Leg Up Scholarship are due Sunday, August 23. The Scholarship recipient will be notified no later than Wednesday, 26 to allow time to plan for the show and travel. All ages are welcome to apply.
Strides for Equality Equestrians is thrilled to offer this opportunity with the Kentucky Dressage Association. The purpose of the KDA is to promote and strengthen the art and sport of Dressage in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KDA will provide leadership to its members to assist them in fostering individual and collective growth by providing education, publications, competitions, exhibitions, and increasing general public awareness for Dressage. This Leg Up Scholarship is intended to increase BIPOC equestrian and ally visibility and inclusion in Kentucky dressage.
Requirements
Riders must have access to a horse for entry.
This Leg Up Scholarship covers entry fee expenses only. Travel and any other associated expenses are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient.
Applicants must be willing to share their experience as part of the show in blogs, social & print media.
Applicants must be invested in increasing access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.
How to apply
To apply, complete and submit the application below. The Scholarship recipient will be notified by August 26 and SEE will provide their entry directly to Kentucky Dressage Association. Questions? Email stridesforequality@gmail.com
For Trainers & Events
Interested in giving diverse riders a leg up?
SEE will work with you to customize a Leg Up Scholarship opportunity that leverages your expertise and available resources. SEE will handle the application process to find a rider who is a great fit for your program.
Past Leg Up Scholarships
** We are no longer accepting applications for these opportunities **
Leg Up Scholarship Sponsors
Ashley Johnson, Ashland Eventing