AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE INSTITUTE, INC.
van Schaik Dressage Scholarship
Application Instructions
Throughout his life, Dr. H.L.M. van Schaik fought to preserve the classical art of horsemanship in dressage. To Dr. van Schaik, this meant utilizing gentleness, psychology and the horse’s innate qualities to develop a horse that is useful, willing and correct in his work.
To preserve and encourage the classical methods van Schaik so strongly believed in, the American Morgan Horse Institute (AMHI) shall make an annual award of $1,000 to a Morgan individual wishing to further his or her skill, knowledge or proficiency in classically ridden dressage.
In selecting a candidate for this scholarship, emphasis will be placed on helping a rider move from the lower levels of dressage to fourth level and above. Preference will be given to applicants who have competed their Morgan(s) at First Level Test 4 or above and received a 60 percent or higher score at a recognized competition.
The scholarship must be used to further the training and education of the applicant and their Morgan(s). Eligible expenses include instruction, travel and living expenses directly related to receiving instruction, instructional materials, etc. Following selection, the successful applicant must attest that he/she will continue to pursue dressage training on a Morgan for the duration of the scholarship.
Previous van Schaik Dressage Scholarship winners are not eligible.
Applications should be assembled in the following order, and include one original and three copies:
1. Application Cover Sheet
2. Narrative (up to 5 pages, typed, double spaced, 12 point type)
3. 2 written letters of reference
4. Up to one page of photo(s) {Optional}
Deadline: November 30. Faxed or e-mailed copies/references will not be accepted. Applicants must submit a fresh application package each year to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications should be sent to: AMHI Scholarship, Att.: AMHI van Schaik Dressage Scholarship, P.O. Box 837, Shelburne, VT 05482-0837. Phone: 802-482-5438. E-mail: AMHIOffice@aol.com
Applications will be scored independently by a team of qualified reviewers designated by the AMHI and AMHA.
AMHI van Schaik Dressage Scholarship Application Narrative
Answer the following questions. The narrative must be typed and may not exceed five pages double-spaced with a type size of 12 points. The maximum point value for each section is listed in parenthesis.
1. Describe your involvement with Morgans. Give a short background of your history with the breed. How have you helped promote Morgans in dressage? What are your goals for your Morgan in dressage? How do you envision you and your Morgan as ambassadors for the breed? (Total possible score, 7 points.)
2. Discuss your background in the sport of dressage. Include such items as how long you have been riding dressage; what attracted you to the sport; the level you are riding your Morgan(s); the training principles you follow; the frequency you receive regular lessons; the qualifications of the instructor(s) and any other information that helps to clarify your background and commitment to the discipline. (Total possible score, 6 points.)
3. List your competitive dressage accomplishments on a Morgan(s). Include any national or regional year-end awards, such as: United States Dressage Federation Horse of the Year, Junior Young Rider or All-Breeds Awards; American Morgan Horse Association Open Competition awards; USA Equestrian Regional awards; Morgan Dressage Association Awards of Excellence or Regional Championships; Morgan or dressage club awards; or any individual competition level championships. Include the Morgan’s name, award, level and year won. For individual competitions include the name of the competition, the level, and note if it was an open or Morgan breed show and if it was recognized. List the highest levels you have competed with your current Morgan(s) and the scores you have earned at that level, noting whether those scores were earned in recognized or unrecognized competitions. (Total possible score, 10 points.)
4. What challenges do you face in riding dressage seriously? How might the van Schaik Dressage Scholarship help to overcome these challenges? (Total possible score, 5 points.)
5. How will you use the $1,000 AMHI van Schaik Dressage Scholarship? Provide a detailed budget including a description of all intended expenditures. If you use the scholarship to ride with an instructor/clinician, name the instructor/clinician and his or her qualifications and the number of lessons/clinics and their cost. (Total possible score, 5 points.)
Personal recommendations
Include written recommendations from two individuals who have personal knowledge of you, your Morgan(s) and your dressage ability. (Total possible score, 5 points.)
(Revised: 9/28/07)
AMERICAN MORGAN HORSE INSTITUTE, INC.
van Schaik Dressage Scholarship
Application Cover Sheet
Name ________________________________________________ Date _____ /_____ /_____
Street Address _________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State _______ Zip Code ________________________
Daytime Phone _________________________ Evening Phone ________________________
E-mail Address ____________________________________ Fax _______________________
Morgan Horse’s Name ______________________________ Registration #_______________
Applicants must include two written references.
Reference # 1
Name ___________________________________ Relationship _________________________
Street Address: _________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State _______ Zip Code ________________________
Daytime Phone _________________________ Evening Phone ________________________
Reference # 2
Name ___________________________________ Relationship _________________________
Street Address: _________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________ State _______ Zip Code ________________________
Daytime Phone _________________________ Evening Phone ________________________
I certify that all of the information submitted is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that if chosen to receive the scholarship, I will use the funding to continue my dressage education on a registered Morgan Horse. I also understand that incomplete applications will not be considered.