Scholarships, Bursaries & Funding for Individuals
These funding opportunities are available to those pursuing education opportunities or participating in specific equestrian disciplines.
Educational Scholarships
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Available to members who are pursuing an equine-related post-secondary education and who exhibit the values of the AEF. The Educational Scholarship application deadline is May 31 annually.
Industry Scholarships
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Available to members who are entering or enrolled in Animal Health Technology or equivalent at a Canadian accredited post secondary educational institution. The Industry Scholarship application deadline is May 31 annually.
Marlene Waldner Western Youth Bursary
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Available to youth members between the ages of 13 and 17 who are either participating in, wanting to participate in, or already practicing safe sport in western-related equestrian activities.
Marlene Waldner absolutely loved the ranch life and knew her future would always include the countryside and animals, most importantly horses, which would become the centre of her universe. In 1981 she and her husband built the All Seasons Arena, and she began her volunteer career with the local 4H Club. Through the years she was involved as a mother of 4Hers, a coach, a project and club leader, and in 1987 she became a certified western coach. Through her involvement with horses Marlene met many wonderful people. She often commented how blessed she was to have had such amazing opportunities and diverse experiences. Horses gave her so much in life.
This youth bursary is in Marlene Waldner’s memory, for her dedication, passion, and love toward horses and the western equestrian community. The Marlene Waldner Western Youth Bursary deadline is September 30, annually.
Charlene Baker Western Rider Bursary
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This $500 bursary is awarded annually to the rider who has achieved the highest score within the Western Learn to Ride Level 4 Test.
Charlene Baker was a Western Level 2 Course Conductor and Western Level 2 Certified Coach. Charlene was heavily involved in 4H as well as provided many clinics and teachings for Lakeland College in Vermillion. Charlene was a competitive rider, in addition to her successful coaching career, and was instrumental in organizing many competitions in the northeast region of Alberta. Charlene believed it was important to be certified. Charlene passed away early May 1997 after a long battle with cancer.
Applications are sent to eligible candidates and due by March 31 of each year. Applications are sent directly to eligible individuals, please contact us for more information.
Sonja Burton English Rider Bursary
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This $500 bursary is awarded annually to the rider who has achieved the highest score within the English Learn to Ride Level 8 Test.
At 17 Sonja Burton was an accomplished equestrian with two horses—Sabre her Quarter Horse, and Damaris her purebred Hanoverian—who each complemented her personality. One was a cowgirl, the other a princess. Sonja started riding at eight years of age and was immediately hooked; she had always dreamed of being an equestrian. She amassed quite a collection of trophies and ribbons over the years. Sonja graduated with distinction in June 2015 from Harry Ainlay High School and planned to pursue her Bachelor of Arts Degree and eventually study Law. This bursary is awarded in honour of Sonja Burton’s memory, for her dedication, passion, and love of horses and equestrian sport.
Applications are sent to eligible candidates and due by March 31 of each year. Applications are sent directly to eligible individuals, please contact us for more information.
Individual Funding
AEF strives to provide funding, when available, to eligible members. To fairly determine the distribution of any available funds, all requests for funding must be done through a completed application during the application period(s). In all cases, funding approval will be based and aligned with the AEF’s vision, mission, and values.
AEF strives to provide individual funding for:
- Athlete development (prior in nature: fundamental clinics, courses, etc.)
- Coach development
- Officials’ development
AEF will not provide funding for:
- Competition entry fees
- Future activities/events
- Personal, social or promotional activities/items
- Memberships
- Sponsorships
- Unsanctioned competitions
Applications are accepted between:
- January 1 – April 30 each year
- June 1 – September 30 each year
Please see the application for additional requirements and criteria.
Funding is also available for Club Members and Trail Supporter projects.