AHHS YOUTH PROGRAMS
YOUTH MEDALLION PROGRAM
Open to junior exhibitors under 18 years of age in the Pleasure Driving Pony/Horse, Roadster Pony, Roadster Under Saddle, Pleasure Pony/Horse Under Saddle, Youth Hackney/Harness Combination, Country Pleasure Driving, Pleasure Driving Pony/Horse (Reinsmanship), and Showmanship In-Hand Pony/Horse divisions. By qualifying in local medallion classes, a combination of junior exhibitor and pony may compete in the National Medallion Championship Finals vying for the national title in each division, and scholarship awards.
This program encourages youth involvement with Hackneys as they are acquiring show ring skills, developing friendships and competing for the prestigious title of Youth Medallion National Finalist. A special medallion is awarded to winners of local medallion classes and certificates of qualification are sent to each entry.
The National Final will provide special gifts and events for all participants along with national recognition. 1995 brought the addition of two new divisions, the Roadster Pony Under Saddle and Hackney/Harness Combination Class. Now, the pony that is shown in the Ladies or Amateur division can also compete with the youth, encouraging family participation.
For listings of shows offering the classes or information on adding a class to any horse show, please contact the AHHS office. The National Medallion Championship Finals are held at the UPHA American Royal National Championship in Kansas City, Missouri.
YOUTH MEDALLION DOWNLOADS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Statement of Philosophy: The purpose of the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation’s Scholarship Program is to provide a scholarship to an incoming freshman college student who demonstrates financial need, a commitment to the Hackney industry, and academic success.
AHHS YOUTH MEDALLION FINALS GRANT
The AHHS Foundation's YOUTH MEDALLION FINALS GRANT was established to help offset the costs for a first-time participant (age 17 and under) who wishes to attend the AHHS Youth Medallion Finals Competition at the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City, MO. The applicant must demonstrate financial need, show a commitment to the Hackney breed, and be successful academically. The grant(s) will be awarded to the applicant(s) on the basis of submitted evidence of academic success, financial need, extracurricular activities including community service, involvement with the Hackney breed, and personal references. Additionally, an interview may be required.
The completed application, transcripts, recommendation letters, student essay, and tax information are due to the committee chairperson (see below) no later than October 1st of the competition year. Early applications accepted as soon as the exhibitor has won a medallion qualifying class and completed all requirements.
The Grant will be awarded prior to the closing of entries for the Finals Competition. Funds will be distributed after the Grant Recipient has submitted evidence of competing in the AHHS Youth Medallion Finals. Should the recipient not show in the Finals, the Grant Money must be refunded to the AHHS Foundation via cashier's check within 2 weeks following the Medallion Finals.
Application may be mailed to:
Matt Schuckert, AHHSF Grant Committee Chairman
Debonaire Stables
95 Wonderland Rd.
Upton, KY 42784
Or e-mailed to: stitchschuckert@gmail.com with the subject listed as "Foundation Medallion Grant"
For the inaugural year of 2026, the Foundation, along with the help of generous donors, will be offering TWO (2) Medallion Finals Grants. For complete details and requirements, please refer to the application at the link below. Any questions may be directed to the Foundation's Finals Grant Committee Chair, Matt Schuckert, at stitchschuckert@gmail.com.
Download AHHS Foundation Medallion Finals Grant Application (PDF)
AHHS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Applications are now open for the $2,500 AHHHS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The American Hackney Horse Society Foundation Scholarship will be awarded to high school graduates on the basis of submitted evidence of academic success, financial need, extracurricular activities (including community service), involvement with Hackney Horses and/or Ponies, and personal references. An interview may also be required.
Completed application, reference letters and a photo suitable for publication must be received by July 15th of the year in which the applicant will be an incoming freshman college student.
Note: See checklist on application. The $2,500.00 scholarship money administered by the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation will be paid directly to the institution, university, or college for educational expenses.
A scholarship will be awarded one time only to any individual. All information submitted with the application will be held in strict confidence. No application will be returned and the decision of the Scholarship Selection Committee shall be final.
Download AHHS Foundation Scholarship Application (PDF)
All applications should be sent to:
American Hackney Horse Society Foundation, Inc.
c/o Mindy Preston
mpreston19@msn.com
Call Mindy at (317) 408-5614 with questions.
The 'DRIVING SPIRIT" Joe Crawford Harrod" Memorial Grant
2025 JOE CRAWFORD HARROD MEMORIAL GRANT
Open to Hackney, Saddlebred, Morgan and Road Horse Enthusiasts
Driving Spirit, the Joe Crawford Harrod Memorial Grant, has been established to support active members of the American Hackney Horse Society, aged 21-30, with a desire to develop their career or personal interest in Horsemanship and Showmanship. Funds may be used for equine industry educational programs, internships or any Show Horse industry program/career endeavor.
Potential use, within the spirit of the grant, is unlimited and may include:
- Instructor — Riding, Driving
- Farrier
- Harness Saddlery Maker
- Internships — Industry Related
- Judge — Learner & Ongoing Education
- Photographer/Videographer
- Reporter/Writer — Industry Media
- Show Announcer
- Show Steward
- Show Manager
- Show Secretary
- Horse Transportation
- Horse Trainer / Assistant Trainer
- Veterinary / Equine Therapy
- Equine Dentistry
Intention:
Recognize and support an individual who portrays the characteristics and traits that Joe Crawford Harrod strived for and pursued.
Applicant must demonstrate:
- Excellent Sportsmanship
- Value of Camaraderie & Friendship
- Value of Teamwork & Confidence-Building
- Care and Compassion for Ponies/Horses
Requirements:
- Must be an active member of the American Hackney Horse Society
- May be an amateur or professional
- Must participate in the Show Horse Industry
- Limited to 2 lifetime grant awards.
To apply for the 2025 Grant:
Along with at least 2 recommendations from active participants in the Show Horse Industry, the applicant must submit a written essay and/or a short video outlining:
- Purpose of application, including program, school, internship, work-study, or other endeavor for which the applicant will use the Grant Funds
- Goals the applicant will achieve by the use of the Grant Funds.
- Amount the applicant is requesting (up to $5,000*)
- Contact Information (address, phone, e-mail)
- Submit to sueharrod90@gmail.com
*May vary based on applications
Contributions:
If you would like to contribute to the Joe Crawford Harrod Memorial Grant Fund with a gift of any size, you may donate online by clicking here or via check to the American Hackney Horse Society Foundation/Harrod Grant. Please specify Joe Crawford Harrod Memorial Grant Fund as the program to which you would like to donate. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible.
