General Scholarships
The IEF awards multiple general scholarships each year to deserving undergraduate students. Winners are announced in conjunction with the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship Horse Show. Included among the general IEF Scholarships are four named awards:
The Jack Fritz Memorial Award is a national scholarship named in honor of the legendary horseman and scholar Jack Fritz who co-founded the IHSA while a professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University with then-student, Robert Cacchione.
The Joan Johnson Memorial Award is a national scholarship in honor of Joan Johnson, affectionately known as “JJ”. JJ was one of the founding members of the IHSA, dedicating much of her life towards the success of the organization. She was a coach at Stony Brook University, Associate National Steward (1967-2000), Zone 3 chairperson and chair of the Scholarship Foundation since its inception. Through her uncommon devotion and leadership, JJ truly was a crucial element in the development of the IHSA.
The Emily Jane Hilscher Memorial Award was created in memory of Hilscher, a 19-year-old freshman studying veterinary science, who was among the victims of the rampage at Virginia Tech in 2007. From Woodville, Virginia she was a horsewoman, animal lover, enthusiastic cook and imaginative artisan. She was a member of the IHSA, competing with the Virginia Tech Equestrian Team.
The Margaret "Maggie" Blackmon Memorial Award was created in memory of Blackmon, a 20-year-old junior studying anthropology at St. Lawrence University. A three-year member of the St. Lawrence riding team, Blackmon passed away suddenly in 2020. Her love of horses and riding led her to develop tremendous skills and knowledge transferable to all aspects of her life. This scholarship recognizes a collegiate rider who demonstrates a similar passion and commitment to the sport.
Application Deadline is February 20
To apply and be considered for an IEF Scholarship Award, the applicant is required to:
- Complete IEF Scholarship Online Application Form
Please complete the online application form. The link is available below. All sections must be completed, and your essay should be uploaded through the form. Applicants need not be a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association.
- Submit the following documents directly to the IEF:
Current Official College Transcript
Two Recommendation Letters
Items may be submitted via email or USPS using the below address, not uploaded through the Application Form
Application deadline is February 20, 2026.
Online application must be complete, and all required documents must be received by the deadline in order for consideration.
Questions and supporting documents may be submitted to:
Kelly Francfort
Intercollegiate Equestrian Foundation
34 Pulaski Road
Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889
Email Contact: IEF.kfrancfort@gmail.com