Horse Farm Workers’ Educational Assistance Fund Awards 26 Scholarships

[Wandering Eyes]

Celebrating its 30th year, the Horse Farm Workers' Educational Assistance Fund has awarded 26 scholarships for 2025-26 to children of full-time horse farm workers in Central Kentucky. Some 808 annual scholarships have been awarded since the inception of the program, totaling $1,718,470. The Fund was founded by Rob Whiteley of Liberation Farm, Tom Evans of Trackside Farm and Fred Seitz of Brookdale Farm.

Scholarships are granted for education or skill training after high school and are based upon financial need, merit, biographical essays and personal interviews. Scholarships are also available for full-time horse farm workers in central Kentucky who wish to take equine related training or courses to help them be more knowledgeable and effective while working with Thoroughbred horses.

Six Horse Farm scholarship recipients have additionally distinguished themselves for academic achievement as Pollard Scholars at the University of Kentucky.

“In pursuit of their dreams, many of our scholars work 20 or more hours per week at one or two jobs while carrying a full course load,” said Evans, the president of the Fund. “Our main goal is to award enough money so that they can focus on their studies and make school their number one priority without incurring a huge burden of long-term student loan debt.”

He continued: “Investing in these young people is also an investment in the industry. Many of our scholars after successfully completing their studies have returned to pursue careers in the Thoroughbred industry. Several have already distinguished themselves (including a Director of Racing at a major North American track). Many who have chosen careers outside the industry have made their mark as professionals in nursing, education, social work, theology, and business.”

Qualifying parents of scholars have been employed full-time for at least 3 years by one of the following Central Kentucky Thoroughbred farms: Benson Farm, Betz Thoroughbreds, Fallbrook Farm, Gainesway Farm (2), Godolphin @ Gainsborough (2), Godolphin @ Jonabell (2), Godolphin @ Raceland, Hermitage Farm (5), Monticule Farm, Mt. Brilliant Farm, Runnymede Farm, Shadwell Farm, Shawhan Place Farm, Spendthrift Farm (2), Winchester Place Thoroughbreds and WinStar Farm (3).

“Our horse farm scholars and parents are an industry treasure,” said Whiteley. “Farm workers are the backbone of the breeding industry and therefore the foundation of the entire Thoroughbred industry. The parents of these scholars have instilled an incredible work ethic in their children. Year after year, these outstanding young people impress the Board with their ability, motivation, energy, enthusiasm, and accomplishments. Quite a few of our scholars are the first in their families to pursue education beyond high school, and some could not do so without our financial assistance.”

Click here for additional information or to make a donation to the Fund.

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