At CoWN, we believe in investing in the next generation of riders, leaders, and horsemen. Each year, we award scholarships to deserving collegiate and high school students who demonstrate dedication not only to their horsemanship but also to their personal growth, education, and community.

These scholarships help students pursue their academic and riding goals while staying connected to the values of responsibility, perseverance, and sportsmanship that horsemanship teaches.

Your support makes these opportunities possible. By giving to CoWN, you’re directly helping students continue their education, develop their skills, and carry forward the legacy of horsemanship for years to come.

Founded by Dr. Abbie Ferris

Because sometimes, even the best horsemen and horsewomen need a little help along the trail.

The CoWN Community Chest, founded by Dr. Abbie Ferris, was created to support members of the Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska Stock Horse Association (CoWN) in times of need — whether that’s a flat tire, a small vet bill, a bag of feed, or just an extra hand when life gets tough.

It’s not about handouts. It’s about helping our own.

At the heart of the Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska Stock Horse Association (CoWN) is a spirit of community, camaraderie, and a shared love for the versatile stock horse. CoWN was built on the belief that riders and horses grow best when they learn together—through support, encouragement, and a willingness to help each other succeed.

The Spirit of CoWN is more than competition. It’s friends cheering each other on, families pitching in to help, volunteers giving their time, and riders striving to improve every ride. It’s clinics that teach, shows that challenge, and a community that welcomes all who want to ride better and build stronger partnerships with their horses.

When you join CoWN, you’re not just entering a show—you’re becoming part of a family that rides together, learns together, and celebrates the journey together. That’s the Spirit of CoWN.

The Saddles & Smiles Program helps youth riders who demonstrate a love for learning and horsemanship but lack the financial means to participate in CoWN shows. The program provides financial support and mentorship to make showing accessible and to encourage giving back through volunteer service.

The Ben Tyner Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life and legacy of Ben Tyner, a true horseman whose passion, integrity, and dedication to the western way of life inspired all who knew him. Through this scholarship, CoWN continues his mission of helping young riders grow in their horsemanship, education, and character.

Each year, the fund provides financial assistance to deserving students who share Ben’s values of hard work, leadership, and a love for horses. By supporting this scholarship, you’re not only investing in the future of our youth—you’re also keeping alive the spirit of a cowboy who believed in lifting others up.

Your contributions ensure that Ben’s legacy carries forward, giving students the chance to ride better, learn more, and achieve their dreams both in the arena and beyond.

The Dianne Wenzel Memorial Award for Volunteers honors the legacy of one of CoWN’s most dedicated and selfless supporters. Dianne believed deeply in the mission of CoWN and gave countless hours to ensure that our shows, clinics, and community events ran smoothly. Her spirit of generosity, kindness, and hard work set the standard for what it means to be part of the CoWN family.

Each year, this award recognizes a volunteer who exemplifies Dianne’s passion and commitment—someone who goes above and beyond, often behind the scenes, to make sure our riders, horses, and events thrive. It is our way of celebrating the heart of CoWN: the people who give their time and energy to keep our community strong.

By honoring Dianne’s memory, we also honor every volunteer who continues her tradition of service, friendship, and unwavering support for the stock horse community.

The CoWN Stallion Service Auction is an annual program that unites breeders, trainers, and riders across Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska to celebrate and strengthen the foundation of our regional stock horse industry. Each donated stallion service directly supports the Colorado/Wyoming/Nebraska Stock Horse Association’s mission to promote versatile, well-trained horses and the values of authentic horsemanship.