DENISON, TX, MAY 30, 2008 - The Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) announced the recipients of its 2008 Higher Education Scholarships during their annual Youth Clinic on May 10th at Loy Lake Arena in Denison. For the first time in the history of the program, HAT is very proud to announce the awarding of two scholarships, one of $500 and a second of $400.

Rachel Newman, a graduating senior at Blessed Hope Christian School in Roxton, TX, became the 5th recipient of the annual $500 scholarship. Rachel is a member of the Roxton 4-H Club, Lamar County 4-H Council, District IV 4-H Council, Red River Horse Club, and the 4-H horse judging team.

While maintaining exemplary grades in school and attending college classes, Rachel worked as a physical therapy aide at a physical therapy center and served as a volunteer at Hannah's Horseshoes of Hope, a therapeutic horseback riding program for students with disabilities. She has provided over 100 hours of volunteer time since the program started in 2002.

Rachel Newman, 2008 Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) $500 Higher Education Scholarship recipient

Rachel has been accepted at Hardin Simmons University in Abilene where she plans to major in physical therapy. Her goal is to return to work in the Texoma area, specifically at Hannah's Horseshoes of Hope. Rachel is the daughter of Syd and Kathleen Newman of Roxton, and she has four brothers and three sisters.

Shea Cox, a graduating senior at Sanger High School in Sanger, TX, is the first recipient of the new $400 scholarship. At school, Shea was a member of the FFA, FCA, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Rodeo Team, and multiple athletic teams - basketball, volleyball, cross country, and track.

Shea Cox, 2008 Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) $400 Higher Education Scholarship recipient

An honor roll student, Shea tutored younger students and assisted with therapeutic riding lessons. She is a member of the Lewisville Saddle Club, American Association of Sheriff Posses & Riding Clubs, and the National Association of Riding Clubs & Sherriff's Posses. She also competes successfully in play days and rodeos with her horse, Cash.

Shea has been accepted at Texas Tech University where she plans to major in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Shea is the daughter of Lynn and Chris Cox of Sanger.

In announcing this year's scholarships, HAT President and Scholarship Committee Chair Sandra Shiver stated, "A milestone goal was reached this year when two Horseman's Association of Texoma Higher Education Scholarships were awarded to very deserving graduating seniors. The fifth year of HAT's scholarship program drew applicants from two states and seven counties in the Texoma area. Each year the competition gets tougher and choosing only one winner becomes more challenging. Thanks to the efforts and hard work throughout the year, it was a thrill for the selection committee and the club to present two scholarships.

"Thank you to all the dedicated HAT members, our sponsors, and all who attended, volunteered, or participated in our fund raising events over the past year. Thank you to the selection committee members for devoting our combined efforts to select this year's recipients. Special thanks goes to a horse named Peeka Pep, a four-year-old red roan stallion, whose stallion auction donation proceeds were designated by his owners for our scholarship fund.

"HAT is proud of the many talented students who applied for this year's awards. It must be true that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a person. This was definitely reflected in all of the essays!"

Rachel and Shea join an elite group of outstanding students who have represented HAT by way of our scholarship. We sincerely wish them success in attaining their educational and life goals.

Rachel Newman (left) and Shea Cox (right), 2008 HAT Scholarship recipients, with Sandra Shiver, HAT President.

To be considered for the scholarship, students must submit an application packet which includes writing an essay describing how their lives have benefited from working with horses. The scholarship funds must be used to pay for tuition or expenses at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Applications and information for the 2009 scholarship will be made available later in the year.

Horseman's Association of Texoma (HAT) is a not-for-profit, all-breed group of horse owners and enthusiasts in the Lake Texoma area of north Texas and southern Oklahoma. HAT members have interests in a wide variety of horse breeds, disciplines, and activities. HAT's purposes are to promote good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and fellowship among horse owners. HAT also works to promote the growth and ongoing development of the equine industry in the Texoma region.

For more information, please call (903) 819-3669 or visit the HAT website at www.hat-texoma.org.