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Springfield, IL –Horsemen’s Council of Illinois (HCI) has awarded two $1,000 college scholarships. 

The 12th annual Ruby Holmquist Memorial Scholarship went to Rachel Jean Brooks of Oakford, IL. Ryan Heaton of Murrayville, IL, won the 3rd annual Dean Scoggins Memorial Scholarship. Both awards are to further the students’ equine education. The scholarships were presented Saturday (March 7) during HCI's 20th annual Illinois Horse Fair at the Fairgrounds in Springfield.

The Holmquist scholarship is established and administered by HCI in memory of Ruby Holmquist, dedicated horsewoman, loyal HCI director and inspiration to all who knew her. It is restricted to an Illinois resident for assisting in the pursuit of or advancement in a horse-related career. 

The Scoggins scholarship was initiated in 2007 by HCI to honor the memory of the late Dr. R. Dean Scoggins, DVM, a dedicated horseman in addition to being a skilled veterinary practitioner and faculty member at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. He spent a great deal of time promoting the strength and integrity of the horse industry through his educational efforts, teaching both on-campus and off-campus as an Illinois State Specialist with UI Extension. In addition, he promoted these ideals as a proactive HCI board member. This scholarship aims to help promote Dr. Scoggins’ ideals through recognizing an outstanding Illinois resident veterinary student who has a demonstrated background and interest in the health and welfare of horses and in Illinois.

Brooks, daughter of producers Jerry and Nancy Brooks, is a senior at Petersburg PORTA High School with a 4.15 GPA and long list of scholastic, athletic and community service honors, including being a member of the Scholastic Bowl State Championship Team and captain of the swim team and school record holder in the 100 breaststroke and 200 Free Relay.

President of the Oakford Pioneers 4-H Club 2006-2009, Brooks has been a member for 10 years. Among her horse-showing titles is Winner ISF Horse Show, Western Horsemanship ages 15-16. Aiming for a career in the horse industry, Brooks spent last summer shadowing the professionals at Cass Veterinary Clinic.

Brooks has applied to the Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences program at the University of Illinois where she hopes to graduate as an equine veterinarian.

Heaton is the son of Ken and Becky Heaton. He received his B.S. Degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois and currently is a third-year student in the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation he would like to complete an internship at a top level equine clinic to advance his experience in lameness diagnosis and sports medicine.

Applications for this year’s scholarships are being accepted until December 1. Guidelines and application forms are available by writing to the Horsemen’s Council of Illinois or on its web site www.HorsemensCouncil.org. HCI may be contacted at P. O. Box 1605, Springfield, IL 62705. Phone (217) 585-1600. Fax (217) 585-1601. 

The Horsemen’s Council of Illinois is affiliated with the American Horse Council and is the statewide association of equine organizations and individuals working to provide centralized leadership for Illinois’ 77,000 horse owners, 213,000 horses and its $3.8 billion industry, which provides full-time employment for more than 15,000 people.

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