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ABRA Announces 2026 YES Scholarship and College Scholarship Winners

  • Writer: Karri Owens
    Karri Owens
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

  • Elly Spracklen - 2026 ABRA College Scholarship Winner
  • Jemma Thraen - 2026 ABRA YES Scholarship Winner

There's a particular kind of pride that comes from watching young horsemen and horsewomen grow up in this breed. This year, ABRA gets to celebrate two of them at once.


Jemma Thraen of Indianola, Iowa, has been named the 2026 YES Scholarship winner.


Elly Spracklen of Amherst, Nebraska, has been named the 2026 College Scholarship winner.


Two different programs. Two different stages of the journey. One shared thread of dedication that anyone who has spent time in this breed will recognize instantly.


A Tale of Two Scholarships

ABRA offers two separate scholarship opportunities each year, built for members at different points in their journey.


The YES Scholarship is for members who are still in school, before college — recognizing young exhibitors while they're still actively growing in the saddle and in the show pen.


The College Scholarship is for members who are heading to or already attending college — supporting exhibitors as they take the next step forward.


Jemma and Elly represent exactly what these programs were built to honor. Their achievements look different, but the commitment behind them doesn't.


Congratulations, Jemma and Elly

To Jemma Thraen: congratulations on being named ABRA's 2026 YES Scholarship winner.


To Elly Spracklen: congratulations on being named ABRA's 2026 College Scholarship winner.


The buckskin community is watching both of you with pride, and we can't wait to see where your next chapter takes you.


Your Turn Could Be Next

If reading about Jemma and Elly has you thinking about your own application, here's what you need to know: applications for both the YES Scholarship and the College Scholarship are due June 1.


Whether you're still in school or getting ready for your next semester of college, there's a scholarship built for exactly where you are. If you've been putting off starting your application, consider this your sign to get it done. ABRA members who've put in the work — in the saddle, in the barn, in their communities — deserve every chance to be recognized the way Jemma and Elly are being recognized today.


Mark the date. Start the application. The next name on this list could be yours.


 
 
 

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