Our Story
WCEF supports local youth organizations that promote responsible horsemanship, including 4-H Clubs, therapeutic riding programs, and scholarships for students pursuing equine-related education, such as animal science, horse husbandry, or veterinary medicine. WCEF conducts a Youth Horsemanship Challenge, which is a series that includes riding competitions, and an interview to show horsemanship knowledge and skills. The youth can compete in both riding and interview or just the interview to earn scholarships. Since 2007, the WCEF has gifted more than $160,000 in scholarships to students pursuing equine related careers.
The WCEF's financial support comes from horse shows held at MEC (53 shows this year), MEC's own El Rancho cutting horse shows, proceeds from the MEC-based Cares and Whoas Glamour Ranch boutique, and an annual golf tournament. Donations are gratefully accepted and may be dedicated to scholarships or a specific equine cause. As of 2016, the WCEF is also a partner for the Sacramento International Horse Show, held annually at the Murieta Equestrian Center.