Mason E. Phelps Jr. Memorial Scholarship
The Mason E. Phelps Jr. Memorial Scholarship has been created to honor Mason’s lifelong commitment to the equestrian community and philanthropy. Mason lived his life always thinking of others and we are proud to establish the award to recognize an IHSA student who makes giving back a priority.
Mason competed in the very first IHSA competition, held at Van Sawn Park in Teaneck, New Jersey. Forty riders participated in the competition between the two campuses of Fairleigh Dickinson
University (FDU) with IHSA founder Robert Cacchione representing FDU – Teaneck and Mason representing FDU – Madison. Coached by legendary horseman and IHSA co-founder Jack Fritz, Mason would continue his riding endeavors, selected as an alternate to the 1968 Olympic Three-Day Event Team, and named Rider of the Year by the U.S. Combined Training Association – now the US Eventing Association. He would go on to great success in producing equine-related events, all the while focusing on supporting local and national charities. He worked with Robert Dover to establish
the Equestrian AIDS Foundation, now called Equestrian Aid Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to equestrians who have suffered serious injuries. Mason remained
committed to supporting organizations that supported equestrians, animals and children.
This award looks to recognize an IHSA student who makes goodwill a priority and promotes the welfare of others, whether it is serving their equestrian team, their university or their community at
large.