The life of Joe Grissom

We are sad to report Joe Grissom passed away earlier this week. He was always involved with PtHA in numerous ways from serving as President to a previous Chief Operating Officer for the association. PtHA will be holding a memorial service for Joe on June 10, 2024 the first day of the 2024 Pinto World Championship at 3 pm in the Exhibit Hall. We would like to put together a collection of memories of Joe in the meantime. If you have any stories or pictures you would like to share with us please share by email to Miranda Hassler at Mhassler@pinto.org. Memorial contributions may be made on Joe’s behalf to Joe Grissom Pinto Youth Scholarship through the Pinto Heritage Foundation. https://www.dayandgenda.com/obituaries/joe-grissom

(1) $1000 - Pinto Youth/Phil Sandusky Scholarship (Youth or Amateur)

(1) $1000 - Orren Mixer Memorial Scholarship (Youth only)

(1) $500 - Billie Cousins Memorial Scholarship (Youth only)

(1) $500 – Rick McMcMasters Memorial Scholarship (Youth w/Judging background)

(1) $500 – Cheree Kirkbride Memorial Scholarship (Youth only)

(1) $500 – Pat Walliser Memorial Scholarship (Youth only)

(1) $500 – John Abrams Memorial Scholarship (Youth only)

(1) $500 – Gerald Milburn & Doris Ann Hays Memorial Scholarship (Youth only)

(1) $500 – Len & Pauline Bilke Memorial Scholarship (Youth only)

(2) $500 - Long Ear Registry Scholarship (Youth Only)


Color Breed Congress® Scholarships

Five Youth Scholarships will be awarded to each overall high point youth in each breed showing at the Color Breed Congress Show in November. In order to qualify for the scholarship, the breed division must have 20 or more Youth exhibitors. The PtHA overall high point youth will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship payable to University. The PHBA, ApHC, and Mule/Donkey overall high point youths will each receive a $500 cash scholarship payable to University. 


Pinto Youth/Phil Sandusky Scholarship

Available for Youth or Amateur


One (1) $1000 cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Phil Sandusky’s life and contributions exemplified the ideals of the Pinto Horse Association and its belief inbuilding its future through its members.


Orren Mixer Memorial Scholarship

Available for Youth only


One (1) $1000 cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Orren Mixer, a renowned equine artist, was a proud supporter of the Pinto Horse Association and strongly believed in the future of the organization.


Billie Cousins Memorial Youth Scholarship

Available for Youth only


One (1) $500 cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Billie Cousins was a strong youth supporter and building the future of Pinto Horse Association through its youth members.


Rick McMasters Memorial Scholarship

Available for Youth with a judging background


One (1) $500 cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Rick was an esteemed judge who helped the Pinto World Championship Show and the Color Breed Congress Show become what it is today. He was invested in training new judges to better the equine industry.


Cheree Kirkbride Memorial Scholarship

Available for Youth only

One (1) $500 cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Cheree’s husband, Jeff Kirkbride, owner of Jeff Kirkbride Photography, which is the PtHA official photography at the Pinto World Championship Show and Color Breed Congress Show wanted to honor his wife with a scholarship in her name.


Pat Walliser Memorial Scholarship

Available for Youth only


One (1) $500 Cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Pat Walliser, a PtHA lifetime member, greeted members and visitors who stopped by the Pinto Hospitality Room at the Pinto World Championship Show and the Color Breed Congress shows.


John Abrams Memorial Scholarship

Available for Youth only

One (1) $500 Cash scholarship per year payable to University.
John Abrams, a PtHA lifetime member and longtime PtHA Judge. Worked tirelessly at the Pinto World Championship Show and the Color Breed Congress shows.

Gerald Milburn & Doris Ann Hays Memorial Scholarship

Available for Youth only

One (1) $500 Cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Gerald Milburn was a Past PtHA President. He and Doris Ann were strong supporters of the PtHA and it’s future. 

Len & Pauline Bilke Memorial Scholarship

Available for Youth only

One (1) $500 Cash scholarship per year payable to University.
Len & Pauline Bilke are the parents of PtHA Executive Vice President and COO Darrel Bilke.


Eligibility and Details

Applicants must be at least a high school senior and be enrolled or have applied for fulltime enrollment at an accredited post-secondary educational institution. Application deadline is January 15th of each year.


The recipients will be notified by February 5th of each year and presented a certificate at the Pinto Horse Association® Annual Convention. Scholarship funds will be paid to the educational institution to which the student pays tuition. All scholarships must be used within five years of receipt. Contact the PtHA Office to redeem.