(Woodside, CA) August 19, 2024 – The Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA!) and the Mounted Patrol Foundation (MPF), joint sponsors of the $10,000 Woodside-area Equestrian Merit Scholarship Award, congratulate Zachary Myles Koller, recent graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Fremont, California, on being awarded this significant scholarship.
Founded five years ago by MPF and WHOA!, this scholarship is dedicated to assisting a deserving local high school senior who has demonstrated involvement in equestrian activities as well as academic achievement, community service, and financial need.
Zachary Myles Koller, who this fall will major in Agricultural Communications at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, led a stellar field of applicants with his commitment to working with horses and riders at Chaparral Ranch Woodside while earning a 4.2 weighted GPA at Fremont’s John F. Kennedy High School, serving his community through volunteer projects and scouting where he attained his Eagle Scout designation, and demonstrating an understanding of the financial challenges posed by the pursuit of higher education.
A spokesman for the MPF remarked, “The Equestrian Merit Scholarship program judges candidates on their equestrian skills and achievements as well as their financial circumstances. Hence talented and dedicated horse lovers who might not otherwise be able to afford continued education are able to advance themselves to the benefit of the equestrian community we all support. Working in partnership with WHOA! affords greater award impact and a diverse perspective for evaluation.”
WHOA! Steering Committee members agreed, “We are so pleased to be able to provide this assistance to young people who appreciate the importance of horses as a part of our heritage, and as a means to connect with nature in an increasingly virtual world. Our hope is that scholarship recipients will return to the Bay Area in roles that improve the lives of horses or equestrians, and reducing their student debt is a first step to helping them pursue a life in this beautiful part of the world.”
Zachary’s appreciation to these sponsoring organizations aligns with his dedication. “I am deeply grateful for this scholarship, and I want to assure you that the funds will be used wisely and with utmost diligence. Your support serves as a stepping stone toward realizing my dreams. Thank you for your belief in me, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to pursue my passions and make a meaningful impact in the world.”
Introducing Zachary Myles Koller
From childhood dreams of being a cowboy, to his recent work at Chaparral Ranch Woodside where he teaches lessons, leads trail rides, and rides some of the younger, greener horses, Zachary has clearly made that dream come true.
Looking into the future, he envisions himself leading expeditions through rugged landscapes to provide transformative experiences that allow people to disconnect from life’s ever present digital noise and reconnect with nature’s serenity.
How Zachary built his future vision on the foundation of his childhood cowboy dreams, and how he intends to accomplish it, demonstrates why he was selected for this year’s $10,000 Woodside-area Equestrian Merit Scholarship Award.
Transformative Experiences
Although they were not equestrians, Zachary’s parents recognized their son’s draw to horses. Growing up in the suburbs, birthday and holiday riding experiences strengthened his interest in horses and riding, until like many teens, the freedom of a driver’s license opened up a new world for him.
Taking the initiative to drive to Chaparral Ranch from his Fremont home, Zachary proposed volunteering there and the rest eventually followed. He describes his current role as an instructor and trail guide as “living my best life” and no horse guy or girl would disagree.
Zachary credits horses with teaching him invaluable life lessons. “My journey with horses has been a testament to their transformative power. Through their unwavering companionship and profound wisdom, I am becoming a skilled equestrian and a more compassionate individual. In a world filled with distractions and complexities, the simple connection shared with horses serves as a grounding force—a reminder of the joy and tranquility they offer.”
Other valuable life lessons evolved from school athletics and volunteering. Zachary was a member of his high school’s cross country and track teams for four years, serving as team captain for both teams at different times, and a member of the wrestling team as a sophomore.
Boy Scouts played a large role in his life, including community service projects such as scouting for food and Coastal Cleanup, as well as volunteering at the Tri-City Food Bank. To no one’s surprise, Zachary ultimately became an Eagle Scout. He began learning Mandarin Chinese in an immersion program in kindergarten, becoming fluent through the years, and lately being awarded the South Bay Chinese Service Club Scholarship.
“The outdoors has played a huge part in my life,” he claims, and his list of outdoor hobbies is extensive: backpacking, campling, wildlife and nature photography, mountain biking, training for an ironman and completing a full marathon, aviation lessons, and of course, riding and being around horses. In addition to his work experience at Chaparral Ranch, Zachary has also been a summer intern at a medical device company, where he assisted with R&D projects.
Planning for the Future
Immediately ahead lies Zachary’s Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, university education, which attracted him with its learn-by-doing methods. There, he will major in Agricultural Communications, which will enable him to experience multiple disciplines within the College of Agriculture. He sill also have the opportunity to work with and be around horses. He concludes, “With the school mascot being the Mustang, I don’t think I could have gone anywhere else.”
College represents a significant financial investment to Zachary and his family, and he is keenly aware of the importance of making the most of this opportunity. He says, “Beyond just acquiring knowledge, I would like to create connections and build a network that will support my dreams. My ultimate goal is to establish my own outdoor adventure company—a haven where all my passions merge, offering unforgettable experiences to others.” He envisions himself leading expeditions that combine the serenity of backpacking, the artistry of photography, and the timeless charm of horseback riding.
“To me,” he says, “this isn’t just a job; it’s a calling—a chance to turn my passions into a purposeful profession. However, the reality of college expenses weighs heavily on my mind. Every dollar of this scholarship will be put towards my tuition, alleviating some of this burden and allowing me to focus on my studies and future endeavors. In a world where stress is all too common, this scholarship is immensely appreciated.”
Sponsoring Organizations
The Woodside-area Horse Owner’s Association (WHOA!) mission is to preserve the fundamental role of horses in maintaining the rural character of the Town of Woodside and neighboring foothill communities, to enhance opportunities for equestrian activities, and to promote the enjoyment of horses in all their various roles. Operating under the fiscal umbrella of the Woodside Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, WHOA! has gifted more than $325,000 to local equestrian projects and programs thanks to generous sponsors, volunteers, and the proceeds of its annual Woodside Day of the Horse celebration. Find out more at www.whoa94062.org
The Mounted Patrol Foundation seeks to support, maintain, develop, and encourage equestrian facilities, activities, and heritage, including the preservation of horse habitats and trail systems to provide both opportunities and environments conducive to the enjoyment of horses for horse owners and the public at large. The Foundation is a not-for-profit 510(c)3, charitable organization that works in collaboration with local government, other public agencies, and other non-profits to support and promote equestrian activities and facilities in the area. Learn more at www.mountedpatrolfoundation.org
