Dugan, Schoenthal Named 2026 Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship Recipients

Megan Dugan, a freshman at the University of Kentucky, and Bryn Schoenthal, a freshman at Slippery Rock University, have been selected as the 2026 recipients of the Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship. Each will receive $10,000 to help offset the cost of her college education.

The awards recognize two students whose experiences in the Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry have helped shape their work ethic, educational goals and plans for the future. Dugan is pursuing a career in the equine industry, while Schoenthal is preparing for a career in nursing.

Established in 2023 by longtime Laurel Park-based trainer and MTHA Board member A. Ferris Allen and administered by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, the scholarship provides meaningful financial assistance to students connected to Maryland’s racing community as they pursue a college education.

“Megan and Bryn exemplify what we hoped to accomplish with the Bootstraps Scholarship,” said Allen. “Both have learned the value of hard work through their involvement in Maryland racing and are carrying those lessons into their college education. We are proud to help them take this next step and look forward to seeing what they accomplish.”

Dugan, of Marlton, New Jersey, is studying Equine Science and Management at the University of Kentucky. Over the past four years, she has worked and learned in trainer Miguel Vera’s barn, developing from a newcomer to the industry into an experienced and dependable member of his team.

Her responsibilities have included hot walking, grooming, helping load horses for shipping, assisting on race days and observing the training process. Licensed in six states, Dugan has sought opportunities to expand her experience wherever she can. During a visit to Keeneland’s spring meet, she stepped in to hot walk for trainer Will Walden rather than simply spending the day watching the races.

In his recommendation, Vera described Dugan’s enthusiasm for learning and her efforts to find additional work and experience while attending college. A second recommendation, from Laura Murray, highlighted Dugan’s willingness to travel from New Jersey to Maryland early on weekend mornings to care for horses, take on new responsibilities and complete tasks without being asked.

Those experiences have provided a foundation for Dugan’s studies in Kentucky, where she is continuing to explore the many career opportunities within the Thoroughbred industry.

Schoenthal, of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Slippery Rock University, with a minor in Spanish Language for the Healthcare Setting. She is also enrolled in the university’s Honors College and holds a work-study position at the campus library.

The daughter of Maryland trainer Phil Schoenthal, she grew up around racehorses and has helped walk hots and gallop horses at Fair Hill Training Center. For the past two years, she also has worked for veterinarian Dr. Alex Dias, assisting with horses, preparing medications and communicating with clients.

In her application, Schoenthal explained that her racetrack experience already has helped her understand terminology in anatomy and physiology classes. More broadly, she credited the backstretch community with teaching her discipline, persistence and the importance of showing up for others.

Her involvement also extends to Thoroughbred aftercare. She worked with Pastured Place to take Great Blake to the Retired Racehorse Project and competes in eventing aboard Zapata, a former racehorse who serves as her father’s track pony. She earned her C-2 certification through Cheshire Pony Club aboard Zapata.

Although her career goals are in healthcare, Schoenthal said racing and Thoroughbred aftercare will remain part of her life. The scholarship will help cover tuition, nursing program fees and housing as she works toward her degree with a goal of working in anesthesiology.

Dugan and Schoenthal join four previous scholarship recipients. Alvaro Barajas, a Laurel Park hot walker with ambitions to study clinical psychology, received the inaugural award in 2023. In 2024, the recipients were Julissa Sepulveda, who entered the University of Kentucky on a pre-veterinary path, and Andrea Torzone, who enrolled at Michigan State University with interests in animal science, zoology and veterinary medicine. The 2025 recipient, Madalyn Sadie Caiazzo, was recognized while pursuing studies in Environmental Science and Technology and Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Maryland.

Now in its fourth year, the Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship continues to invest in the people of Maryland racing, helping students build on the lessons learned around horses as they pursue their educational and professional goals.

The winners will be recognized at Laurel Park at a luncheon in TiPS on December 19.

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