Complete a single application to determine your eligibility for available scholarship funding. Eligibility of applicants is based on the individual criteria and requirements provided for each scholarship offered. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, financial need and Quarter Horse involvement, as well as an applicant’s outstanding leadership and communication skills. The grading scale for selection of each scholarship will vary dependent upon the criteria established by that scholarship's donor.
Submitted materials must include a completed application form with financial information, three reference letters or appraisal forms, and a high school or college transcript. Students applying for a state or regional scholarship will also need to provide proof of membership in their state affiliate.
Applicants must provide three recommendations, which may consist of a combination of uploaded reference letters or request an online recommendation. Options for submitting these items are provided when completing the online application form.
Only one scholarship will be awarded per recipient, and may not be combined with another scholarship awarded by the American Quarter Horse Foundation. Recipients receiving a multiple year scholarship (two-year or four-year scholarship) may not reapply for scholarship funding until they have received all awarded funds from the specified scholarship.
1) GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Various scholarships are offered through the general program, which currently include scholarship opportunities for students to complete either their undergraduate or graduate level degree. Whether students are involved through their AQHA state affiliate, 4-H, FFA or local play-days, we provide scholarship opportunities for the student’s educational development. Students may enroll in a college degree plan of their choice and achieve the personal advancement needed to enter their desired professional employment field.
Adrianna Andreini Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current AQHYA or AQHA member with a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Members may apply beginning their sophomore year of college. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to a four-year undergraduate and or two-year graduate level degree program of the student's choice.
AQHF Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates are members of AQHYA or AQHA who have completed a minimum of three years cumulative membership; are ranked within the upper 25% of their high school graduating class; exhibit an affinity for the advancement of the American Quarter Horse, and demonstrate leadership potential. Members must be a high school or home schooled senior when applying. Students currently enrolled as a first-year college freshman are not eligible for consideration. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Boon San Kitty Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current AQHYA or AQHA member with a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Member must apply during their senior year of high school. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Scoop Vessels Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current members of AQHA who demonstrate a strong work ethic and financial need. Members must apply while enrolled as a sophomore in an accredited college or university. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to the junior and senior year of a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Rusty and Kay Moody Post-Graduate Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current AQHA member with a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Members must apply while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a two-year graduate level degree program of the student's choice.
Shawn Maree Vaillant Memorial Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current member of AQHYA or AQHA who exemplify the qualities gained through horsemanship activities, including outstanding leadership and communication skills, as well as courage, determination and compassion. Members may apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university and must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Applicants may reside in the United States or Canada. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year degree program of the student’s choice. Past AQHF scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for this scholarship.
Youth Activities Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current member of AQHYA in good standing who have successfully participated in at least one Level 2 or 3 championship class OR have competed in a designated AQHYA competition at the Youth World Show. Although competition at the show is an eligibility requirement, placings are NOT considered when selecting the scholarship recipient. Members must apply during their senior year of high school and maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Recipient will be announced during the Ford Youth World Show.
2) CAREER PATH SCHOLARSHIPS
Many fields of employment are tied either directly or indirectly to the horse industry. Career path scholarships allow students to obtain a degree in areas such as racing, animal science and veterinary medicine. Support for students within these fields is imperative to the sustainability and advancement of our industry. Undergraduate, graduate or doctoral level degrees can be completed by students through these scholarship opportunities.
Margaret A. Haines Telephony Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been a member of AQHA for at least one year who is attending an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine; whose studies focus on equine medicine and or surgery, and has a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Recipient must pursue an equine-focused veterinary practice. Applicant must be enrolled as a third year veterinary school student when applying. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to the student's last year of the veterinary program.
Excellence in Equine & Agricultural Involvement Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current AQHYA or AQHA member who exemplifies the characteristics of leadership and excellence acquired through participation in equine and or agriculture activities; has a minimum cumulative 3.5 grade point average demonstrating academic proficiency, and does not compete in AQHA-approved shows. Member must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Amy D. Bell “Pay It Forward” Memorial Scholarship
Ideal candidate is a member of AQHYA or AQHA who has completed three years cumulative membership; a member of National Youth Cutting Horse Association or National Reined Cow Horse Youth Association for three years or more; has a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average; and who exemplifies the qualities of compassion, benevolence and fortitude acquired through civic activities. Member must apply during their senior year of high school. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student’s choice.
Farm & Ranch Heritage Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current AQHYA or AQHA members from farming and or ranching backgrounds representing the outstanding education, expertise or life skills gained through participation in agricultural activities; have a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average; and do not compete in AQHA-approved shows. Member must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Jay Pumphrey Animal Sciences Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current AQHYA or AQHA members from Texas with a rural farming and or ranching background; has a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average, and who wishes to pursue a major in animal science or a large animal-related degree from Tarleton State University or Texas A&M University. Member must apply during their senior year of high school. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program as specified above.
Guy Stoops Professional Horsemen's Family Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current AQHA or AQHYA members whose parent(s) are a current member of the AQHA Professional Horseman's Association, with membership in good standing for three or more years. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Arizona Quarter Racing Scholarship
Ideal candidate is a current member of AQHYA or AQHA, and the Arizona Quarter Racing Association. Member should apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year degree program of the student's choice.
3) STATE & REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
State and local support of the horse industry is vital. That’s why the Foundation offers scholarships to reinforce the importance of our youth affiliate ambassadors. Youth leaders who are actively involved through their state affiliate may be eligible for scholarships supported by Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia (Canada), Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
Swayze Woodruff Memorial Mid-South Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been a member of AQHYA or AQHA for at least one year who is from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or Tennessee, and who competes in AQHA-approved shows. Member must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
James F. and Doris M. Barton Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current member of AQHYA or AQHA from New York who are also a current member of the Empire State Youth Quarter Horse Association. Member must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year degree program of the student's choice.
Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current AQHYA or AQHA members from Arizona who are also current or previous members of the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association. Student should be actively involved with AzQHA. Member must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
AQHA Region One Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates must reside within Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon or Washington, and have been a member of AQHYA or AQHA, as well as one of the above AQHA state affiliates for at least one year. Member must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at any accredited college or university. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to either a two-year or four-year degree program of the student’s choice.
Britney Joe Unbridled Spirit Scholarship
Ideal candidate must be a resident of Kentucky who has been a member of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Youth Association and American Quarter Horse Youth Association for at least two years, one year of which must be the applicant's last eligible year of youth. Candidates must apply as a college sophomore in anticipation of continuing their junior and senior years as an undergraduate enrolled at an accredited college or university of their choice. Successful candidates must demonstrate a documented history of participation while promoting and fostering KyQHYA and its programs in a meaningful way. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average.
Willard Rhodes AQHA Region 6 Scholarship
Ideal candidate should reside within Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island or Quebec, and are a current member of an AQHA Region 6 state affiliate, as well as AQHYA or AQHA. Members may apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to undergraduate and or graduate level college coursework, or an accredited vocational program of the student’s choice. Past AQHF scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for this scholarship.
Andrew McBeath Region 9 Leadership Scholarship
Ideal candidate must be a resident of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or Tennessee, and a member of AQHYA or AQHA for at least three years. Student must serve as an officer or director in AQHYA and or their state affiliate, and demonstrate the leadership abilities and qualities gained through their participation. Members may apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university and must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to the degree program of the student’s choice. Past AQHF scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for this scholarship.
Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been a member of AQHYA or AQHA for at least one year and are from Oklahoma. Members must be a current member of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association, and have maintained two or more years of membership. Students should be actively involved with OkQHA. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Nebraska Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been a member of AQHYA or AQHA for at least one year and are from Nebraska. Member must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Dr. Gerald O'Connor Michigan Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been a member of AQHYA or AQHA for at least one year and are from Michigan. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipient must maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Joyce Wyatt Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current AQHYA or AQHA members from Pennsylvania. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university, vocational or professional school. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to a four-year undergraduate, graduate or professional degree program of the student's choice.
Indiana Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been an AQHYA or AQHA member for at least one year and are from Indiana. Members must also be a current member of the Indiana Quarter Horse Association, and has maintained two or more years of membership. Student should be actively involved with InQHA. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Frank & Lin Berris Scholarship
Ideal candidate is a resident of Michigan and a current member of AQHYA or AQHA. Members may apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university and must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year degree program of the student’s choice, or an accredited equine-related vocational program. Past AQHF scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for this scholarship.
Joan Cain Florida Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been an AQHYA or AQHA member for at least two years and are from Florida. Members must also be a current member of the Florida Quarter Horse Youth Association, and have maintained two or more years of membership. Student should be actively involved with FlQHA. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Christopher Junker Memorial Nebraska Scholarship
Ideal candidates have been an AQHYA or AQHA member for at least one year and are from Nebraska. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college, university or vocational school. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.5 grade point average. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to either a two or four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.
Awards Available: 50