American Quarter Horse Association Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by American Quarter Horse Association

To determine eligibility for scholarship funding, applicants are required to fill out a single application. The eligibility of each applicant is determined based on the specific criteria and requirements of each scholarship. Selection of recipients is based on academic performance, financial need, involvement with Quarter Horses, and exceptional leadership and communication skills. The grading scale for each scholarship varies depending on the criteria set by the scholarship's donor.

Applicants must submit a completed application form, financial information, a resume, three reference letters or appraisal forms, and a high school or college transcript. For state or regional scholarships, proof of membership in the state affiliate is also required.

Applicants are required to provide three recommendations, which can be a combination of uploaded reference letters or an online recommendation request. Options for submitting these items are provided during the online application process.

Each recipient is awarded only one scholarship, which cannot be combined with another scholarship from the American Quarter Horse Foundation. Recipients of multi-year scholarships (two-, three-, or four-year scholarships) cannot apply for additional scholarship funding until they have received all funds from the awarded scholarship.

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The general program offers various scholarships, including opportunities for students to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Whether students are involved through an AQHA state affiliate, 4-H, FFA, or local play-days, AQHF provides scholarships for the educational advancement of its members. Students can enroll in any college degree program of their choice to achieve the personal development needed for their desired professional field.

Adrianna Andreini Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA or AQHA members with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Members can apply starting their sophomore year of college. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship funds can be applied to a four-year undergraduate or a two-year graduate degree program of the student's choice.

AQHF Youth Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are AQHYA or AQHA members who have completed a minimum of three years of cumulative membership; are ranked within the top 25% of their high school graduating class; show a passion for the advancement of the American Quarter Horse, and demonstrate leadership potential. Members must be a high school or home-schooled senior when applying. First-year college freshmen are not eligible for consideration. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible for this scholarship. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

Boon San Kitty Scholarship

Courtesy of the Walton Family Foundation

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA or AQHA members with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Members must apply during their senior year of high school. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

Scoop Vessels Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHA members who demonstrate a strong work ethic and financial need. Members must apply while enrolled as a sophomore in an accredited college or university. The recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The scholarship funds 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

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHA members with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Members must apply while enrolled at an accredited college or university. The scholarship funds will be applied to a two-year graduate-level degree program of the student's choice.

Shawn Maree Vaillant Memorial Scholarship

The ideal candidate for this scholarship is a current AQHA or AQHYA member and resident of the United States or Canada. Members may apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university and pursue a degree program of their choice. The recipient should exemplify the qualities gained through horsemanship activities, including outstanding leadership and communication skills, as well as courage, determination, and compassion.

The scholarship recipient is required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and full-time college enrollment (12 undergraduate or 6 graduate hours per semester). Past AQHF scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for this scholarship.

Frank & Lin Berris Scholarship

The ideal candidate for this scholarship is 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 GPA of 2.5. The scholarship funds can 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.

Youth Activities Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA members in good standing who have successfully participated in at least one Level 2 or 3 championship class OR have competed in a designated AQHYA championship 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 should maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The recipient will be announced during the Youth World Show.

CAREER PATH SCHOLARSHIPS

Many career paths are directly or indirectly linked to the horse industry. Career path scholarships enable members to earn degrees in fields such as agriculture, animal science, ranching, and veterinary medicine. Support for students in these fields is crucial for the sustainability and advancement of our industry. These scholarship opportunities allow students to complete undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level degrees.

Margaret A. Haines Telephony Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship have been AQHA members for at least one year, are attending an AVMA-accredited college of veterinary medicine, are focusing their studies on equine medicine and or surgery, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The recipient must pursue an equine-focused veterinary practice. The applicant must be enrolled as a third-year veterinary school student when applying. The scholarship funds will be applied to the student's final year of the veterinary program.

Charles B. Wang Excellence in Equine & Agricultural Involvement Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA or AQHA members who exemplify the characteristics of leadership and excellence acquired through participation in equine and or agriculture activities; have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 demonstrating academic proficiency, and do not compete in AQHA-approved shows. Members 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 for this scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

Amy D. Bell “Pay It Forward” Memorial Scholarship

The ideal candidate for this scholarship is a member of AQHYA or AQHA who has completed three years of 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 GPA of 3.0; and who exemplifies the qualities of compassion, benevolence, and fortitude acquired through civic activities. Members must apply during their senior year of high school. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student’s choice.

Charles B. Wang Farm & Ranch Heritage Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship 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 GPA of 3.0; and do not compete in AQHA-approved shows. Members 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 for this scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

Jay Pumphrey Agriculture Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHA or AQHYA members and residents of Texas. Members may apply during their senior year of high school and pursue a major in animal science, agriculture business, agriculture economics, or pre-veterinary medicine. Undergraduate recipients must be accepted to and attend either Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University, or West Texas A&M University. Additionally, this scholarship is available to DVM students focusing on production animal and/or equine programs and must attend the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine.

The scholarship recipient is required to maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and full-time college enrollment (12 undergraduate or 6 graduate hours per semester). Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to reapply for this scholarship.

Guy Stoops Professional Horsemen's Family Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHA or AQHYA members whose parent(s) are current members 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 GPA of 2.5. The scholarship funds can be applied to either a two or four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

Las Tunas International Ranching Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA members who demonstrate a desire to build multi-cultural partnerships that strengthen the international ranching industry of Mexico. Preference will be given to residents of Mexico who desire to improve or advance their personal and professional communities utilizing acquired leadership experience. This scholarship seeks to reward recipients committed to repaying the kindness that was bestowed upon them by supporting future opportunities for educational advancement. Members should apply during their senior year of high school or international equivalent, or while enrolled at an accredited college or university within the United States. Recipients must maintain full-time college enrollment and a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive this scholarship. The scholarship funds can be applied to a degree program of the student's choice.

Allsup Family Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA or AQHA members. Preference will be given to students who wish to advance health and education in rural and/or underserved communities. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Members may 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 for this scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

STATE & REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

State and local support of the horse industry is crucial. That’s why AQHF 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), Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.

Swayze Woodruff Memorial Mid-South Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship have been AQHYA or AQHA members for at least one year who are from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Tennessee, and who compete in AQHA-approved shows. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

James F. and Doris M. Barton Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA or AQHA members from New York who are also current members of the Empire State Youth Quarter Horse Association. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The scholarship funds can be applied to either a two or four-year degree program of the student's choice.

Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship are current AQHYA or AQHA members from Arizona who are also current or previous members of the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association. Students should be actively involved with AzQHA. 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 GPA of 2.5. The scholarship funds will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student's choice.

AQHA Region 1 Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship

The ideal candidates for this scholarship 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. Members must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at any accredited college or university. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Current or previous AQHF scholarship recipients are not eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship funds will be applied to either a two-year or four-year degree program of the student’s choice.

Britney Joe Unbridled Spirit Scholarship

The ideal candidate for this scholarship 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 may apply during their freshman year of college in anticipation of continuing their sophomore, 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 participating in, promoting, and fostering KyQHYA and its programs in a meaningful way. The candidate must submit at least one letter of recommendation from an active KyQHA board member. The recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

AQHA Region 6 Scholarship

The ideal candidate for this scholarship 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. The recipient must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. The scholarship funds can 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

The ideal candidate for this scholarship must be a resident of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Tennessee, and a member of AQHYA or AQHA for at least three years. The 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 GPA of 2.5. The scholarship funds can be applied to the degree program of the student’s choice. Past AQHF scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for this scholarship.

Texas Caucus Scholarship

The ideal candidate for this scholarship is a current member of AQHYA or AQHA who is a resident of Texas and actively involved in the American Quarter Horse industry, with preference given to members of Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association. The member may apply during their senior year of high