Navigating AQHA Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the American Quarter Horse Foundation (AQHF) offer a variety of scholarships to support students pursuing higher education. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward young individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the American Quarter Horse, academic excellence, and leadership. Growing up with an American Quarter Horse teaches youth the values of compassion, dedication, and hard work. They learn to become leaders and visionaries.
Understanding the Application Process
To determine eligibility for scholarship funding, applicants are required to fill out a single application. 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, resume, 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-, three- or four-year scholarships) may not reapply for additional scholarship funding until they have received all awarded funds from the specified scholarship.
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General Scholarship Programs
The AQHF offers various scholarships through its general program, providing opportunities for students to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees. Whether students are involved through an AQHA state affiliate, 4-H, FFA, or local play-days, AQHF provides scholarship opportunities for the educational advancement of its members. Students may enroll in a college degree plan of their choice and achieve the personal development 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
Courtesy of the Walton Family Foundation. 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.
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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 candidate 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 purse a degree program of their choice. Recipient should exemplify the qualities gained through horsemanship activities, including outstanding leadership and communication skills, as well as courage, determination, and compassion.
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 re-apply/receive this scholarship.
Frank & Lin Berris Scholarship
Ideal candidate 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 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.
Youth Activities Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current members 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 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 2.5 grade point average. Recipient will be announced during the Youth World Show.
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Career Path Scholarships
Many fields of employment are tied either directly or indirectly to the horse industry. Career path scholarships allow members to obtain a degree in areas such as agriculture, animal science, ranching 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.
Charles B. Wang 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
Honors the memory and legacy of Amy D. Bell. The ideal candidate is a member of the AQHA or AQHYA who has completed three years’ cumulative membership; a member of the NYCHA (youth cutting) or the NRCHYA (youth cow horse) for three years of more: has a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average; and who exemplifies the qualities of compassion, benevolence and fortitude acquired through civic activities. Known as the Amy D. Bell “Pay It Forward” Memorial Scholarship, the scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving young person who has been an active participant in the AQHYA. This $12,500 four-year scholarship will be awarded to a deserving recipient who shares in the values that Amy held dear. One of those values was Amy’s love and respect for the American Quarter Horse. 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.
Charles B. Wang 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 Agriculture Scholarship
Ideal candidates are current AQHA or AQHYA members and resident of Texas. Members may apply during their senior year of high school and purse 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.
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 re-apply/receive this scholarship.
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.
Las Tunas International Ranching Scholarship
Ideal candidates 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. Funding for this scholarship may be applied to a degree program of the student's choice.
Allsup Family Scholarship
Ideal candidates are a current AQHYA or AQHA member. 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 2.5 grade point average. Member 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 to receive this scholarship. Funding for this scholarship 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 vital. 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
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 1 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.
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