American Quarter Horse Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 51-0187823
• Annual Giving: $417,673 (research grants, 2024-2025 cycle); $440,000+ (scholarships annually); $132,000+ (equine-assisted services grants annually)
• Total Research Funding Since 1960: $13 million+
• Total Scholarship Funding Since 1978: $10 million+
• Total EAS Funding Since Inception: $1.3 million+
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Applications due November 1 for research grants; funding begins October 1 following year
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $50,000 (scholarships); typical research grant amounts not disclosed; EAS grants averaging $3,000-$4,000
• Geographic Focus: National and international
• Transparency Ratings: 4-Star Charity Navigator rating; Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid

Contact Details

Website: www.aqha.com/foundation
Application Portal: aqhfoundation.smapply.io
Phone: 806-378-5029
Location: 2601 E Interstate 40, Amarillo, TX 79104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32111, Amarillo, TX 79120

Program-Specific Contacts:

• Scholarships: 806-378-5021 or Ashley Owens at aowens@aqha.org
• General Foundation Inquiries: 806-376-5181

Overview

The American Quarter Horse Foundation (AQHF) was established as the charitable arm of the American Quarter Horse Association to enhance the well-being of the American Quarter Horse and those who share a passion for the breed. Since 1960, the Foundation has awarded more than $13 million in equine research grants to colleges and universities, making it one of only four private institutions in the nation funding equine research. Since 1978, AQHF has distributed over $10 million in scholarships to more than 1,650 students, with annual awards exceeding $440,000 to approximately 53 recipients. The Foundation also supports equine-assisted services organizations through its America's Horse Cares program, having distributed more than $1.3 million to therapeutic riding centers and programs serving individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.

AQHF operates through a growing number of named and general endowment funds, with a spending policy of up to 5% of the trailing 60-month average market value of invested funds. The Foundation has achieved the highest recognition for financial accountability and transparency, earning both a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. The Foundation recently honored Robin Merrill with the Most Valuable Player award for her pioneering service as the first appointed Foundation Board of Trustees member, recognizing her role in shaping the Foundation's programs and advancing its mission and fundraising efforts.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Equine Research Grants

• Annual funding cycle with $417,673 awarded for 2024-2025
• Supports research at accredited nonprofit institutions
• Grants awarded for 12-month period (October 1 - September 30)
• Funding distributed in three installments: up to 33% on October 1, up to 33% on April 1 (upon receipt of progress report), and remainder upon completion
• Application deadline: November 1 annually
• Application method: Two-stage process via online portal (pre-proposal, then full proposal by invitation)

America's Horse Cares - Equine Assisted Services (EAS) Grant Program

• Annual awards totaling $132,000+ to therapeutic organizations
• Individual grant amounts typically range $3,000-$4,000
• Supports educational workshops March through September
• Application method: Rolling applications via online portal
• 24-month waiting period between funded applications from same organization

Scholarship Program

• 53+ scholarships awarded annually totaling $440,000+
• Individual awards range from $1,000 to $50,000
• Awards include one-year, two-year, and four-year scholarships
• Application deadline: January 15 annually
• Application method: Single online application determines eligibility for all applicable scholarships

AQHLead Leadership Development Program

• Travel grants of $1,800 each for young leaders ages 21-35
• Supports attendance at major industry events
• Includes leadership webinars and mentor access

Priority Areas

Research Focus Areas (current three-year cycle includes):

• Equine welfare
• Genomics and genetics (including detection of genetic disorders, cloning detection, behavior, obesity)
• Infectious diseases (CEM, EHM, EIA, EVA vaccination and testing)
• Microbiome of the horse
• Nutrition
• Joint and bone health (identified as top member priority)
• Colic prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
• Training and performance
• Reproduction and breeding

Member Survey Top Priorities (from 1,444 respondents in 24 countries):

1. Joint and bone health (soundness)
2. Training and performance
3. Reproduction/breeding
4. Genetics/Genomics
5. Colic

Equine-Assisted Services Priorities:

• Educational workshops that improve EAS horsemanship skills
• Horse welfare practices in therapeutic settings
• Quality enhancement of equine-assisted services for individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges

Scholarship Priorities:

• Students demonstrating academic achievement
• Financial need consideration
• Connection to American Quarter Horse industry
• Leadership and communication skills
• Adherence to the Three C's: Competence, Character, and Commitment

What They Don't Fund

Research Grants:

• Indirect costs such as facilities and administration costs
• Salary of principal investigator(s)
• Projects from institutions without nonprofit accreditation
• Research not aligned with AQHF mission and priority areas

Equine-Assisted Services Grants:

• Proposals outside the scope of individualized employee/volunteer training or center immersion training
• Travel expenses related to conference, workshop, or clinic attendance
• Workshop or event registrations that have already occurred
• Organizations funded within the preceding 24 months

Scholarships:

• Non-AQHA/AQHYA members (membership required)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

The AQHF Board of Trustees consists of the AQHA Executive Committee as elected trustees, plus trustees appointed by the elected trustees. The Board convenes quarterly to oversee Foundation business.

Elected Trustees (AQHA Executive Committee):

• Jeff Tebow, President: AQHA life member who has served as an AQHA director since 2011
• Jim Brinkman, First Vice President: AQHA life member who has served as an AQHA director since 2011
• Lori Bucholz: Professional registered parliamentarian who has shown horses for more than 50 years and is an AQHA amateur champion
• James Hunt: AQHA life member who has been an AQHA director since 2013

Appointed Trustees:

• Catherine Nicholas, Chairwoman: Serves as chairwoman of the American Quarter Horse Foundation Council
• Larry Bell: Certified public accountant who brings personal experience working with both private and public charitable entities
• Kathy Headley: Board of Trustees Member
• Robin Merrill (2019-2024): Elevated to AQHA honorary vice president and served as the first appointed member to the Board of Trustees; recently concluded her service and was recognized with the Most Valuable Player award for her transformative contributions

AQHF Equine Research Committee

Composed of members with scientific expertise appropriate to discern quality and positive impact of proposed studies. Reviews all research applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Research Grants:

1. Submit pre-proposal through online portal at aqhfoundation.smapply.io by November 1
2. Each lead investigator may submit up to three pre-proposals
3. AQHF Equine Research Committee evaluates pre-proposals
4. Selected applicants invited to submit full proposals (maximum one per lead investigator)
5. Full proposals reviewed by Research Committee with recommendations to Board of Trustees
6. IACUC/IRB approval documentation required prior to October 1 start date
7. Grant amount requested in pre-proposal cannot be increased in full proposal

Equine-Assisted Services Grants:

1. Submit application through online portal at aqhfoundation.smapply.io
2. Organization must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) for three or more years
3. Must be a member of American Hippotherapy Association, Certified Horsemanship Association, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Inc., or Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International
4. Cannot have received funding within preceding 24 months
5. Workshop funding must be for events occurring March through September of the grant year

Scholarships:

1. Complete single online application at aqhfoundation.smapply.io by January 15
2. Application determines eligibility for all applicable scholarships
3. Submit three reference letters or appraisal forms
4. Submit high school or college transcript
5. State/regional scholarship applicants must provide proof of state affiliate membership
6. AQHA or AQHYA membership required

Application Best Practices:

• Use designated online application process and required templates
• Ensure all submissions are complete, correctly formatted, and submitted by deadline
• Double-check all required documents, forms, and attachments before submission
• Incomplete or non-compliant proposals will be declined

Decision Timeline

Research Grants:

• Application deadline: November 1
• Review period: November through summer (specific notification date not publicly disclosed)
• Funding begins: October 1 of following year
• Grant period: 12 months (October 1 - September 30)

Equine-Assisted Services Grants:

• Rolling applications
• Decision timeline not publicly disclosed
• Funding supports workshops March through September

Scholarships:

• Application deadline: January 15
• Decision notification: Historically May-June timeframe
• Awards announced publicly on AQHA website
• 53 scholarships totaling $440,000+ awarded annually

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed for any program. However:

• Research program funded $417,673 across multiple universities for 2024-2025
• Scholarship program awarded 53 students out of total applicant pool (number not disclosed)
• EAS program funded 39-40 organizations in recent years from total applicant pool (number not disclosed)

Reapplication Policy

Research Grants:

• Resubmissions explicitly allowed and encouraged
• If resubmitting, investigator must include information at beginning of relevant section addressing changes made in response to proposal feedback
• Must include copy of original critique provided to investigator
• Principal investigators with history of non-compliance subject to additional examination and deliberation during evaluation

Equine-Assisted Services Grants:

• Organizations that received funding must wait 24 months before reapplying
• This policy designed to fund the largest number of facilities possible

Scholarships:

• Students may reapply annually
• Previous recipients may be eligible for continued funding depending on individual scholarship criteria

Application Success Factors

For Research Grants

What the Foundation Emphasizes:

"Applicants should carefully review all instructions and requirements and ensure their research aligns with AQHF's mission and funding priorities, with a focus on advancing the health and welfare of the American Quarter Horse." - AQHF Research Program Guidelines

Critical Success Factors:

1. Clear Articulation of Goals: "Proposals should clearly articulate specific, measurable goals for the research and showcase the team's expertise and ability to successfully carry out the proposed project."
2. Well-Defined Research Aims: Present well-defined research aims and hypotheses that clearly communicate the purpose and significance of the study
3. Relevance to Quarter Horses: Establish the importance of the research question and its relevance to the health, welfare, or performance of the American Quarter Horse
4. Preliminary Data: Include sufficient, clearly presented preliminary data to demonstrate feasibility and project readiness
5. Alignment with Priorities: Match research to current three-year cycle priorities (equine welfare, genomics, infectious diseases, microbiome, nutrition)
6. Member-Identified Needs: Consider alignment with top member priorities from 2025 survey, especially joint/bone health, training/performance, reproduction, genetics, and colic

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Proposals that do not present well-defined research aims or hypotheses
• Failing to establish importance or relevance to American Quarter Horse health/welfare
• Insufficient or unclear preliminary data
• Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications
• Non-compliance with guidelines and deadlines
• History of non-compliance from principal investigator

Recent Funded Projects (2024-2025 - use as examples of successful topics):

• "Enhancing Quarter Horse Welfare Through Novel Identification of β2-agonist Use" (Texas A&M University)
• "Interrogation and Integration of the Equine Gastrointestinal Microbiota During and After Colic" (University of Georgia)
• "Novel Therapeutics for the Control of Multidrug-Resistant Rhodococcus equine in Foals" (University of Kentucky)
• "Evaluation of Disease-Modifying Effects and Multi-Dose Pharmacokinetics Following Oral Administration of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitor and Cyclooxygenase-2 Selective Inhibitor in Horses With Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis" (University of Tennessee)
• Studies on equine asthma, gastric microbiota, and analgesic effects

For Equine-Assisted Services Grants

Success Factors:

1. Focus on educational workshops that elevate horsemanship standards
2. Demonstrate commitment to proper horse care and welfare
3. Maintain membership in recognized professional associations (AHA, CHA, EAGALA, PATH Intl)
4. Show how training will improve quality of services for special-needs individuals
5. Use American Quarter Horses in programming

For Scholarships

Selection Criteria (Foundation uses balanced review):

1. Academic achievement
2. Financial need
3. American Quarter Horse involvement
4. Leadership skills
5. Communication skills
6. Adherence to Three C's of Leadership Development: Competence, Character, and Commitment

Success Factors:

• Complete all required materials (application, three references, transcript)
• Demonstrate meaningful connection to Quarter Horse industry
• Showcase leadership through examples and experiences
• Articulate clear goals and how scholarship will help achieve them
• AQHA/AQHYA membership essential

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Alignment is Paramount: Every proposal must clearly demonstrate relevance to American Quarter Horse health, welfare, or performance. Generic equine research without Quarter Horse-specific application will not succeed.

2. Follow the Two-Stage Research Process: Submit strong pre-proposals first (up to three per lead investigator), as only invited full proposals will be considered. The grant amount in your pre-proposal cannot be increased later.

3. Use Member Priorities as Guide: The 2025 survey of 1,444 members identified joint/bone health as the top priority, followed by training/performance and reproduction. Aligning with these priorities while also matching the current three-year cycle focus areas strengthens applications.

4. Preliminary Data is Critical: Research applications lacking sufficient preliminary data raise feasibility concerns. Demonstrate your team's readiness and ability to execute the proposed project.

5. Mind the Compliance Record: Principal investigators with history of non-compliance face additional scrutiny. Ensure you have strong track record of completing previous grants on time and according to requirements.

6. Resubmissions Are Welcome: If previously unsuccessful, reapply with explicit responses to reviewer feedback. Include the original critique and detail how you've addressed concerns.

7. Complete and Format Perfectly: "Incomplete or non-compliant grant proposals will be declined" - this is not an idle threat. Follow all guidelines exactly, use required templates, and submit by deadlines.

8. Plan for Long Timeline: Research applications due November 1 won't see funding begin until October 1 of the following year - nearly a full year later. Budget your research timeline accordingly.

9. For EAS Applicants: The 24-month waiting period between funded applications means you cannot rely on annual funding. Plan multi-year strategies and ensure compliance to maintain future eligibility.

10. Leverage the Foundation's Transparency: With 4-Star Charity Navigator rating and Platinum Seal from Candid, AQHF demonstrates exemplary stewardship. Reference this in your application to show you've researched the funder and understand their commitment to accountability.

References

• American Quarter Horse Foundation Official Website: www.aqha.com/foundation (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• AQHF Application Portal: aqhfoundation.smapply.io (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "2024-2025 Equine Research Program Funded Projects," AQHA, www.aqha.com/-/2024-2025-equine-research-program-funded-projects (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Foundation Awards 53 Scholarships for 2024-25," AQHA, www.aqha.com/-/foundation-awards-53-scholarships-for-2024-25 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Foundation Awards 53 Scholarships for 2025-26," AQHA, www.aqha.com/-/foundation-awards-53-scholarships-for-2025-26 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Equine Research Survey Results," AQHA, www.aqha.com/-/equine-research-survey-results (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Financial Overview AQHF," AQHA, www.aqha.com/financial-overview-aqhf (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Board of Trustees," AQHA, www.aqha.com/board-of-trustees (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "2024 AQHA Convention Awards and Recognitions," AQHA, www.aqha.com/-/2024-aqha-convention-awards-and-recognitions (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• American Quarter Horse Foundation GuideStar Profile, www.guidestar.org/profile/51-0187823 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• "Foundation Awards 39 Equine-Assisted Activities & Therapies Grants," AQHA, www.aqha.com/-/foundation-awards-39-equine-assisted-activities-therapies-grants (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• AQHF Research Program Guidelines, aqhfoundation.smapply.io/res/p/Research-Guidelines/ (Referenced February 24, 2026)
• America's Horse Cares Grant Program Guidelines, aqhfoundation.smapply.io/res/p/EAAT-Guidelines/ (Referenced February 24, 2026)
• AQHF Scholarship Program Guidelines, aqhfoundation.smapply.io/res/p/Scholarship-Guidelines/ (Referenced February 24, 2026)