2026 AQHLead Grant Recipients Announced
Image courtesy of AQHA.
The American Quarter Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Foundation and Farnam are pleased to partner for the shared commitment to the development of young adults and their continuous involvement in the equine industry through AQHLead. The 10 young equine industry leaders selected for the AQHLead Class of 2026 include:
- Chase Summerville, Amarillo, Texas
- Crysta Brown, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Desirée Heath Mills, Arlington, Texas
- Hannah Gillmore, Gainesville, Texas
- Jenna Seal, Stephenville, Texas
- Makayla Stenger, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Mateer Strong, Delta, Iowa
- Megan D’Andrea, Fowler, Ohio
- Sofie Lindholm, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Tori Elliott, Ripley, Mississippi
The AQHLead program is designed for young adults, ages 21-35, to help support their development as young leaders in the equine industry. AQHLead travel grants may be awarded annually to participants to offset the cost of travel and participation in the program. This year’s class will kick off their year at the AQHA Convention, slated for March 13-16 in Las Vegas.
During their year in the AQHLead program, participants will attend leadership-focused webinars to provide additional insights into AQHA and the industry. They will also have the opportunity to partner with a mentor from the American Quarter Horse industry to learn about their mentor’s leadership activities in service to AQHA and the equine industry, and benefit from gaining more insight into their roles in impacting the industry.
Participants will also be able to apply for travel grants to support their travel at a major industry event or place of interest. AQHLead is supported by a grant from the Dogwood Foundation, Dan and Stephanie Janis, and many Foundation donors.
About the American Quarter Horse Foundation
The Foundation connects horses and people through charitable giving in order to develop and support programs or initiatives that preserve our horse’s legacy and further the overall well-being of the American Quarter Horse and the people who comprise the Quarter Horse family.
For more information about the Foundation, visit www.aqha.com/foundation.
