American Quarter Horse Foundation Awards 53 Scholarships for 2025-26

The American Quarter Horse Foundation is awarding 53 students more than $468,000 for the 2025-26 academic year. Since its inception in 1976, the Foundation scholarship program has awarded over $10.3 million in financial assistance to more than 1,650 young horse enthusiasts and industry members.

In addition, four AQHYA members were awarded the $1,000 Youth Activities Scholarship. Congratulations to Bayleigh Leathers of Texas; Cole-David Wood of Texas; Devin Young of Texas; and Teaghen Elledge of Kansas. The American Quarter Horse Foundation awarded these educational scholarships to four eligible AQHYA members. To be eligible for the scholarship, youth must be a senior in high school at time of application and have competed in an AQHA Level 3, Adequan® Level 2 or a designated AQHYA championship contest at the AQHYA World Show.

AQHF’s scholarship program is rooted in the Three C’s of leadership development–Competence, Character and Commitment–qualities that define tomorrow’s equine industry leaders. Competence reflects academic achievement, work ethic and readiness for higher education. Character emphasizes integrity, respect and responsibility, while Commitment recognizes service, involvement and dedication to the American Quarter Horse. The Foundation selects recipients based on a balance of leadership potential and financial need while considering academic achievement, equine involvement and civic activities as key indicators of future leadership. These well-rounded individuals are today’s students and tomorrow’s equine industry leaders. With an education, great mentoring and a love of the American Quarter Horse, these young adults will become the next generation of leaders who will ensure the continued success of the equine industry by working in a variety of occupations.

“Awarding scholarships is an exciting milestone, as it celebrates the generosity of our donors and the bright futures of the young adults they support,” said Laura Owens, program director for the Foundation. “Through these opportunities, the Foundation helps dedicated students further their education and prepares them to lead the American Quarter Horse industry for years to come.”

The Foundation and its donors are honored to create a legacy of support for youth pursuing higher education. These scholarship recipients carry a passion and dedication to the American Quarter Horse as they begin their careers.

View the list of the 2025-2026 scholarship recipients.

About the American Quarter Horse Foundation
The American Quarter Horse Foundation connects people and horses through charitable giving to support programs that preserve our horse’s legacy and further the well-being of the American Quarter Horse and the Quarter Horse family.

For more information about the Foundation, visit www.aqha.com/foundation.