In 2002, the Foundation embarked on a journey to help free special-needs individuals from their physical, cognitive and emotional limitations. An overwhelming response in grant requests illustrated a growing need for therapeutic riding assistance and paved the way for our newest program "America's Horse Cares." This program strives to facilitate a partnership between the noble and gentle nature of the American Quarter Horse and special riders who require additional care and patience. To date, more than $200,000 has been awarded to therapeutic riding facilities across the country.

With each therapeutic riding session, the rider's body becomes one with the horse and can help ease the symptoms for a wide variety of disabilities.

Donate today and provide these individuals with a journey from unspeakable to indescribable.

BECAUSE OF A HORSE
 

Join the Foundation in a campaign to support America's Horse Cares. Learn more and download materials.

CURRENT RECIPIENTS
2009 AHC Recipients
2008 AHC Recipients

OUR PARTNERS

NARHA
To provide added interaction with our horse through rich and rewarding experiences, the Foundation has partnered with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Inc. NARHA provides educational and safety standards for therapeutic centers to follow.

FARNAM America's Horse Cares will have the opportunity to provide many more rides thanks to a major gift from AQHA's corporate partner Farnam, the official grooming and conditioning product supplier and official dewormer supplier for AQHA.

HOW TO APPLY

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Applicant organizations must be a therapeutic riding center that utilizes horses through program services designed to benefit challenged or special-needs individuals. Additional requirements include:
1. Must be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
2. Must be in existence for three years or more and seek support for enhancement of an existing program or project.
3. Must be a NARHA Premier Accredited Center or have at least one NARHA certified instructor.

Funding decisions will support the purchase of safety equipment for riders and/or equines and scholarship or financial assistance for client expenses. Awarded funds must be applied directly to the approved project with no funds used for administrative or fund-raising costs or their related expenses.

GRANT APPLICATION
To be considered for an America's Horse Cares grant, applicants must complete and return a current grant application. In addition, several support materials are requested for submission.

Deadline to apply was March 1, 2010. The updated 2011 application will be posted in November 2010. Interested applicants may access the 2010 application for reference purposes only. For more information, please contact (806) 378-5029 or foundation@aqha.org.

American Quarter Horse Foundation
Therapeutic Riding Program
2601 East Interstate 40
Amarillo, TX  79104

(806) 378-5029 Phone
(806) 376-1005 Fax
foundation@aqha.org