America's Horse Cares

Advancing Equine Assisted Services.

youth young cowgirl petting ranch horse (Credit: Taylor Pettigrew for AQHA)

The American Quarter Horse is renowned for its capacity to offer transformative experiences to those in need, making it a cornerstone of the Equine Assisted Services (EAS) industry. That's why AQHF is committed to advancing the American Quarter Horse as a partner in Equine Assisted Services – and why our funding priorities have evolved to meet the needs of the industry's future.

Supporting Professional Career Pathways for Members

As the EAS field continues to grow, so does the demand for highly trained professionals who understand both the therapeutic needs of clients and the specialized care of the American Quarter Horse. AQHF now directs its EAS funding toward scholarships that develop the next generation of equine assisted service providers. These scholarships support students pursuing careers in adaptive riding and horsemanship instruction, mental health, equine-assisted therapy, program management, and other EAS disciplines – ensuring a skilled workforce equipped to safely and effectively partner with the American Quarter Horse.

Strengthening Welfare of the American Quarter Horse

Another core area of AQHF support is equine research that improves the health, well-being, and responsible stewardship of the breed. By investing in scientific studies focused on care, behavior, welfare, and emerging challenges facing EAS horses, AQHF helps ensure that American Quarter Horses working in EAS programs, and across all disciplines, receive the highest standards of responsible care. This research not only benefits the horses at the heart of these services, but also enhances industry knowledge, elevates best practices, and supports safer, more effective equine-assisted services programs.

Empowering People to Protect the Horse

Together, these funding priorities reflect AQHF's long-standing commitment to both sides of the EAS partnership:

  • Empowering people through scholarships to develop compassionate, qualified professionals.
  • Protecting horses through research that advances their health, welfare, and longevity.

By investing in education and research, AQHF strengthens the foundation of the Equine Assisted Services industry and honors the extraordinary role the American Quarter Horse plays in changing lives.