AQHA Foundation Research Priorities
AQHA Publicity
Our horses give us their all; whether in the thrill of victorious moments in the show ring or in the solace we find in their companionship. The American Quarter Horse Foundation is committed to giving back to the horses we love by challenging the frontiers of knowledge through research.
The Foundation encourages the submission of research projects related to the health, welfare and utility of the horse that will create meaningful impact for the horse, horse owners and the equine industry. Research priorities for the 2019-20 granting cycle are defined as follows:
1. Infectious Diseases – with priority placed on research that addresses:
- Rhodococcus equi
- Streptococcus equi (including subspecies equi and or zooepidemicus)
- Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1)
2. Equine Wellness – with priority placed on research that addresses:
- Parasite resistance
3. Equine Welfare – with priority placed on research that addresses:
- Competition integrity
4. All other proposals
Based on the research program’s established criteria, the following items have been identified by the AQHF Equine Research Committee as undesirable proposal design objects and/or requests: requests from private companies; research designated for tradename products; commercial product research; and use of ponies as a model in the research plan. Proposals containing these items will not be considered for grant funding.
Application Process
The Foundation is currently updating the research proposal process, allowing researchers to submit their applications online. Researchers interested in applying for the 2019-20 grant cycle will be able to access the new application system at www.aqha.com/foundation beginning October 15.
View the 2019-20 research application guidelines.
Notification will be mailed to the institution’s Office of Sponsored Programs beginning in April. Approved projects will be funded on the Foundation’s fiscal year cycle of October 1 – September 30.
Researchers, at the completion of an approved project, the investigator must submit a final report identifying findings of the research. Submitted reports may include a manuscript or other peer-reviewed paper ready for publication. The final report should include completed research objectives and outcomes, as well as the actual timeline of completion. For additional details, please refer to the executed equine research agreement on file with the institution’s sponsored programs office.
For more information on the Foundation’s equine research program, please email foundation@aqha.org or call 806-378-5034.
About the 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.
The Foundation fills a vital role by being just one of four private institutions funding research. Since 1960, more than $11.7 has been awarded to various colleges and universities to further our understanding of equine management and health and improve the overall welfare of our horse.
AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHAnews on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.
