The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is now accepting applications for equine research project funding for 2013-14, according to a statement on the organization’s website. The AQHA Foundation has donated more than $9 million in research grants to colleges and universities in the past 50 years.

"Submission of research project funding requests is encouraged for a diverse range of research projects related to the health, welfare and utility of the horse, and of the importance to the horse owner and the horse industry," the statement read. The current research guidelines and a complete list of program criteria are available online. Funding decisions are based on the project’s scientific merit, clinical application and/or potential benefit to the horse and horse industry, the statement read.

The Foundation will also offer two specialize grants this year:

• The Refrigerator Fund, an equine head trauma research grant established by AQHA Past President Jim Helzer and wife Marilyn in honor of their American Quarter Horse racing champion, Refrigerator. Funding for this research is directed at head trauma prevention, treatment, diagnostics, hospitalization and/or prognosis, the statement read.
• The Young Investigator Award, which is available for master’s- or doctorate-level graduate students or veterinary- or medical doctor-level residency interns.

For more information on the Foundation’s equine research program, the "Refrigerator Fund" for Equine Head Trauma Research or the Young Investigator Award for Equine Research, please email foundation@aqha.org or call 806/378-5029