AQHA Memorial Scholarship

Amy Bell loved the American Quarter Horse. It was a love of “America’s Horse” that was rooted deep in her DNA. Amy’s great grandfather, Mr. Roy Parks Sr. was one of the earliest members when the AQHA was founded in 1940. He later served on the Board of Directors of the AQHA and was elected it’s president in 1960. He is inducted into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 1967. Amy began showing as a youth in the AQHYA and competed in the AQHYA World Shows in 1996-1999. After finishing her time as a member of the AQHYA she became a regular participant in the AQHA World Show competition and was a regular in the Top 10 of the World Show in both English Riding events as well Cutting Horse events. At the 2003 AQHA World Show Amy’s mare, Girl Like That, was the Jr. Cutting World Champion.

While being an avid rider and accomplished horsewoman in both English and Western Riding, Amy was also a dedicated breeder of American Quarter Horses. In addition to being a Life Member of the AQHA Amy also served as an Ambassador for the American Quarter Horse Foundation. Her love of the horse and her dedication to the AQHA was obvious to all who met Amy. It is in recognition of her love of horses, her love of children and her love and respect for the AQHA that the Bell family decided to join with the American Quarter Horse Foundation by establishing a significant youth scholarship in Amy’s memory.

Known as the Amy D. Bell “Pay It Forward” Memorial Scholarship, the scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving young person who has been an active participant in the AQHYA. This $12,500 four-year scholarship will be awarded to a deserving recipient who shares in the values that Amy held dear. One of those values was Amy’s love and respect for the American Quarter Horse. The other value was “service to others”.

The ideal candidate is a member of the AQHA or AQHYA who has completed three years’ cumulative membership; a member of the NYCHA (youth cutting) or the NRCHYA (youth cow horse) for three years of more: has a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average; and who exemplifies the qualities of compassion, benevolence and fortitude acquired through civic activities. Funding for this scholarship will be applied to a four-year undergraduate degree program of the student’s choice.