Applicants must be New York residents who are members of the Empire State Youth Quarter Horse Association (ESYQHA). They also must be members of either the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) or the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA). They must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a two- or four-year degree program at an accredited postsecondary institution. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Selection is based on the overall strength of the application.