In the fall of 2022, Miguel Guerrero and his wife, Anna Laura, of the Las Tunas Cattle Co. in Chihuahua, Mexico, resolved to create the first international scholarship with the American Quarter Horse Foundation. Their goal is to create educational opportunities for AQHA members who wish to advance multicultural partnerships and strengthen the international ranching industry.

"Horses and livestock are part of our DNA," explains Guerrero. "Ranching drives our economy, and the people of Mexico are passionate about it as our way of life."

"We want to offer as many opportunities as we can for young people in the equine industry. We need more youth involved and we want to offer them a different point of view through this scholarship. We admire what AQHA is doing and are very proud of the partnership this scholarship creates."

Applicants must be a current member of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association or American Quarter Horse Association and may apply during their senior year in high school or international equivalent, or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Successful applicants will have outstanding achievement, financial need, American Quarter Horse involvement, outstanding leadership and communication skills, and school and community activities. Preference will be given to members from Mexico who demonstrate qualities gained through their ranching involvement and display a desire to advance the ranching industry in Mexico.

The Las Tunas International Ranching Scholarship is just the beginning. Miguel and the team at Las Tunas are committed to mentoring each scholarship recipient. The Las Tunas team intends to offer students guidance throughout their college career and expose them to all aspects of ranching.

Guerrero said, "Each recipient will become one part of a chain of events that offers this same opportunity for future students. Our hope in creating this scholarship is that each recipient will repay the kindness that was bestowed upon them by leading and growing the ranching industry and investing in those who will follow in their footsteps. I will bet on education any day. It's the key to our success."