
2025 NRHA European Futurity Presented by DeNiroBootCo: Non Pros Hit the Ground in Cremona
Visit nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com for more!
The Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) is announcing its Merit scholarship winners and has doubled the award amounts from $1,500 to $3,000 per winner. The 2025 Merit scholarship winners include Lydia Bell, Logan Carroll, Katelyn Cofell, Ava Egbert, and Raegan Rapier.
Established in 2024, the RHF Merit Scholarships reward NRHA members who have not previously won an RHF scholarship and are actively pursuing a college or trade school education.
“The Reining Horse Foundation is pleased to help these students in their educational pursuits,” said Terri Mainey, chair of the RHF Scholarship Committee. “In 2025, the RHF will offer nearly $90,000 in scholarships across several programs to benefit reiners. This is a record amount made possible through the generosity of donors around the world.”
Bell of Maysville, Oklahoma, attends Oklahoma State University and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and agricultural communications. Bell intends to pursue a career in communications in the horse industry and looks to start her own business. She is a student athlete on the Oklahoma State Equestrian team and has received the team’s community service award twice for her work in Stillwater. Bell has received the Oklahoma State Athletic Outstanding Academic Achievement award three times while being a member of the Dean’s Honor Roll.
Carroll of Sandusky, Ohio, is a student at University of Findlay where he is studying equestrian studies, specializing in western riding and training with the intention of becoming a reining horse trainer. He competes on the University of Findlay Ranch Horse Team, is a student worker at the university and works for Marsh Performance Horses. Prior to attending college, Carroll was active in his county 4-H club as a member and served as president for two years.
Cofell of Magnolia, Texas, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in accounting with a minor in marketing at Sam Houston State University. She plans to become a CPA with a focus on small businesses in agriculture. As an NRHyA member, Cofell participated in several youth fundraisers and activities and is still actively showing her horses while attending college.
Egbert of Botkins, Ohio, attends The Ohio State University, where she studies animal science and intends to go into the field of animal biotechnology. She is a member of multiple clubs and campus organizations, including Buckeye Catholic, Saddle and Sirloin, Kellogg-Moser Living Learning Community, and OSU Animal Interactions and Welfare Club. Egbert is active in her community, often participating in fundraisers and volunteering her time to multiple nonprofit organizations.
Rapier of Chesapeake, Virginia, is a student at Old Dominion University where she studies biomedical sciences. Her goal is to go into pharmaceutical sales for animals. She appeared on the Dean’s List in fall 2024 and volunteers with Saving Grace Rescue. Rapier is active in the Southeastern Reining Horse Association, serving as the 2023-24 NRHyA Affiliate Youth Liaison.
For nearly 25 years, members of the equine community have been doing good things through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association. With its mission of caring for and honoring the reining community, the RHF has supporters from around the world. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, providing financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarships and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame. For more information or to give, visit reiningfoundation.com.
Non Pro & Youth Pilot Classes Debut Saturday, June 14
We’re excited to welcome you to Oklahoma City for something new this year—Ranch Reining pilot classes for Non Pro and Youth riders, held during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel! The Ranch Reining pilot class showcases fundamental reining maneuvers using rules similar to those of other ranch-style events.
Join us on Saturday afternoon, June 14, right after the Intermediate Open, Limited Open, and Rookie Professional classes, and be part of this exciting addition to the Derby schedule.
🌟 What’s in it for you?
These pilot classes are open to NRHA members and newcomers alike—so whether you’re seasoned or new to the sport, we’d love to see you in the pen!
📅 Entries are due June 1
📄 Visit the FORMS page at nrhaderby.com for more info and to enter.
At the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), we know our youth members shine in the arena—but their talents don’t stop there. Many of our National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) members also excel in creative expression, and we’re proud to provide a platform to celebrate that through the annual NRHyA Art & Photo Contest.
We’re thrilled to once again partner with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for the third consecutive year as the official sponsor of this special event. Thanks to this valued collaboration, the first-place entries in each category will be displayed at the prestigious museum during the 2025 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel—an unforgettable honor for our young artists.
We encourage all NRHyA members to join in. Whether you’re already active in the Varsity Reining Club or simply looking to explore your artistic side, this is your chance to get creative and be recognized.
This year’s contest will feature two categories, Photography and Mixed Media, and will be broken up by three age categories: 10 & Under, 13 & Under, and 14-18.
At NRHA, we’re committed to supporting and celebrating the diverse talents of our youth. The NRHyA Art & Photo Contest is one of the many ways we empower the next generation of leaders in and out of the arena.
Enter the contest here by May 10.
Have you been a fan of reining and want to give it a spin for yourself? The 2025 Buy-A-Pro Auction begins on March 26 and offers an entry point into the reining community for those who have wanted to participate or improve their existing skills. The auction offers buyers a chance to purchase a two-lesson package with NRHA Professionals from across the United States, all while benefiting the National Reining Horse Youth Association. This year, the auction runs through 12 p.m. CST on April 9.
From fans to those with reining experience, everyone can benefit from the elite list of NRHA Professionals, including NRHA Hall of Famers, NRHA Futurity Champions, NRHA Million Dollar Riders, stars from The Last Cowboy, NRHA World Champions, NRHA Horsemen and Women of the Year, expert non pro coaches, and other proven professionals.
A winning bid grants riders an opportunity to visit their chosen professional’s facility and refine their riding skills and their horse’s training or, in some cases, try reining for the first time on a horse provided by the professional. From beginners to experienced riders, everyone can benefit from these private training packages.
Each of the participating NRHA Professionals donates two training sessions per package, and 15 percent of the proceeds benefit their designated NRHA affiliate. The remaining funds are allocated directly to NRHyA to provide scholarships and other opportunities for young reiners.
Along with making reining accessible, the auction has created life-long bonds, allowed people to purchase their first reining horse, and more.
This fundraiser has generated significant funding to support NRHyA, a program funded through the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF), the charitable arm of the NRHA. With the volunteer leaders of the RHF board helping secure NRHA Professionals, there are more participants than there have been since 2022. With professionals located all over the country, there are options to best suit each buyer’s needs. Before bidding, be sure to check if your selected professional offers the amenities you need, such as lesson horses, stalls, or RV hookups.
To view the NRHA Professionals available and to place your bids today, visit auctions.nrha.com.