Category: Foundation

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.

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Edward “Ed” Howard Minchin, Jr. on March 3, 2025.

Ed Minchin, most recently resided in Southern Pines, North Carolina. More than a horseman, Ed loved his country, was a respected patriarch, a mentor, and a friend who lived life with unbridled enthusiasm. His legacy is not just in the horses he trained or the land he cultivated, but in the many lives he touched, the memories he created, and the love he shared so generously.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Parker Haynes Minchin. His full obituary and service arrangements can be found here.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Reining Horse Foundation Crisis Fund.

Reiningfoundation.com/edminchin

Joe Wolfe of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, died February 3, 2025. He had a deep passion for horses and the reining community. He was elected to the Reining Horse Foundation Board of Directors in 2022. At the time of his passing, Joe was chairing the RHF Crisis Fund Review Committee and serving on the Scholarship Committee. He previously served on various committees for the National Reining Horse Association.

Joe was a reining breeder, owner and competitor. As an NRHA non pro, he amassed nearly $137,000 in lifetime earnings.

Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Emmy Wolfe. His full obituary and service arrangements can be found here.

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Martin F. “Marty” Roth in January 2025.

Martin F. Roth, most recently resided in Grant Park, Illinois. He was known to friends and family as “Marty.” Martin was an avid enthusiast of hunting, target shooting and vintage cars. He had a special love for NRHA reining shows, where he enjoyed spending time watching his wife, Becky Roth, showcase her horses.

You can read his full obituary here.

Services are private and will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Reining Horse Foundation.

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Randy Davis of Harrisburg, Illinois, on December 10, 2024.

Randy always had a special love for horses, the horse industry, and all the people in it. He spent most of his life deeply involved with teaching; and the showing, breeding, and sale of horses. For the past 25 years, Randy and his wife, Linda, operated Davis Western Tradin’ Company/Davis Boots. They became very successful in the sale of quality western boots. Randy was well known in the vendor areas of NRHA events, including the 6666 NRHA Derby and the NRHA Futurity held annually in Oklahoma City. He loved to meet and visit with customers, share stories of horse-related experiences and make sure all were 100 percent satisfied.

Read his formal obituary here.

A memorial service is being held January 25, 2025. Randy’s family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Reining Horse Foundation, specifically its youth programs.

If mailing a check, put “In Memory of Randy Davis” in the memo section. Donate online via the RHF website.

reiningfoundation.com/randydavis