Category: Foundation

Reining Horse Foundation Scholarships (RHF) have steadily increased and now include 10 awards in varying amounts from $1,500 up to $5,000. These scholarships are part of a larger program that awards over $70,000 annually through the Varsity Reining Club, Affiliate Regional Scholarships, NRHyA’s CINCH Speaking contest, and the new RHF Merit Scholarships.

The 10 RHF Scholarships are structured as three at $5,000, three at $2,500, three at $2,000, and one at $1,500. Selection is based on financial need, academic record, involvement in the school and community, a special essay, and references.

To apply, students must be members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) for at least 24 months and be seniors in high school pursuing an undergraduate degree in a two- or four-year institution, trade, or technical school. A previous recipient of an RHF Scholarship may reapply if she or he meets all other criteria and can earn two total awards.

The RHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the charitable arm of NRHA. It supports NRHyA, including youth leadership development woven throughout youth programming. Donors are invited to support NRHyA in numerous ways, including individual donations, memorials/honorariums, and fundraisers. To learn more, visit reiningfoundation.com.

$5,000 Scholarship Recipients

Szonja Pankotai

Szonja Pankotai of Hungary has been an active member of the NRHyA, significantly contributing to the Hungarian affiliate organization, competing in European Affiliate championships, and representing her country in the 2023 World Youth Reining Cup.

When she is not riding, Szonja volunteers at the Hungarian Tibetan Mastiff breed rescue club and started a monthly garbage collection campaign. Szonja plays handball as well as volleyball for her school and serves as a class representative and class secretary

Szonja is an enthusiastic member of the reining community and hopes that reining in Hungary will reach the popularity it has in the U.S. She shares her story and how reining has impacted her life on several internet platforms and has even appeared on a radio show to report on her time competing in the World Youth Reining Cup. Her goal is to become a physiotherapist.

Lillian Bains

Lillian Bains, a two-time winner of the RHF Scholarship, currently attends Mississippi Gulf Coast College and is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In high school, Lillian participated in Key Club, Beta Club, Yearbook Club/Staff, and the National Honor Society. Since starting college, Lillian has been involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Reflections Team, and OAK Club and is in the Honors College.

Along with being a member of the NRHA, Lillian states that receiving the RHF Scholarship in 2023 was her greatest academic achievement to date and that it has opened up many doors in her education. Lillian recently submitted a video presentation about the sport of reining. This project helped her win the Southern District Representative position for the Mississippi-Louisiana Region of Phi Theta Kappa.

Adrianna Runzo

Adrianna Runzo is another two-time winner of the RHF Scholarship. Currently attending California State University, Fresno as an equestrian student-athlete, Adrianna is studying chemistry with plans to become a physician’s assistant.

Adrianna has served in many roles with the NRHyA, including regional delegate, NRHyA treasurer, NRHyA vice president, and NRHyA president. She also served as a director with the Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association and was a member of her local 4-H club.

In high school, Adrianna served as captain of the track and ultimate frisbee teams, Ohio Model UN Council President, and Lake High School Model UN Cabinet Member. She was a four-year academic letter winner. In her first year of college, Adrianna volunteered as a Student-Athlete for Fresno State’s National Girls and Women in Sports Day clinic and cleaned up Fresno State’s campus for equestrian civil engagement.

$2,500 Scholarship Recipients

Graci Reeder

Graci Reeder of Mason, Michigan, has been a member of the NRHyA and the Michigan Reining Horse Youth Association (MRHyA) since 2015. She has succeeded in her region by serving as the NRHyA Delegate of the East Central Region. Graci helped found the MRHyA Board through that position, where she served as president. Graci has benefited her region by working as a scribe, working the gate, and fundraising. As a result of her hard work, Graci has been nominated as an NRHyA Liaison in Michigan.

Graci looks forward to studying business at her future university and has already gotten a head start by opening her own small business, Simply Grace. Graci has spent the last four years setting up as a vendor at reining and livestock shows to sell her homemade jewelry.

Cooper Leather

Cooper Leather hails from Wahoo, Nebraska, and is also a recipient of an NRHyA Affiliate Regional Scholarship. Along with being an NRHyA North Central Region Delegate for three years, Cooper served as the Nebraska Quarter Horse Youth Association treasurer, president, and vice president. Cooper served as the president of the Yutan Shamrocks 4-H club, was an active participant in his FFA Chapter, and was a three-year varsity golf letter earner.

Cooper hopes to put his experience in the equine and agriculture fields to good use by pursuing a major in Agribusiness and Animal Science.

Landon Hasenkamp

Landon Hasenkamp from Beemer, Nebraska, looks to use his RHF Scholarship to pursue a career in equine management. Landon has always been successful in the equine and agricultural fields. In his six years as an NRHyA member, Landon has served as the Central Plains Reining Horse Association Affiliate Delegate for two years, where he led youth meetings, organized fundraisers and awards, and hosted breakfasts at shows. Landon has also been active in AQHA, serving as the 2023 Nebraska Quarter Horse Youth Association (NQHyA) treasurer. He served as the West Point FFA Chapter treasurer and local county 4-H officer.

Landon found success in high school as a letterwinner in football and golf, a National Honor Society member, and on the High Distinction Honor Roll for four years.

$2,000 Scholarship Recipients

Gracie Stingle

Gracie Stingle of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, has been active in all aspects of her life, especially equine-related activities. Gracie has over 20 hours of service to her local affiliate, Central Ohio Reining Horse Association, and served as an NRHA Affiliate Delegate, helping to grow the NRHyA program in her area. She also served as the Krazy 4 Clovers 4-H Club secretary and president. Gracie is a two-time winner of the FFA Scholar Award while competing on the FFA Equine Judging Team.

Gracie attends Madison Plains High School, where she is a member of the varsity soccer team, Key Club, French Club, and the National Honor Society. She will attend the University of South Carolina to compete on their NCEA equestrian team. She plans to study business and pursue a career in finance.

Madison Wigen

Madison Wigen of Joseph, Oregon, has been involved with NRHyA and the many opportunities it offers throughout her life. Starting in 2019 as a Regional Delegate, Madison has served in many roles with the NRHyA officer team, including NRHyA treasurer, secretary, and vice president. She was a member of the FFA and National Honor Society, a Little Buddies program mentor, and played varsity basketball, volleyball, and track and field for three years.

While being a student-athlete in high school, Madison made the Dean’s list and Honor Roll, was awarded the Scholar-Athlete Award three times, and was elected senior class vice president.

This is Madison’s second time receiving an RHF Scholarship. She is a student at Eastern Oregon University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

Emma Schmitt

Eden, New York native Emma Schmitt competes at NRHA reinings and has also worked in the show office, manned the gate, scribed, and helped conduct fundraisers. Emma is the president of her 4-H club, an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) member, an FFA member, Student Council president, and a member of the National Honor Society.

In her own words, Emma says that reining is more than just a sport; it has given her a sense of belonging. She plans to study animal science and become a veterinarian.

Madison Wieferich

$1,500 John McQuay Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Madison Wieferich of Shepherd, Michigan, has an impressive resume of high school activities. She was a member of the science club, marching band, jazz band, concert band, basketball team, track and field team, National Honor Society, and Student Council. She excelled at many activities, winning Excellence in Algebra and Physical Science and serving as drum major for marching band and section leader in concert band.

Madison has helped with fundraisers for the NRHyA, sold raffle tickets, and volunteered as a gate judge. She has been taking concurrent enrollment college classes at Mid-Michigan Community College and intends to major in interior design.

The Brant/Priest Performance Horses fire has shaken the equine world. And, from the heartbreak there are countless positive messages of inspiration, caring and community. The Reining Horse Foundation is honored to announce a $45,000 gift from the DPL Fund, at the direction of NRHA Non Pro Diana Duffey and her husband, Vince Lahey. The gift is in honor of each special animal lost to the fire.

“We are making this gift in hopes that those beautiful horses’ strong and brave spirits may continue to lift up others in need,” Diana shared. “Thank you for all RHF does in support of NRHA members. We are truly blessed to have a resource like RHF in our sport.”

Diana and Vince have issued an #HONORINGTHE45 CHALLENGE in memory of the 44 horses and 1 dog lost in the fire. They hope to inspire others to give.

You are invited to make a donation to RHF in any amount…whether $4.50, $450 or $4,500. Everything helps!

Visit the RHF table in the Super Barn or go to reiningfoundation.com/donate to participate. Your gifts are appreciated!

The Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) is reopening the application window for its Merit scholarship program through July 1, 2024. RHF Merit Scholarships are new and designed to reward NRHA members who have not previously won an RHF scholarship. Eligibility is for students already pursuing their post-high school education at an accredited college or trade school program.

Three awards of $1,500 each are available. To see the complete criteria and access the online application, visit the scholarship application at NRHyA.com/scholarships.

The first section of 2024 merit scholarship winners were selected after a spring deadline. RHF congratulates Ryan Jensen of Loveland, Colorado, and Alex Loftin of Chester, Arkansas.

Jensen is a student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is pursuing a degree in corporate communications. She plans to work in commercial real estate communications. She has earned the Baylor Academic Distinction Award and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Jensen also competes on the university equestrian team.

Loftin attends the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and is pursuing a degree in ag business and pre-law with a minor in legal studies. His goal is to become an attorney. He rode on his university’s Ranch Horse Team in 2023 and was the collegiate novice ranch horse champion. In addition to participating in collegiate organizations, he serves as a volunteer firefighter.

“Congratulations to these students, who are the first to be awarded the RHF Merit Scholarships,” said Terri Mainey, chair of the RHF Scholarship Committee. “The Reining Horse Foundation is proud to have added five new awards for 2024 as part of expanding our total scholarship offerings. We hope more students will take advantage of this opportunity for help achieving their education.”

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 scholarship 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 is proud to announce new scholarships that provide opportunities to students already enrolled in higher education. Along with these new RHF Merit Scholarships, the longstanding RHF Scholarships are available. Applications are due March 1, 2024.

The RHF Merit Scholarships include five $1,500 awards for students who were National Reining Horse Youth Association members, maintain an NRHA membership, and are actively pursuing a college or trade school education full-time at an accredited institution. The eligible applicants may not have previously received any RHF/NRHyA scholarship.

The RHF Scholarships include ten awards in varying amounts from $1,500 up to $5,000. The criteria are weighted toward financial need with additional academic achievement and involvement considerations. Applicants must be NRHyA members for at least 24 months prior to application and be high school seniors. Previous recipients may reapply and are eligible to receive these scholarships one additional time during their post-high school education. Students must be current members of NRHA to apply.

“The RHF Merit Scholarships should be especially attractive to students who have been active in NRHyA and the NRHA. These are designed to encourage students as they keep striving for their education,” said Terri Mainey, chair of the RHF Scholarship Committee. “RHF takes great pride in continuing to expand our scholarship offerings. Our donors believe in the next generation and what they will contribute to reining and the world at large.”

RHF funding comes from a broad cross-section of the equine community, including individuals, businesses, and foundations. NRHyA members, NRHA affiliates and shows, and reiners of all ages hold creative and successful fundraisers benefiting RHF programs.

“There are stories about the RHF Scholarship program coming to life when movers and shakers got together at an NRHA show and started dreaming of ways to help young people involved in the sport,” said Tim Anderson, RHF president. “That’s been decades ago now, and today’s scholarship program is growing thanks to the support of many givers.”

A major program expansion doubled the funding amounts for RHF Scholarships in 2022 and increased them again for 2023. The RHF and Merit Scholarships are part of a larger program that makes more than $60,000 in awards available annually to NRHyA members. Other opportunities are available through the Varsity Reining Club, Affiliate Regional Scholarships, and the NRHyA’s CINCH Speaking Contest.

New in 2024, the application process is completely online. The forms and additional criteria can be viewed at nrhya.com/scholarships.

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, which provides financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarship and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and the 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 Board of Directors has elected new officers and Board members. Tim Anderson of Milbank, South Dakota, was re-elected to serve a two-year term as president of the nonprofit charitable arm of NRHA. Rick Clark of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, is the new vice president, and Nancy Tague of Pilot Point, Texas, is the new Secretary/Treasurer. Under new Bylaws approved in 2023, as vice president, Clark will be automatically nominated for the office of president for a two-year term beginning in 2026.

Patrick Flaherty of Scottsdale, Arizona, Jamie Walters of Laguna Beach, California, and Billy Williams of Aubrey, Texas, were re-elected to serve their second, three-year terms on the Board. Under RHF Bylaws, the officer and board member recommendations were reviewed and approved by the NRHA Board of Directors at its November meeting. All the positions take effect beginning January 1, 2024.

“What excites me about having been part of the successful leadership of RHF is how far we have come and how far we can possibly go,” said Anderson. “I appreciate those who have dedicated their service to helping us move the organization forward, and I look forward to the next two years.”

The RHF Board meets via conference call at least quarterly. There are working committees to advance the work of the Foundation and make recommendations to the Board. Generally speaking, directors are eligible to serve two consecutive full, three-year terms before retiring for a minimum of one year. Officers may continue to serve while on the Executive Committee.

Retiring from the Board after serving since becoming a Distinguished Director in 2016 is Loren Booth of Orange Cove, California. Booth later served as an officer on the executive committee and as vice president.

RHF Board members are responsible for meeting the duty of care, loyalty, and obedience accepted as well-established principles of nonprofit governance. They support the organization’s mission to care for and honor the reining community. In practice, they facilitate fundraising for the growing RHF, develop and executive the organization’s strategic plan, and give attention to core programs.

Anyone interested in serving on the RHF Board should contact Nancy Tague, the Nominating/Governance Committee chair, or RHF Executive Director Leslie Baker at rhf@nrha.com.

For more than two decades, members of the equine community have been doing good things through the RHF, which has supporters from around the world. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, which provides financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarship 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.