Category: Foundation

The Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) doubled the total amount of RHF Scholarship dollars awarded, added two additional scholarships, and raised the three top awards to $5,000 in 2022. The total was increased again in 2023, which raised four award amounts from previous levels. This growth in the program has been made possible by increased donor support for the RHF and its core programs, which include scholarships and youth leadership development.

The RHF scholarships are part of a larger program that awards over $60,000 annually combined with the Affiliate Regional Championship, CINCH Speaking Contest, and Varsity Reining Club scholarships.

The following levels organize the RHF scholarships: three recipients of $5,000, three recipients of $2,500, three recipients of $2,000, and one recipient of $1,500. Selection is based on financial need, academic record, involvement in the school and community, a special essay, and references. In total, $30,000 in RHF Scholarships are being given to 10 deserving students in 2023.

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

“These young people are impressive, not only for what they have accomplished through reining but for how they are involved in their schools, communities, and families,” said Terri Mainey, chairperson of the RHF Scholarship Committee. “It’s a great pleasure for the Reining Horse Foundation and its supporters to encourage them in their education.”

The scholarship program is open to NRHyA members from around the world. This year, the ten recipients represent nine different states. They are entering diverse programs of study.

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.

Get to know more about each of these talented recipients.

$5,000 Scholarship Recipients

Kalena Reynolds

Kalena Reynolds of Cave Creek, Arizona, competes in the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA), Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association, Arizona Reining Horse Association, and the Oklahoma Reining Horse Association. She has served as a National Reining Horse Youth Association delegate and a Texas Quarter Horse Association reporter and is an AQHYA Reining Reserve World Champion. This is her second year receiving an RHF scholarship.

Reynolds is currently attending Baylor University, pursuing a degree in journalism. She is an Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and Baylor University Equestrian Team member.

Lillian Bains

Lillian Bains calls Gautier, Mississippi, home, where she has been a member of the Mississippi Quarter Horse Association, NRHyA Varsity Reining Club, 4-H, and National Honor Society. Bains also took part in Key Club and yearbook during high school.

She attends classes at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in a dual credit program and is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.

Hayden Kolb

When Hayden Kolb of Allegany, New York, had time open from being a snowboard instructor, she was an active member of 4-H, Youth Equestrian Development Association, AQHYA, American Ranch Horse Association, National Honor Society, cross country, and band. Kolb’s accomplishments while in school included IEA National Champion, 4-H regional qualifier, and 4-H Western/English High-Point Champion.

“It is a great honor to be chosen as a recipient of the RHF scholarship. It means so much to me that someone believes in me and is willing to invest in my future. I would like to thank my family and my trainers for all they have done to get me to where I am now,” Kolb says. “This recognition of my hard work and dedication throughout my years in high school means the world to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Kolb’s plan after high school involves pursuing equestrian studies and marketing and having a career involving horse breeding and training.

$2,500 Scholarship Recipients

Bridger Saxton 

Bridger Saxton, an avid horse trainer from Idaho Falls, Idaho, has the honor of obtaining this scholarship for a consecutive year. He competes and is involved in the American Stock Horse Association (ASHA) and the Idaho Reining Horse Association. He has had many accomplishments, including IDRHA Limited Non-Pro Champion, three-time ASHA Youth Champion, and many other equine awards.

“Receiving the Reining Horse Foundation’s scholarship has allowed me to continue my college career knowing that, when I graduate, I will be debt free. Having a debt-free experience has made it possible for me to concentrate on classes and showing my horses,” shares Saxton.

Saxton is pursuing a degree in business marketing while working toward his career goal of being an NRHA Professional.

Samantha Rumpel

Samantha Rumpel from Athens, Georgia, competes in the AQHA, Tennessee Reining Horse Association, Heart of Dixie Reining Horse Association, and Interscholastic Equestrian Association. A few of her top accolades include an Honor Roll award, Varsity Athletic award, 2017 IEA Championship Team, and TNRHA Top Youth award.

Rumpel plans to pursue a degree in business.

Madison Wigen

Madison Wigen from Joseph, Oregon, is an active member of FFA, National Honor Society, basketball, volleyball, track and field, and Varsity Reining Club. A few of Wigen’s accolades include earning an FFA State Degree, serving as senior class vice president and basketball captain, and receiving a scholar athlete award in volleyball. She has held NRHyA national offices and is serving as the 2023 NRHyA vice president,

Wigen plans to pursue a degree in psychology and have a career as a substance abuse counselor.

“Being awarded this scholarship from the Reining Horse Foundation is very special to me because it means that I have the support of the reining industry behind me as I pursue my future and continue my education. I am so grateful for the Reining Horse Foundation and their support of the NRHyA,” Wigen shares. “This scholarship helps my family to have less worry when it comes to tuition costs and other expenses when I leave to begin working toward my degree. I cannot thank the RHF enough for their support and for their generosity.”

$2,000 Scholarship Recipients

Adrianna Runzo

Adrianna Runzo of North Canton, Ohio, is busy when it comes to equine and school activities such as 4-H, Northern Ohio Horse Youth Association, AQHyA, Ultimate Frisbee Club, cross country, track and field, Model United Nations, and National Honor Society. Her accomplishments include Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association director, NRHyA East Central Regional delegate, and various NRHyA officer positions, including serving as the 2023 NRHyA President. Runzo’s plans include pursuing a degree in physical therapy.

“Winning a scholarship from the Reining Horse Foundation means the world to me,” Runzo said. “This scholarship will not only help me pursue my dream of working as a physical therapist in the equine industry but will help support my family as my twin brother and I enter a new stage in our lives as well. I cannot thank the Reining Horse Foundation enough for what they do for our reining community!”

Katie Buckley

Katie Buckley of Anna, Texas, is a current student at Texas A&M Commerce and is on the Stock Horse and Horse Judging teams. While in high school, she was active in Student Council, AQHA, Texas Quarter Horse Youth Association, FFA, and track and cross country. Her accomplishments included FFA officer, FFA horse judging state qualifier, Arabian Horse Association four-time National Champion, and AQHA World Qualifier.

“Receiving this scholarship from the RHF for the second year in a row means the world to me,” she said. “RHF is such an amazing organization for giving back to our youth, branching out to go to college, and starting the next steps in our lives!”

She is currently pursuing a degree in physical therapy.

Ariel Wieferich

Ariel Wieferich of Shepherd, Michigan, is an eager volunteer for NRHyA and the Michigan Reining Horse Association, where she has been a lifetime member. Wieferich has shown her impact in the reining community as a scholarship recipient for two consecutive years. She attends the University of Michigan, pursuing an aerospace and astronautical engineering degree.

She spent her time in high school with the MASA rocket building team, book club, science club leader, and basketball.

$1,500 John McQuay Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Jenna Batton 

Located in Sidney, Ohio, Jenna Batton was an active member of FFA, Student Council, National Honor Society, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading. Accomplishments of Batton’s include being an FFA officer, class president, earning an FFA State Degree, and being captain of her basketball team. She worked as a volunteer with local fundraisers.

“I am very grateful to be receiving this award because it will help me achieve my goals! I am also very thankful for the Reining Horse Foundation’s support as they continue to invest in the future of our industry’s youth!” Batton said. “I will put this scholarship money toward college tuition this fall while I attend Miami University!”

Jenna plans to pursue a degree in public relations.

About Reining Horse Foundation: We Care For and Honor Our Reining Community

For more than two decades, 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 helping 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.

During the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Winter Meeting, the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) Board of Directors met and approved significant expansion to two of its flagship programs: the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund and the RHF Scholarship program. Increased donor support in recent years has made it feasible for more dollars to be returned to the reining community, which is the heart of the RHF mission. In November 2022, the Board announced up to $250,000 in additional funding support for core programs with proposals to be brought forward from RHF standing committees. These program increases are the result. Additional plans are still being developed.

The Crisis Fund is designed to financially assist reiners enduring major hardships such as illness, injury, and disasters. At the recommendation of the Crisis Fund Review Committee, the Board approved new levels of financial support for Crisis Fund grants, which are available to NRHA members with at least 24 consecutive months of membership prior to applying.

Medical and injury accident applications will be considered for up to $7,500 in grant support, which is more than double the previous maximum of $3,600. Disaster applications will now be considered for up to $12,500 in aid, which also is more than double the former maximum of $6,000. The Board continues to reserve a special support category for the most extreme cases of hardship and can add additional funding to those most serious cases.

The Crisis Fund has awarded more than $275,000 in Crisis Fund grants since the inception of the program in 2002, standing in the gap for reining families around the world. On average, 75 percent of the grants go to NRHA Professionals, who, as self-employed workers, can face loss of income during a severe crisis. Beginning in 2020, NRHA Professionals began voluntarily providing Crisis Fund contributions when purchasing or renewing their NRHA memberships.

RHF funding comes from a broad cross-section of the equine community, including individuals, businesses, and foundations. NRHA affiliates, shows, and reiners of all ages hold creative and successful fundraisers to boost RHF programs in the areas of greatest need.

“This is a major increase to RHF programs thanks to the long-held dreams and work of this organization and its committed donors,” said RHF President Tim Anderson. “I am personally passionate about the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund and how it changes lives for people going through some of the worst times imaginable. I also believe that youth hold the keys to the future of reining. I am extremely proud of RHF for being able to positively impact more lives worldwide.”

RHF Scholarships are offered to high school seniors who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and involvement. A  major expansion doubled the funding amounts in 2022; this increase will immediately raise the lower-level award amounts.

“I’ve been involved with RHF Scholarships since their inception,” said NRHA vice president and longtime RHF Board member Mike Hancock. “Being able to offer more and larger scholarships is very special. We know that education is important to the success of our young reiners in adulthood. These scholarships make the path easier for deserving young people.”

In 2023, 10 scholarships are available, including five $5,000 and three $2,500 awards. At the recommendation of the RHF Scholarship Committee, three previous $1,500 awards are increasing to $2,000 each, and the previous $1,000 John McQuay Memorial Scholarship will increase to $1,500.

In addition, a new set of scholarships will become available in 2024 for NRHyA members who are pursuing post-high school education. They include five $1,500 scholarships. The application criteria and timeline for those will be established and announced later.

For more information or to donate, visit reiningfoundation.com.

When reiners gather, great things happen, and it happened in spades in Vegas.

The 2022 Raise A Million Auctions, held during The Run For A Million presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas, Nevada, brought in more than $190,000 through both the live and silent auctions. The proceeds benefit the reining community through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association.

It was the second year for the Raise A Million Auctions to be held in conjunction with TRFAM, and although expectations were high, they were exceeded.

“It was an incredibly successful event, and between the two years that the Reining Horse Foundation has been invited to The Run For A Million, nearly a million dollars has been raised,” shared Tim Anderson, president of the Reining Horse Foundation. “On behalf of the RHF Board of Directors, I thank Taylor Sheridan and Amanda Brumley who have been incredibly supportive of the Foundation. Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to pull something like this off.”

Anderson added that fundraisers – whether large like the Raise A Million Auctions or on a smaller scale – all contribute to the RHF’s mission. “Because of fundraising activities like this, we have been able to expand and increase our scholarship program as well as increase the amount of the grants we distribute through the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund,” he said. “The Foundation is not like a bank. We’re not trying to save this money; we are going to give it out to the people who need it and use it in ways that best support the Foundation’s mission.”

The Reining Horse Foundation received 37 lots for the Silent Auction from generous donors, including art, décor, tack, apparel, jewelry, autographed memorabilia, equine products, services, breedings, and unique experiences such as events and travel. The Silent Auction was held over several days and closed just prior to the Million Dollar Invitational competition. When the bids were tallied, the Silent Auction had brought in more than $42,000.

“In addition, NRHA member Diana Duffey pledged to match the donation made from Elite Equine for their equine spa services. Elite Equine donated 10 percent of their service proceeds to the RHF during The Run For A Million,” shared Reining Horse Foundation Executive Director Leslie Baker.

The generous spirit of the reining family continued to be on full display during the Live Auction, which was held just prior to the Million Dollar Competition Draw Party. There, seven incredible and unique items were auctioned off, raising $147,000.

There was a tie for the high-selling lots in the live auction. The first was a Supreme Breeding Package that was donated by Amber Gokey, Schmersal/ThorSport Inc., and NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch. The impressive lot included breedings to 2021 TRFAM Champion Gunna Stop, a breeding to 2019 TRFAM Co-Champion No Smoking Required, and an embryo from Icing Required. It was purchased by NRHA Corporate Partner Santa Hill Ranch.

The other high seller was a NASCAR Truck Series Primary Partnership Package to Daytona International Speedway, which was donated by ThorSport and purchased by NRHA Corporate Partner Clark’s Pump-N-Shop.

“Thank you to the generous donors to both the live and silent auction and of course to the purchasers of those items. We are grateful for everything they have done,” Anderson said. “Thank you also to Leslie Baker for her efforts in making this a success, and also to the volunteers who were there day after day helping. We have a tremendous Board of Directors for the Foundation, and it’s a great group of people who truly have the reining community in mind.”

The mission of the Reining Horse Foundation is to care for and honor the reining community. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund to benefit reiners enduring hardships such as major illness, accidents, and disasters; youth leadership development and scholarships for members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame.

For information on the RHF, visit ReiningFoundation.com

Photos by Leslie Baker

In August 2021, The Run For A Million hosted the Raise A Million Auctions to benefit the Reining Horse Foundation. The event exceeded all expectations, with more than a half-million dollars raised for the charitable organization. The Run For A Million presented by Teton Ridge returns to the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, August 17-20, and will once again host the Raise A Million Auctions.

“In 2021, the first Raise A Million auction set an amazing record for support benefiting the reining community. People are still talking about that electric event made possible by The Run For A Million, Taylor Sheridan, generous donors and bidders,” said Leslie Baker, RHF Executive Director. “To be invited back and have such a terrific lineup of donations leaves us grateful and super excited. We cannot wait to see what an impact this event will have, and we invite everyone to come by the RHF auction display.”

As in 2021, there will be a Silent Auction that will be set up and open for bidding in the Western Trade Fair, August 17-20, and will close Saturday, August 20 at 4 p.m.

The excitement will ramp up Friday when the Live Auction will be held just prior to the Million Dollar Competition Draw Party. The Live Auction features six incredible items, ranging from a breeding package with special ties to The Run For A Million past champions to a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery custom Luxe mink hat and commemorative beaver box hat can.

The Run For A Million Draw is expected to be a standing-room-only soiree. Big bids are expected once again, as already the items donated are indicative of the potential impact of the event.

Live Auction Items include:

• Sleipnir Trio Pave Diamond and Sapphire Pendant made and donated by MS Diamonds TX
• One in a Million original glass trio acrylic painting made and donated by MJ’s Equine Art Studios, Maggie Leverett
• Bit handcrafted and donated by Randy Paul along with his artist’s sketch
• Custom Luxe Mink Hat with The Run For A Million Beaver Box hat can donated by Shorty’s Caboy Hattery
• Napa Valley Wine Experience featuring a tasting for six, a two-night cottage stay, two magnums of wine and more. Donated by Spooks Gotta Spark and The Vineyardist Winery
• Supreme Breeding Package featuring a breeding to Gunna Stop, a breeding to No Smoking Required and an embryo from Icing Required. Donated by Amber Gokey, Schmersal/Thorsport Inc. and Toyon Ranch LLC

A complete list of Live and Silent Auction items can be found here.

Limited proxy bidding is available by contacting Leslie Baker, RHF Executive Director at (405) 946-7400, ext. 106 or by emailing rhf@nrha.com.

Items are being added daily, and there is still time to donate. Donations of trips, unique experiences, services, training packages, artwork, jewelry, goods, and more are all welcome. Donors should submit the donation form to LBaker@nrha.com no later than August 16.

The mission of the Reining Horse Foundation is to care for and honor the reining community. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund to benefit reiners enduring hardships such as major illness, accidents, and disasters; youth leadership development and scholarships for members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame.

For information on the RHF Auctions, visit ReiningFoundation.com/auctions

At the start of 2022, the National Reining Horse Association’s Reining Horse Foundation announced a major expansion of its scholarship program, increasing the number of annual scholarships from eight to 10, and increasing the annual funding of those awards from $13,000 to $28,000 per year.

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

“The reining community has dramatically increased support of the Reining Horse Foundation in recent years. This enables the RHF to make a greater impact on its core programs. Scholarships are one of the best ways to help support young reiners for bright futures,” noted Mike Hancock, chair of the RHF Scholarship Committee.

To apply, students must be members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association for at least 24 months, and be a senior 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 for a second scholarship if she or he meets all other criteria.

In addition to the RHF Scholarships, the RHF makes possible another $32,000 per year in NRHA affiliate, Varsity Reining Club and speaking contest scholarships. This expansion makes the total commitment $60,000 per year.

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 Recipients

Bridger Saxton

Bridger Saxton of Idaho Falls, Idaho, trains his two reining horses outside of school hours and plans to pursue a business management degree so he will be prepared to launch a successful training business as an NRHA Professional. A former youth vice president of the Idaho Reining Horse Association, he has volunteered at several IDRHA shows in many roles, including working as a gateman and scribe.

It’s hard to believe that Saxton was once scared of horses. “I was deathly afraid of them until I was 13 years old. Our first reining horse was at Terry Erickson’s, and he looked at me and asked when I was going to start riding. My dad and I were driving home, and I asked him how far this (reining) could take me. He told me it could take me a lot of places,” he recalled. “That next week I called up the trainer to schedule my first riding lesson, and it just took off from there.”

Erickson has inspired Saxton to pursue a career with horses. “Terry has been a great mentor to me. He showed me the ropes of what you can do as a trainer, and how it can affect people in positive ways,” Saxton said. “From there I started training my own horses with guidance.”

Saxton did his senior project of raising, training, and showing one of his babies. “That was really special to be able to show my own horse, and we have showed really well this year,” he said.

“I thank Terry Erickson, my mom and dad, Jesse and Cee Cee Saxton, and one of my close friends who has helped me a lot with all the essays and scholarships, Stephanie Gifford,” he said. “Thank you also to the Reining Horse Foundation. This scholarship means a lot to me, and I appreciate how the RHF wants people to succeed in life.”

Ariel Wieferich

Ariel Wieferich of Shepherd, Michigan, has some lofty goals – she plans to pursue an aerospace and astronautical engineering degree with hopes of becoming an aerospace engineer. A lifetime member of the Michigan Reining Horse Association, Wieferich has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school, been awarded various NRHyA scholarships, and works part-time as a barista at two different coffee shops.

“I will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall. I want to pursue this degree because space has been a big passion and interest of mine for years. I want to be able to answer questions about things we don’t have answers to yet,” she said. “Being awarded this scholarship from the Reining Horse Foundation means a couple things to me. The first is that it gives my family and I more peace of mind when it comes to tuition, and makes our lives easier. My family has done a lot for me by supporting my dreams and hobbies, and I feel like this scholarship is, in a way, a thank you to them for everything.”

Wieferich’s mother showed reining horses, and Ariel hit the show ring herself at 8 years old. “Ten years later, it’s a huge part of my life,” she said. “I thank my parents for everything they have done for me. They have pushed me to be better, supported me, and have supported my decisions about the future. I also thank my friends for not only supporting me in the show ring but also for being there for me on a personal level.”

Kalena Reynolds

Cave Creek, Arizona’s Kalena Reynolds has been accepted to Baylor University and will begin pursuing a degree in journalism this fall. Reynolds, a member of both the Oklahoma Reining Horse and Arizona Reining Horse Associations, was the 2019 Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year, and currently works as a freelance writer. In her spare time, she helps other kids start their own businesses.

“I’m incredibly grateful for being awarded this scholarship because it means that I’m able to further my education with support from the Reining Horse Foundation. There is nothing more important in this world than education, and this scholarship helps me prioritize my passion for learning,” Reynolds said.

Having been around horses her entire life, it’s no surprise that reining has become one of her passions. “My mom bred and raised horses, and was a judge for the American Quarter Horse Association for 20 years, so I have always been blessed to have people around me supporting my love of horses,” she recalled. “I thank my mom for supporting me and helping me pursue what I love.”

Reynolds’ love of writing is what spurred her to pursue a career in journalism. “When weighing out the different degree paths that interested me, journalism stuck out because I love research and writing,” she said. “While it’s often an overlooked degree in today’s society, it’s incredibly beneficial for the simple fact of learning how to communicate and tell stories.”

$2,500 Recipients

Katie Buckley

Katie Buckley of Anna, Texas, stays busy with reining, FFA, Student Council, sports, and more. She will attend Texas A & M Commerce as a member of both the Stock Horse and Horse Judging teams, so it’s likely that her pace won’t slow down. Buckley, a member of the Southwest Reining Horse Association, plans to complete a degree in kinesiology and sport studies to prepare her for a career as a physical therapist.

“Being a horse trainer’s kid means that the money is not always there, so when I was planning for college, I knew I needed to buckle down and get some scholarships,” Buckley shared. “The fact that the Reining Horse Foundation gave me a scholarship is a big deal, especially considering how much of my life I have given to reining. This means quite a lot.”

Buckley’s father, uncle, and grandfather were all horse trainers. “Horses have always been a family deal, plus I have many close friends around me in the sport, and all my friends are in the sport as well, so NRHA has been a huge deal in my life,” she said. “I thank my family and friends who have been behind me and supporting me my whole life.”

She also thanked a few other trainers who had impacted her life. “I thank Kenny and Nancy Eppers. I worked with them for a little bit, and I helped Todd Sommers out a little bit. I also worked with the Schmersal family, and they have always been there for me as well. I appreciate all of them for their support,” Buckley said.

Talia Bertrand-Meadows

Talia Bertrand-Meadows from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, plans to major in education, with a focus on French. The Honor Roll student has been a member of the Central Canada Reining Horse Association since 2013 and is active in sports, book club, and theatre. She has been the recipient of several NRHyA Affiliate Regional Championship Scholarships as well as a scholarship for achievements in the Varsity Reining Club.

Bertrand-Meadows has been accepted to the University of Regina to take a combined Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts program for French. “For years I have wanted to be a teacher because I love working with little kids. Having grown up in French immersion, I want to help other kids learn the language, too,” she said. “Being a recipient of this scholarship means a lot to me as it will allow me to pursue my chosen career path with fewer financial worries.”

Bertrand-Meadows first began riding horses at age 6, and when she was 8 years old participated in numerous clinics to see which discipline she would be interested in pursuing further. “One of those was a reining clinic. That’s also where I rode my first show horse for the very first time, and I have been competing in reining ever since,” she said.

There were several people Bertrand-Meadows thanked. “I thank my parents for always being so supportive of both my education and riding. I wouldn’t have been nearly as successful in either area of my life without their constant love and encouragement,” she said. “I also thank the coaches and teachers I have had over the years who have always been so open and helpful. I also thank my three show horses, Louie, Tawsy, and Dolly, for being amazing teammates in the show pen, and great teachers in their own way during my time spent riding them.”

Allyson Nicklous

With this year’s $2,500 scholarship, Allyson Nicklous of Saint Paul, Oregon, is a two-time RHF Scholarship recipient. In high school, she was active in FFA and sports and was a member of the National Honor Society. She has been president and Board of Director for the Oregon Reining Horse youth Association, plans to major in biology with a minor in neuroscience with a pre-med concentration, and has her eyes set on a career as an orthopedic surgeon.

“Being awarded this scholarship has given me the opportunity to continue my higher education. It means a tremendous amount to me, and I’m grateful to the Reining Horse Foundation for this opportunity,” she said.

Nicklous first became enamored with reining at the beginning of high school. “It’s something my extended family has been involved in, and I wanted to try it out. My parents bought me my first reining horse, and I have been hooked ever since,” she said.

In fact, it’s her family who she says deserves the most thanks for her success. “I thank my parents and my twin sister, Madelyn, for getting me where I am today. They have pushed me to be my best in school and showing reining horses, and have been in my corner no matter what.”

She added, “I also thank my trainer, Kyle Kellmer, and his wife, Jenna, of Kyle Kellmer Performance Horses, as well as my employers Dr. Dora and Dr. Ryan Ferris at Summit Equine, and their entire team. All these people have pushed me and inspired me to be my very best self.”

$1,500 Recipients

Kinsey Cooper

A love of agriculture and horses is leading Kinsey Cooper of Montrose, Georgia, to pursue a degree in agribusiness at the University of Georgia. She plans to turn that degree into a career as an agriculture attorney. A member of the Heart of Dixie Reining Horse Association, Cooper has been an NRHyA delegate and is currently serving as the Georgia FFA State Secretary.

“Agriculture is very important to me, and I see it all the time. I’ve always been told I would be a good lawyer, and a few years ago I realized I could be an agriculture attorney, and that pretty much sealed the deal. This way I can give back to the ag industry,” she said. “Receiving a scholarship from the Reining Horse Foundation puts me and my family more at ease. I respect the Reining Horse Foundation and am appreciative they saw something in me and will help me further my education.”

Cooper’s grandparents had always had trail horses, and she loved riding them and took basic riding lessons.

Then a friend asked if she knew about UGA’s Equestrian Team. “We went to a UGA show and watched them go through the classes. The last class of the day was reining, and I knew that was what I wanted to do,” she recalled.

“I thank my parents. They have always thrown everything they have into what I am doing and have gone out of their way to help me find success. I also thank my trainer, Herm Sherwin, and his wife, Tianee. They have both been so gracious to me. I also thank Mark and Donna Cain. They are just phenomenal people who have always been super supportive and just my whole barn family. They’re just great people who pick me up when I’m down and put me up even higher,” she said.

Julia Fry

Having grown up surrounded by the agriculture industry, Julia Fry of Acampo, California, plans to major in agriculture communications at California Polytechnic State University. A member of the West Coast Reining Horse Association for five years, she has been active in FFA and 4-H, holds a 4.1 GPA, and is also on Lodi High School’s volleyball and drill teams.

“Being awarded this scholarship truly means a lot to me. My hard work has paid off, and the skills I have obtained can benefit my future financially by supporting my college education,” Fry said.

The high school senior learned to ride from her grandmother, Peggy Fry, who began showing reining horses in the late 1990s. “I see her as a role model and decided I would like to ride reining horses, too, as I saw the beauty of the sport through watching her. Following her footsteps was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I have now fallen in love with the sport, the people, and especially the horses in the reining community,” she said.

Fry extended a special thank you to David Hanson. “David and Becky Hanson have taught me everything I know, and I am extremely thankful for them and the chances I have been given because of them. I also thank my family, because they have been my biggest support system, and without them, I wouldn’t have gotten to this point,” she said.

Olivia Klug

Olivia Klug of Columbus, Nebraska, has completed her freshman year at Oklahoma State University, where she is majoring in animal science with an eye on becoming a veterinarian. With this $1,500 award, Klug is now a two-time RHF scholarship recipient, having claimed her first in 2021. A member of both the North Central and the Central Plains Reining Horse Associations, Klug served as NRHyA President in 2021.

“Being awarded another Reining Horse Foundation scholarship means the absolute world to me. Over the years of me being an NRHA member and being on the NRHyA officer team, I was able to grow close to many members of the Foundation board and was able to learn about what the Foundation stands for and is about,” Klug shared. “The members of the Reining Horse Foundation Board are passionate about helping youth members be successful in the future.”

Klug grew up on her family’s farm in Nebraska, where they had a feedlot for cattle and horses to show. She started out competing in western pleasure, showmanship, and all around. “At 10 years old my trainer at the time helped me find a reining horse, and that’s when I fell in love with reining,” she said. “I thank my parents for allowing me to follow my dreams. I also thank the Reining Horse Foundation, and everyone at NRHA, especially Sara Honegger, the youth advisor. Whether I eventually have a career at a feedlot somewhere, working with NRHA, or going to vet school, it’s great to know I have the support to get me wherever I want to be.”

Taylinn Dimmitt

John McQuay $1,000 Scholarship Recipient

Eugene, Oregon’s Taylinn Dimmitt is a member of the Oregon Quarter Horse Youth Association and has served as a Board member, treasurer, and vice president. A member of the National Honor Society and an Honor Roll student, she has earned several college credits already and plans to earn her Associate of Science in dental assisting and pursue a career in dental hygiene.

“Receiving this scholarship from the Reining Horse Foundation means so much to me,” Dimmitt shared. “I plan to stay in-state for school so I can work with my horses while continuing my education.”

Dimmitt’s father has ridden and trained reining horses for a while. While she began competing in western pleasure, she made the transition to strictly reining eight years ago.

“I thank my family for their support and the Reining Horse Foundation for awarding me this scholarship,” she said.