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 March 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.