The Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) is announcing additional Merit Scholarship winners.
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 first round of scholarships was awarded in April when two winners were announced, and then the application period was reopened to attract additional participation. After a strong applicant response, the Reining Horse Foundation Board of Directors voted to double the number of $1,500 awards from five to 10 for 2024.
“The Reining Horse Foundation has been working over two decades to grow its support and make a greater positive contribution to the reining community,” said Terri Mainey, RHF Scholarship chairperson. “The addition of 10 new scholarships in 2024 is another demonstration of program expansion. We are honored to be able to help more reiners who are pursuing higher education.”
The second section of 2024 merit scholarship winners includes Kylie Baker, Abby Budd, Amy Farley, Jacob Harris, Anna Landing, Miranda Ritter, Lilly Stewart, and Ellie Veres. The two recipients previously recognized were Ryan Jensen and Alexander Loftin.
Baker of Dripping Springs, Texas, attends Texas Christian University and is pursuing a degree in business. Her goal is to go into media and promotions within the reining industry. She is a member of the Dean’s List and has appeared on the Academic Honor Roll for multiple semesters. She also competes on the TCU NCEA Equestrian team and is a member of the NCEA All-American honor roll.
Budd of Pueblo, Colorado, is a student at Oklahoma State University. She is pursuing a degree in pre-med psychology and a minor in neuroscience. Budd looks to go into a career in psychology after graduation. Budd has appeared on the Oklahoma State University President’s List, Dean’s List, and the NCAA Academic Big 12 All Conference list. Along with her studies, Budd is a member of the Oklahoma State University Equestrian team, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Farley of Bend, Oregon, is a student at Oregon State University-Cascades, where she studies physical therapy. Farley intends on becoming a physical therapist. In 2023, Farley graduated from the College of Idaho cum laude with a bachelor’s in health and human performance and minors in health and psychology. Farley is a competitive alpine skier and competed on the College of Idaho Women’s Alpine Ski Team.
Harris of Mounds, Oklahoma, attends Oklahoma State University where he studies pre-medicine and intends to become a physician. Harris is a member of the honor board and the rush committee of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, the Pre-Med Club and the Baptist student union. Harris also received an academic scholarship from Delta Tau Delta and is a member of the Dean’s List.
Landing of Michigan City, Indiana, is a student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She is pursuing a degree in animal science, and her goal is to become a veterinarian. Landing has received academic honors and has been on the Dean’s List for two semesters. Outside of academics, Landing is a member of the Purdue Western Equestrian team, the Purdue Collegiate Cattleman’s Club, the Purdue Pre-Vet Medicine Association, and the Meredith Hall RX Club.
Ritter of Park City, Utah, attends Westminster University in Salt Lake City, Utah where she is pursuing a degree in psychology. She aims to become a PhD-level health psychologist and currently holds office at the Westminster Disability Justice Club as the Disability Justice Coordinator.
Stewart of Elbert, Colorado, is a student at the University of Wyoming. She is pursuing a degree in agribusiness and intends to pursue a career in environmental law. Budd is a member of the Dean’s List and works for the University of Wyoming’s Veterans Services Center.
Veres of Leander, Texas, attends Texas Tech University. She is studying finance with the goal of becoming a financial analyst. For four semesters, Veres appeared on the President’s Honor List and is a recipient of the TTU Presidential Merit Scholarship. She is a member of the Scovell Business Leadership Program and is the Women in Business club vice president of operations.
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.