Scholarships

The 2026 RHF Scholarship and Merit Scholarships applications are open. Deadline to apply and submit references online is March 2, 2026.

2026 RHF Scholarship Application

Now offering more than $90,000 in Scholarships Annually

NRHyA is a program funded through the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is the charitable arm of NRHA. Along with youth leadership development woven throughout NRHyA programs, the Foundation supports scholarships for NRHyA members. Donors are invited to support these programs in a myriad of ways including individual donations, memorials/honorariums, and participation in NRHyA fundraisers.

One of the benefits of maintaining NRHyA membership is eligibility for these scholarships. Whether you are planning to attend a trade or technical school, junior college or a university program, you are encouraged to explore these scholarship opportunities.

RHF Merit Scholarships Are for Students Already in College or Trade School

In 2026, the Reining Horse Foundation is offering at least five, $1,500 Merit Scholarships. The goal of these RHF Merit Scholarships is to support NRHA members who are actively pursuing a college or trade school education at an accredited institution. Specifically, it is for full-time students who have not been awarded any scholarships by the Reining Horse Foundation/NRHyA and who have completed at least one semester or term.

Preference is given to those exhibiting achievement in leadership, academics and community service at the collegiate level. The applicant must have been a member of the NRHyA for at least 24 months and be an active member of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) at the application deadline.

If selected as a scholarship recipient, portions of your essay may be used in promotion.

If you have any problems completing the form, please contact Reining Horse Foundation Executive Director Leslie Baker at (405) 946-7400 ext. 106 or [email protected].

2026 RHF Merit Scholarship Application (for Current College and Trade School Students)

Varsity Reining Club

The Varsity Reining Club gives NRHyA members a meaningful way to turn involvement into opportunity. With nearly $8,000 in expanded scholarships available for 2026, youth earn points—and recognition—by doing what they’re often already doing: volunteering at horse shows, completing community service, and supporting NRHyA. Open to Junior Varsity (13 and under) and Varsity (ages 14–18), the program welcomes youth at all levels, including those not heavily active in the show pen, while building leadership skills and helping fund future education through support from the Reining Horse Foundation.

NRHyA Affiliate Regional Scholarships Could Be for You!

NRHyA members who compete in an Affiliate Regional Championship (ARC) Youth Team Tournament and are entered in the respective ARC Youth 13 & Under class or ARC Youth 14-18 class are eligible to apply for an Affiliate Regional Scholarship. Scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000 are awarded at each Affiliate Championship around the world—including Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Oceania.

Scholarship support increased significantly in 2025, growing to $1,500 for 1st place and $1,000 for 2nd place courtesy of the Reining Horse Foundation. These scholarhships are open to youth who compete in an ARC Youth Team Tournament and complete an application. Consider Affiliate volunteer and showing involvement in your goals. The next deadline to enter will be Dec. 15, 2026.

Academic/Need-Based RHF Scholarships

This pool of scholarships is one to set your sights on when you are a high school senior. The determination for these is based on financial need, academic achievement, career plans, NRHA/NRHyA involvement, other activities, and references. Applicants are required to complete an application and essay.

Ten of these scholarships will be awarded with a total commitment of $30,000 in this category. Keep your NRHA membership active continuously during your high school years and then apply for this by March 1 of your senior year. If you are selected as a recipient when you are a high school senior, you are eligible to reapply and can win one additional time.

$5,000 Scholarships (3) $2,500 Scholarships (3) $2,000 Scholarships (3) $1,500 Scholarships (1)

2026 RHF Scholarship Application

Redeem Your Scholarship

Recipients may request their NRHyA scholarships be disbursed up to their 24th birthday with the exception of Merit Scholarships, which expire two years after issue. Scholarships are only able to be issued directly to an accredited college, university or trade school, not to recipients. If you have any questions regarding your scholarship, please do not hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. NRHyA is a program funded through the Reining Horse Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

To redeem your scholarship, complete this form.

You will need to provide the following information:

Student ID number (or code that your school uses to identify you)
School's Name
Financial Aid Address (sometimes called the Bursar Office)
Financial Aid Phone Number

Upon receipt and completion of your official request for scholarship disbursement, NRHyA and the Reining Horse Foundation will forward a letter with the scholarship winnings to the school to be used toward your tuition or qualifying expenses. You will be notified when the payment has processed.

Please allow up to 4 weeks processing by NRHyA. It is important to submit requests well in advance of funding deadlines.

For more details, contact:
Leslie Baker
[email protected]