Scholarships

2025 RHF Scholarship Application

Now offering more than $80,000 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 Opens Application Period for Merit Scholarships

In 2025, 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 Claire Pound at the Reining Horse Foundation, (405) 946-7400, ext. 138 or cpound@nrha.com.

2025 RHF Merit Scholarship Application (for Current College and Trade School Students)

Varsity Reining Club

Varsity Reining Club allows NRHyA members to earn points for activities they are already likely doing! Things like earning good grades, photography, writing and helping at a horse show may lead to prizes such as a sweatshirt, belt buckle or even a free stall at the NRHA Futurity. At the end of each year, point totals are calculated in two age divisions and scholarships are awarded based on point earnings. The top point earner in the 13 & Under division earns a $500 scholarship and the top point earner in the 14-18 division receives a $1,000 scholarship. NRHyA also recognizes through fifth place in the junior varsity division and through eighth place in the senior varsity division. Check out the Varsity Reining Club and see what might be a fit for you!

NRHyA Affiliate Regional Scholarships

The NRHyA members eligible for these scholarships are those who compete in their respective Affiliate Regional Champion (ARC) show Youth Team Tournament day. Those who enter and show in NRHA 13 & Under, 14-18, or Youth Rookie are eligible. Applications, details and deadlines are available each autumn from the NRHyA office. Scholarships of $1,000 and $800 are awarded for each ARC, when eligible applicants apply. The application deadline is December 15 each year.

2024 NRHyA Affiliate Regional Championship Scholarship (For Reference Only. 2024 application period is closed.)

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)

2025 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 youth@nrha.com. 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:
Sara Honegger
NRHA Youth Programs Coordinator
3021 W Reno Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73107
(405) 946-7400 ext. 204
shonegger@nrha.com

NRHyA - National Reining Horse Youth Association