2026 Reining Horse Foundation Merit Scholarship Application

Reining Horse Foundation Merit Scholarship Application

Must be submitted on or before March 2, 2026
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 Claire Pound at the Reining Horse Foundation, (405) 946-7400, ext. 138 or cpound@nrha.com.

Application is subject to change without notice.
NRHA Member ID:*
Make sure your membership is current
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
There is no age limit
Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
Prequalification
Are you currently enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited college, university or trade school?*

Community/Junior CollegeUniversityTrade SchoolOther
Have you completed at least one semester or term as a full-time student?*

YesNo
Are you currently a member of NRHA at the time of application at the Associate level or higher?*

YesNo
Were you an NRHA Youth member for at least 24 consecutive months when you were of eligible age?*

YesNo
**If you answered no to the above questions, you are ineligible to apply. NRHA membership can be renewed at the time of application.**
Have you been awarded any scholarships by the Reining Horse Foundation or NRHyA, including an RHF Scholarship, NRHA Affiliate Regional/Youth Team Tournament Scholarship, Varsity Reining Club Scholarship or NRHyA Public Speaking Contest Awards?*

YesNo
**If you answered yes, you do not meet the eligiblity requirements. **
Academic Information
Name of school where you are enrolled:*
Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Major:*
Minor (if applicable)
Intended Career:*
Are you enrolled in the Honors College?*

YesNo
College GPA (cumulative)*
Academic Awards -- LIST all post-high school academic honors/awards such as Dean's List, President's List, etc.
e.g., Dean's list, 2022
Upload your most recent transcript here as a PDF. Transcript must show your cumulative GPA for the most recently completed semester or term.*

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College Involvement and Leadership
LIST clubs or activities in which you have participated or are participating, as well as the years participated. For example, campus organizations, academic clubs, Greek Life, intramural sports, athletics, etc.
e.g., XYZ University Team, National Collegiate Equestrian Association Team, 2021-2025. Avoid acronyms.
LIST awards won and offices held in the above clubs/activities including years.
e.g., Equestrian Team Captain, 2023
Community Service and Work
How are you active in your community? List volunteer service, civic organizations, religious organizations, past military service, etc. Include work history if you are working while attending college. Include years active.
e.g., Meals on Wheels Volunteer, 2021-2023
List the current memberships you have with NRHA Affiliates and the years you have been a member. Spell out Affiliate identifying name, i.e. Southeast
Use list format. Avoid acronyms.
LIST volunteer and/or leadership activities you have participated in with these affiliates beyond showing in reining classes and include the year or dates (for example, organized youth meetings, worked as a show volunteer, helped with fundraising event)
Use list format. Avoid acronyms
Essay Topic

The Reining Horse Foundation celebrates 25 years in 2026. What does this legacy mean to you, and how can your generation of reiners help carry its mission forward for the next 25 years?
Your Title Here:*
Limit 75 Characters
Essay:*

0/500
Verification
I hereby certify that the statements recorded on this application are accurate and true, I meet all the requirements listed on this application by the Reining Horse Foundation. I understand that if any statements made on this application are found to be untrue, I may be disqualified from receiving a scholarship.

If I do receive an RHF scholarship, I understand my name and photograph may be listed in the NRHA Reiner magazine, on the NRHA website, and for other purposes promoting the Reining Horse Foundation and its programs, including social media.
Please print your name as you would like it to appear in print:*

First NameLast Name
Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
Parent or guardian name (if under the age of 18)

First NameLast Name
Signature

Clear
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Upload headshot here*

High-Resolution head and shoulders shot please. Without horses preferred. 300 dpi works best.
Cancelof
Scholarship award totaling $1,500 will be issued directly to the institution and not to an individual. Scholarships are available for disbursement for up to 24 months following the date of the award or they are forfeited. An RHF Merit Scholarship recipient may not reapply. Funds may be used for tuition, books, academic fees and board.

Recipient must provide NRHA Youth Department with the following information for the release of funds using a requested form:
- School name
- School Financial Aid office address
- Contact
- Contact’s phone number
Should be Empty:

Reining Horse Foundation Merit Scholarship Application

Prequalification

Academic Information

College Involvement and Leadership

Community Service and Work

Essay Topic

Verification