Programs

Youth

The true measure of a successful charitable organization lies in the quality of the benefits it delivers to the populations it promises to help. The Reining Horse Sports Foundation’s support of the National Reining Horse Youth Association is a shining example of delivering the mission of the RHSF in a measurable way.

Since 2001, young reiners in the National Reining Horse Youth Association have benefited from their membership through college scholarships, learning experiences from some of the top reining trainers, life-long friendships and a whole lot of FUN along the way.

NRHyA fosters leadership qualities and provides our young members with a roadmap for success they can use to guide them through their future career plans.  

Programs like the Varsity Reining Club were established to engage youth members and encourage them to become more active at both the local and national levels. This program offers NRHyA members opportunities to contribute to the youth association and develop valuable life skills that will allow them to be successful contributing members of society.  

We’re proud to award our top NRHyA Reiners each year with college scholarships to help with their future careers and competitions, over $40,000 is awarded to youth Reiners annually.

The RHSF is proud to award $10,500 annually with our own academic and need based scholarship. RHSF also supports NRHyA by managing the following scholarships to support the future of reining: Paul Horn Youth Memorial Scholarship, John McQuay Memorial Scholarship and Arbuckle “Bound for Glory” Scholarship

NRHyA.com

Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund

The Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund was established to assist National Reining Horse Association members who have experienced catastrophe and demonstrate financial need. The nature of a qualifying catastrophe may be medical, accident or illness, or natural (fires, flood, tornado, etc.)

When a member of the NRHA family suffers a tragedy; everyone involved has to find a spirit inside them to overcome tough obstacles that lie ahead. The RHSF is proud to be able to help ease the burden often associated with a major catastrophe. Since 2000, the RHSF Crisis Fund has awarded more than $130,000 and helped nearly 50 families during their time of need.

One of the key fundraisers for this program is RHSF Rookie Days presented by Classic Equine. Through this program we are able to raise some of the money needed to fund this program. But we still need your help. Without continued financial support, our Crisis Fund cannot meet the demands of reiners who experience catastrophic events. Help us grow our Crisis Fund today instead of wishing there were more funds tomorrow.

Visit the Crisis Fund page for more info.

Hall of Fame

ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW FAR WE HAVE COME
The NRHA Hall of Fame inductees have brought the sport of Reining to where it is today and captured the hearts of reiners throughout the world. All inductees, individuals and horses have won a place in the heart of Reining. It is a mission of the Reining Horse Sports Foundation to honor them as a part of our rich history.

The first inductee among this group of celebrated individuals was Dale Wilkinson in 1986. His name is synonymous with the sport of Reining and he was known to many as the “Father of Modern-Day Reining.” Wilkinson was honored as the first inductee to the NRHA Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments, including winning the first NRHA Futurity in 1966 aboard Pocorochie Bo and being instrumental in the formation of NRHA.

Your donation to the RHSF allows for the proper commemoration of our legends. As new reiners make history, they too may be honored for their accomplishments. In the future the Hall of Fame will be more than a one night celebration. It will be a permanent showcase to journey back in time and share memories that have brought the sport of Reining to where it is today.

For more information on the NRHA Hall of Fame, click here.

International Development

The Reining Horse Sports Foundation is working to grow the sport of Reining around the world through our involvement with FEI and the World Equestrian Games.

Reining has now grown to over 50 countries and 25 International Affiliates, much of which can be attributed to RHSF’s involvement.

Reining is the only recognized western discipline qualified to participate at the World Equestrian Games. Since 2002 Reining has been a part of the games and has attracted fans from all across the globe as a key spectator event.

A goal for RHSF is to one day see reining in the Olympics, as we have grown and as our popularity has grown, we position ourselves with FEI to be considered. The more reiners we have around the world and the more FEI -approved Reining competitions there are, the better our position in realizing the Olympic Dream.

Research & Education

Breeders, trainers and horse enthusiasts alike will benefit from the Reining Horse Sports Foundation’s Education and Research Program. After all, it takes more than just skill to grow the sport of Reining. It also takes the consistency and understanding that comes from research and education of our sport.

Looking toward the future, the Reining Horse Sports Foundation will be the premier financial support for Reining research. We will have the answers to the questions that you seek concerning soundness, reproductive health, and other issues affecting your horses. A healthy sport is an educated sport, and with education and research, the sport of Reining is prepared for the future growth that is unfolding.

Additionally, RHSF’s support of Para-Reining will fall under the Research & Education program and be overseen by the RHSF Board of Directors. As the standard-setting body for the sport of Reining, NRHA is currently approving and recognizing Para-Reining classes in an effort to help bring the sport of Reining to enthusiast of all ability levels. The program’s standards, rules and policies ensure NRHA’s ability to offer an inclusive, safe and fun environment for para-equestrians worldwide. The Reining Horse Sports Foundation is proud to partner with NRHA by supporting Para-Reining by awarding grants to NRHA Affiliates wishing to hold Para-Reining classes. Though the primary designation for the grant funding will be to provide awards, it also may be used to offset facility costs and other class related expenses. Additionally, funds are available for affiliates wishing to hold Para-Reining clinics or camps. All NRHA Affiliates wishing to add Para-Reining to their current class schedule are encouraged to apply for funding.

Support of this program, like all other RHSF initiatives, is dependent on the generous donations of individuals and businesses that are invested in seeing the sport of Reining continue to grow and want to ensure that participation in Reining is available to all those who wish to compete.