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 the name behind a successful business suffers a tragedy; everyone involved has to find a spirit inside them to overcome tough obstacles that lie ahead.

Mark Arballo was riding a 2 year old mare when a training accident occurred. Witnesses to the incidents said, “It happened so fast it was like a bomb went off and he was down.” Patrice Hohl, his training partner and girlfriend remembered, “His screams of pain were unbearable. When the paramedics arrived they thought his leg looked so bad they estimated it was broken in three places.”

Typically, a broken leg undergoes surgery and then heals for six to eight weeks and then another six to eight weeks for rehab. This was far from Mark’s situation. In his case, seven surgeries, permanent knee damage, an infection of chronic osteomylitis and the threat of losing his leg to infection were all included in his recovery. 10 months later he was riding again.

Mark and Patrice were loyal in donating their time for a local Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine. They knew about the RHSF and its programs but never imagined they would be involved in this way. “We had a customer call the RHSF for us and then that's when I met Shianne Megel, the RHSF manager. During our first conversation we couldn't believe how much they would help us! They went above and beyond!”

Mark was the backbone of their business, but they were not aware of the changes to come. They had customers pull horses out of training three days after the accident. They saw customers come and go through out his recovery and others that remained loyal through it all. “This is our income, we worked hard to keep everything going.” From riding to doctor appointments to surgeries, their lives were turned upside down but they coped and adapted.

Mark then found himself in the hospital with an infection in his leg. He underwent another surgery to prevent the loss of his leg. “The bills were piling up, and I had no one to turn too but RHSF, and they were there.” Anyone knows that you cannot ride 15 horses a day with your leg in a cast. It was a very difficult situation for their business. “It was hard and stressful on both of us at times when we already had enough stress. Between surgeries, Mark would come sit and watch me ride the horses, which was the highlight of this horrific time!”

“We are so devoted and thankful to RHSF; our life, as we knew it stopped when this happened. The RHSF picked us back up, gave us hope and strength to keep moving forward through all of our experiences. We are forever devoted and supporters of the RHSF. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts! It is so great to know that our organization has a program like this to help their own. We are very fortunate to be a part of the NRHA and RHSF.”

One of the key fundraisers for this program is RHSF Rookie Days presented by Classic Equine.

Without continued financial support, our Crisis Fund cannot meet the demands of reiners who experience catastrophic events, from personal injuries to cancer diagnosis. Help us grow our Crisis Fund today instead of wishing there were more funds tomorrow.

Since 2000, the RHSF Crisis Fund has awarded more than $100,000 and helped numerous NRHA members in their time of need. Whether it is a natural disaster or physical illness, RHSF has been able to provide financial support.

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. Currently the RHSF is exploring research opportunities with Oklahoma State University . This partnership will prove invaluable to the understanding of equine health so we may prolong the life and activity of our horses.

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.