Youth & Scholarships

NRCHA Youth Scholarship

Recognizes the achievements and perseverance of our competing youth by awarding scholarships to the champion and reserve champion Youth Cow Horse and Youth Boxing exhibitors annually at the Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions.

NRCHA Affiliates Youth Scholarship Program

The purpose is to encourage youth participation and to reward accomplishments in the reined cow horse industry. Annually, at the conclusion of the NRCHA show year and in compliance with the Youth Scholarship Program for NRCHA Affiliates Program terms and conditions, the NRCHA Foundation will award two (2) scholarships to individuals from each National Reined Cow Horse Association Affiliate.

Merit Scholarship

The primary goal of the NRCHA Merit-Based Scholarship is to recognize youth members within the NRCHA whose achievements reach beyond the show pen. To apply for this award, applicants must be a high school student with an active NRCHA membership, or closely related (guardian, parent, sibling, grandparent, cousin, aunt, or uncle) to an active NRCHA member.  

Applicants for this scholarship will be selected based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities and endeavors, and community service. They will demonstrate integrity, drive, and citizenship within their communities, schools, and workplaces. Applicants can apply yearly but will only be eligible to receive this scholarship once. 

The winner of the NRCHA Merit Award receives a $2500 grant payable to the educational program of choice. The application will be due October 1, 2025 and will be presented in on October 17, 2025.

Roy Edsall Memorial Scholarship

2025 Roy Edsall Memorial Scholarship Recipient: Aurora Nicolazzi

The primary goals of the Roy Edsall Memorial Scholarship are to identify future leaders within the western disciplines and distinguish outstanding youth for their integrity and positive contribution to the sport. Applicants should be students, 18 years of age and under who are or are related to an active member of a western equine association, such as but not limited to the NRCHA, AQHA, NCHA, NRHA, NSHA.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to the promotion of equestrian sport, serve as a positive role model for peers, and exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles. Community involvement in equestrian activities as well as involvement at any level of competition (Local, Regional, or National) are additional requirements applicants must meet. Applicants can apply yearly but will only be eligible to receive this scholarship once.

The overall winner of the Roy Edsall Memorial Scholarship receives a commemorative framed certificate and a $3,000 grant payable to the educational program of choice. The application is due February 14, 2026 and will be presented at the NRCHA Celebration of Champions

Delaplaine Youth Grant

Applications Have Closed for 2026

The NRCHA is thrilled to announce the Delaplaine Youth Grant for the 2026 Show Season. George B. Delaplaine, Jr., his wife, Bettie, and their four sons established Delaplaine Foundation, Inc. in 2001, dedicated to the enrichment of communities, families, and quality of life for all.

Their granddaughter, Kelsey, has been heavily involved with horses her whole life and has spent the last 6 years competing as a Non Pro in the NRCHA. She has a strong passion for the NRCHA family, especially the youth. She wanted to find a way to be able to help more youth get involved in the NRCHA, thus creating the Delaplaine Youth Grant.

In the interest of wanting all those with a passion to participate in the horse show experience and be a part of the NRCHA family, this program exists to provide financial support for those with financial needs limiting them to be able to compete at the level they would like.

Below is your nomination/application form. You may nominate a youth on their behalf, or submit one for yourself.

To provide an equal opportunity, we will be doing a blind review of applicants. This means we will not know your name when we review the application.

February 7- Applications Due

February 23- Finalists will be notified and given a short essay prompt

March 2 – Essays Due

March 16 – Winners will be chosen and notified

Rafter P Trade School Scholarship

We are excited to partner with Rafter P Construction for 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 for graduating high school students within the NRCHA. Rafter P Construction understands that their success would not be possible without the hard work and expertise of their skilled tradespeople. Their dedication is the foundation upon which their company is built, and are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of trades professionals.

Rafter P Construction thrilled to offer 𝘁𝘄𝗼 $𝟭,𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 to graduating high school seniors who aspire to pursue a career in the trades. These scholarships are specifically designed for students who plan to attend trade school and further their education in skilled labor, providing them with the resources they need to build a successful future in the trades.

Redeem Your Scholarship

If you have received through the NRCHA Affiliate Program or any scholarship that is managed by the NRCHA Foundation redeem your scholarship through the link below.

Kyle Wood Foundation

The NRCHA has teamed up with the Kyle Wood Foundation at the NRCHA Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Kyle Wood Foundation is generously donating a $1,500 scholarship to the winner of the Youth Cow Horse and a $1,000 scholarship to the winner of the Youth Boxing. We are so grateful for their support of the reined cow horse. To learn more about the Kyle Wood Foundation or to make a donation, please visit: thekylewoodfoundation.org

In collaboration with the NRCHYA and Youth Committee, the NRCHA Foundation proudly funds free educational clinics for youth, made possible by generous donor contributions. Through the Youth Clinic Program, young riders have the opportunity to develop their skills, deepen their passion for the reined cow horse sport, and learn in a fun, supportive, and accessible environment.