The Reining Horse Sport Foundation (RHSF) is committed to helping NRHyA members reach their educational goals. One of its core programs is to help raise funds for youth programs. Determination for a $1,500 RHSF scholarship is based not only on financial need and academic achievement, but also career plans, NRHA and NRHyA involvement, and references. Scholarship applicants are also required to meet several criteria before they’re considered for the award. As well as writing and submitting an essay, the applicants also provided copies of their high school transcripts along with three letters of recommendation.
Cheyenne Coxon, from Santa Ynez, California, has been a member of NRHyA since 2003. She’s reached the 50 Youth Incentive Point mark and qualified for the North American Affiliate Championships in Oklahoma City.
Cheyenne is currently an undergraduate at the University of California-Davis, where she studies wildlife and fisheries conservation and biology. Cheyenne’s goal is to travel throughout the United States and the world studying and interacting with exotic animals both inside and outside of their natural habitats. The RHSF scholarship award will, most directly, help Cheyenne achieve this career aspiration by contributing to her tuition fees.
Ashley Fuchs, Canfield, Ohio, is a senior at the University of Akron majoring in biology. She is currently applying to medical schools to begin in the fall of 2010. Ashley has been involved in the NRHA since 1998 and was the 2004 NRHyA treasurer, 2005 NRHyA secretary, and 2006 NRHyA president. Since then, Ashley remains involved in the NRHA and NRHyA on many levels. This is Ashley’s second year to win the RHSF Scholarship.
“I am very grateful to have received one of the 2009 RHSF Scholarships, as it will help with my tuition and other school expenses,” said Fuchs.
Erin Grandchamp from North Branch, Michigan, has accumulated over $2,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings and 163 youth points. She has been an NRHyA member since 2003 and her most recent accomplishment in the show pen was winning the novice horse non pro level 2 division at the Delta Classic in Midland, Michigan.
Grandchamp attends Michigan State University and is studying in their horse management program. Once she completes the program, she plans to study animal nutrition, with the hope of receiving a PhD in animal nutrition with an emphasis in equine nutrition.
“The RHSF scholarship will help me with my career goals by allowing me to further my education step-by-step,” said Grandchamp.
Helen Lauth, Eyota, Minnesota, is a sophomore at South Dakota State University. Helen is on the equestrian team competing in reining at IHSA and NCAA events. On campus she is involved in Collegiate FFA, FOCUS Bible Study, Wildlife and Fisheries Club, and some theater. Outside of college Helen stays involved in NRHyA as the 2009 Youth Secretary. Her major is currently undecided, but is leaning toward the field of agriculture or biology. This is also Helen’s second year to win the RHSF Scholarship.
“The RHSF scholarship has been a huge help in paying for my college education,” said Lauth. “Getting a college degree is very important to me because I want to create a strong foundation for my future.”
Ashley Tenbrink, Los Lunas, New Mexico, is currently a freshman at Arizona State University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies while chasing her reining horse dreams under the Arizona sun. She has been involved with NRHyA for over two years and has competed at the rookie non pro level.
“It is an honor to have been awarded the RHSF scholarship, which will greatly contribute to bridging the financial gap I am currently facing on my road to success,” said Tenbrink. “When it is all said and done, I want to be able to intern, give to those who need help, and be the best that I can be.”
The Reining Horse Sports Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and enhancing the sport of Reining worldwide. The RHSF accomplishes that through their five core programs: Hall of Fame, Crisis Fund, Research, Development & Education, Youth and International Development.
For more information about the RHSF, please contact Krissy Colbath at rhsf@nrha.com.
