NSBA Foundation Scholarship

About

The NSBA Foundation awards one scholarship annually in the amount of $2000 in honor of academic merit and financial need. The recipient will receive $1,000 the first year, and the next installment will be awarded the second year. The program is open to any current NSBA youth member who will be attending an accredited college or university on a full-time basis, for a minimum of 12 credit hours. The Foundation's scholarship fund relies strictly on donations, and accepts donations of any size as well as special memorial scholarship contributions to present the award each year.

The road to the NSBA Foundation Scholarship begins with an application, which can be downloaded below. The NSBA Foundation's volunteer selection committee reviews all applications, essays and scholastic scores to determine the annual recipient. Interested youth may apply beginning December 1, 2024. Completed applications must be received by February 1, 2025. You could be the next recipient of the NSBA Foundation Scholarship. Don't be late, time to fill out those applications! If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the application, please feel free to contact the National Snaffle Bit Association at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Anna Minich

2024 Recipient

Anna’s high school career just came to an impressive conclusion with her graduation from Laporte High School. While there she was named an IASP Indiana All Academic Rising Star, and was valedictorian of her class. She also served in the National Honor Society, Student Council, and was president of her FFA Chapter. 

In addition to her academic endeavors, Anna is active in the show pen with her horse Blow The World Akiss. She serves her community through the Girls On The Run program as a junior coach.

The NSBA Foundation Scholarship will assist Anna in her collegiate journey as she heads to South Dakota State University in the fall of 2024. Anna’s long-term goals include completing her undergraduate studies, then moving on the veterinary school to become an equine veterinarian. The NSBA Foundation is proud to be a part of Anna’s academic journey, and wishes her the best as she continues to pursue her dreams.

Previous Recipients

Alexis Potts

2023 Recipient

Alexis Potts, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina, represents the fourth generation in her family to grow up in a competitive horse show environment. She has noted the horses helped shape her into the person she is today, helping her learn the value of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility as well as becoming a goal-driven person.

She was very involved with the South Carolina Quarter Horse Youth Association, having served as vice president of the association for three years. In addition, Alexis served her community by developing the Alexis Potts Passion Foundation and Stirrup Your Spirits. Alexis plans to attend Auburn University to major in apparel merchandising. She plans to use her degree to expand her online boutique, The Frilly Filly LLC, to have storefronts across the country.

Alexa Gerdes

2022 Recipient

Alexa Gerdes, of Dodge City, Kansas, will attend Texas Christian University and plans to study forensic psychology. She hopes to pursue a career in the Behavioral Analysis Unit within the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a criminal profiler/psychologist, which involves conducting detailed analysis of crimes. 

“I was fortunate to take one of the very first forensic science classes offered in the state of Kansas during my junior year of high school. We studied everything from fingerprint analysis to DNA to use of fibers as evidence and autopsies. I loved the class,” she said.

Lola Knight

2021 Recipient

Lola Knight, of Kernersville, North Carolina, plans to study equine business management or business administration as she pursues a career within the horse industry. 

“When I found out I could make a career by training and boarding horses, my decision was made. There was no question in my mind that this was what I wanted to spend my life doing,” she said. Lola has already worked for Steve and Jennifer Reams as well as Jeremy May, learning the life of a professional horse trainer. She also serves as North Carolina Quarter Horse Youth Association’s 2021 press secretary.

Antonia Dinulescu

2020 Recipient

A multiple APHA world champion from Dallas, Texas, Antonia plans to use her $2,000 scholarship to pursue a career as a trauma surgeon at the University of Texas Austin. 

"This scholarship means a lot to me," Antonia says. "Seeing the support of all the people within the association for all the youth is such a great feeling. I've learned so much from working with horses that will help me as I pursue my goals in college, and having this scholarship will help my parents and me out so much." 

Delanie McClanahan

2019 Recipient

Of Belton, Texas, Delanie plans to use her $2,000 scholarship to pursue a career in neurosurgery at Texas Christian University. 

Delanie is a Novice exhibitor who was a three-time champion at the AQHA Central Level 1 Championship Show and has placed in the top ten at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. "I'm very excited to receive the NSBA scholarship, and to represent NSBA as [the 2019] winner," Delanie said. 

Erika Vandevelde

2018 Recipient

Erika, of Casco, Wisconsin, plans to attend dental school with a focus in orthodontics at the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse with her $2,000 scholarship. 

Erika has been competing in 4-H, Buckskin, AQHA, and NSBA events since she was a little girl. "Horses have helped shape me to be the person I am today," Erika says. "It's really great to be rewarded financially by an association that I've been showing and participating in for many years."

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