HomeScholarship

CSDEA Scholarships
Supporting Riders, Education, and Growth Within Our Equestrian Community

At CSDEA, we believe education should be accessible and that passionate riders deserve opportunities to continue learning, growing, and pursuing their goals. Our scholarship programs are designed to help support members pursuing educational opportunities in dressage, eventing, horsemanship, and equine care. Whether you are attending a clinic, expanding your riding knowledge, or investing in your future within the sport, CSDEA scholarships are here to help make those opportunities more attainable.

Through member donations, community support, and annual funding designated by the CSDEA Board, we are proud to invest back into the riders and owners who make our community stronger.

General Educational Scholarship

The CSDEA General Educational Scholarship is designed to support members who are committed to continuing their education in dressage, eventing, and broader equine learning opportunities. Whether you are attending a clinic to strengthen your fundamentals, refine your competition skills, or simply deepen your understanding of your horse, this scholarship helps make ongoing education more accessible.

At its heart, this program is about encouraging growth. We recognize that investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways riders and horse enthusiasts can improve their partnership, and we’re proud to support members who are taking that step.

Scholarship Details

To ensure fair access and responsible use of funds, scholarship includes the following guidelines:

Available to current CSDEA members in good standing
Provides up to $300 per person
Covers clinic or educational event tuition only
Available once every two years per individual
Up to two scholarships may be awarded per clinic, unless otherwise approved by the Scholarship Chair

Eligible Educational Opportunities

Scholarships may be used toward clinics or educational opportunities that are:

Advertised or sponsored by CSDEA
USEA affiliated
USDF affiliated
USEF affiliated

Educational opportunities are not limited to the immediate CSDEA geographic region.

Please note:

Private clinics are not eligible
Scholarships cover tuition only and do not include transportation, stabling, meals, or additional expenses

How the Scholarship Process Works

Applying is simple and designed to help members access opportunities for growth and education.

Submit Your Scholarship Application

Step 1:
Complete the Scholarship Application

Print and complete the scholarship application form. Applicants must be current CSDEA members to access the form. Applications should be mailed to the address listed on the form as early as possible.

Step 2:
Include Clinic Information

Attach the clinic advertisement or educational event information with your application.

Step 3:
Receive Approval & Register for the Clinic/Event

Submit your clinic entry and payment directly to the event organizer as normal.

Step 4:
Receive Reimbursement

If approved, scholarship recipients may submit receipts after the clinic to receive reimbursement for the tuition portion of the clinic fees.

Volunteer Requirement

As part of CSDEA’s commitment to supporting and sustaining our equestrian community, scholarship recipients are expected to give back through volunteer service following the receipt of funding. This helps ensure that the program continues to support future riders while reinforcing the community spirit that makes these opportunities possible.

Recipients are required to complete volunteer work within one year of receiving their scholarship award. Volunteer opportunities may include helping at shows or clinics, assisting with CSDEA events, supporting educational programs, or contributing time to other approved CSDEA activities.

If the volunteer requirement is not fulfilled within the designated timeframe, scholarship funds must be returned to the committee. This ensures fairness within the program and allows continued reinvestment into future educational opportunities for members.

Vicky Harris Memorial Scholarship

The Vicky Harris Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to honor Vicky Harris’s deep commitment to young riders and her lifelong passion for education, horsemanship, and the continued growth of dressage and eventing. It reflects her belief in supporting riders not only in the saddle, but in their broader journey of learning, care, and partnership with horses.

This scholarship is intended specifically for junior and young riders who are actively working to develop their skills, expand their horsemanship knowledge, and deepen their understanding of the horse. Funding may be used toward educational opportunities that support riding and skill development, horsemanship and rider growth, holistic approaches to equine health and care, and continued education within the disciplines of dressage and eventing.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Vicky Harris Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:

Be 21 years of age or younger
Be a current CSDEA member in good standing
Submit a complete scholarship application
Include a one-page essay with the application

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Vicky Harris Memorial Scholarship Committee, and up to three scholarships may be awarded each year.

Apply for the Vicky Harris Memorial Scholarship

For questions about this scholarship, please contact Sarah Malecha:

saba3day@yahoo.com

(612) 987-8274

Questions About Scholarships?

We’re proud to support riders and horse enthusiasts who are committed to learning, growing, and giving back to the equestrian community. If you have questions about eligibility, the application process, or how scholarship funds can be used, we’re here to help.

For specific scholarship questions or additional guidance, please reach out to:

Maddie Kanda

CSDEA Scholarships Supporting Riders, Education, and Growth Within Our Equestrian Community