HomeFacility Grants

Supporting the Future
of Dressage and Eventing Facilities

Strong facilities create stronger opportunities for riders, horses, organizers, and the entire equestrian community. The CSDEA Facilities Development Program was created to help support the growth, improvement, and long-term sustainability of venues that serve our members throughout the Upper Midwest. From water complexes and dressage arenas to footing improvements and cross-country infrastructure, this program helps facilities continue creating safe, educational, and accessible opportunities for dressage and eventing riders at every level.

Since 2006, CSDEA has distributed more than $35,000 in Facilities Development Grants to local venues across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Whether you operate a schooling venue, host recognized competitions, or are developing new educational opportunities for the community, the Facilities Development Program exists to help support projects that benefit riders and horses for years to come.

Why the Facilities Development Program Matters

Quality facilities are essential to the continued growth of dressage and eventing in our region. They create places for riders to learn, compete, school, volunteer, and build community.

The Facilities Development Program helps:

Improve safety and accessibility for horses and riders
Expand educational and competition opportunities
Support local venues investing in long-term improvements
Encourage growth within the equestrian community
Strengthen opportunities for current and future CSDEA members

From small updates to major projects, these improvements make a lasting impact on the equestrian community as a whole.

Submit Your Grant Request Form

Grant Opportunities

CSDEA offers several different types of facility development grants depending on the size and scope of the project.

Matching Grants: Up to $5,000

Matching grants are intended for larger-scale facility development projects that significantly benefit the regional equestrian community.

These grants may support:

New facility construction
Cross-country obstacles or water complexes
Arena development
Major footing improvements
Educational or competition infrastructure

How Matching Grants Work

Facilities submit a detailed proposal including:

Requested funding amount
Project description and timeline
Community impact
Long-term benefit to CSDEA membership

If approved:

CSDEA assigns a project coordinator
A designated donation account is created through CSDEA
Donations collected for the project are tax deductible when made through CSDEA
CSDEA matches donations dollar-for-dollar upon successful project completion

Additional Requirements

Projects must be completed within 12 months
Facilities must host at least one educational or competition opportunity annually for three consecutive years following project completion
Facilities must allow CSDEA use of the venue once annually for a CSDEA-sponsored activity during that time period
Maximum matching amount is $5,000
Facilities are eligible once every three years

Direct Grant: Up to $1,000

This grand is designed for established competition or schooling venues making meaningful improvements for the CSDEA community.

Eligibility Requirements:

Facility must have a proven history of hosting dressage, eventing, or schooling opportunities
Written request detailing the proposed project is required
Approval by the CSDEA Board of Directors is required
Grants are evaluated based on community benefit, longevity, and impact
Facilities are eligible once every three years

Direct Grant: Up to $300

Designed for smaller projects and facility improvements.

Eligibility Requirements

Open to schooling facilities and private farms
Facility must have hosted at least one CSDEA clinic, seminar, or event within the past 12 months
Written request outlining how funds will be used is required
Facility must allow CSDEA to host at least one activity within 12 months following grant acceptance
Facilities are eligible once every three years

These grants may be approved directly through the Facilities Development Program Committee if funding falls within the annual budget.

Grant Eligibility Guidelines

In some situations, facilities may qualify for both a direct grant and a matching grant within a three-year period. However, the combined total of all grant funding may not exceed $5,000 within that timeframe.

All grant approvals are dependent upon annual program funding and board approval where applicable.

How to Apply

Every facility improvement starts with an idea and the Facilities Development Program is here to help turn those ideas into improvements that benefit the equestrian community for years to come. From enhancing safety and footing to expanding educational and competition opportunities, CSDEA supports projects that improve facilities and create meaningful, long-term benefits for horses, riders, and the equestrian community throughout the Upper Midwest.

To apply, submit a written request that tells us about your project, what you hope to accomplish, the investment required, and how the completed project will benefit horses, riders, and the broader CSDEA community.

To Apply:

Review the grant categories and eligibility requirements
Complete the FDP Grant Request Form
Submit supporting project details and estimated costs
Include information about how the project benefits the CSDEA community

Start Your Grant Request Form

Past Grant Projects

Over the years, CSDEA has proudly helped support a wide range of facility improvements throughout the region.

Past grant recipients:

Otter Creek Farm – Wheeler, WI
Intermediate cross-country course development
Dressage ring construction
Water complex improvements

Stearns County Fairgrounds – Sauk Centre, MN
Dressage arena construction support

Trott Brook Horse Trials – Ramsey, MN
New jump cups and course improvements

Focused Riding Center – Hager City, WI
Water complex and bank complex construction

Birchbury Farm – Ham Lake, MN
Ring footing improvements

Wildwood Farm – Osseo, MN
Water complex beach entrance improvements

Hollow Creek Farm – Menomonie, WI
Water complex construction

Sunset Hill Equestrian – Baldwin, WI
Indoor arena construction support

Pheasant View Farm – River Falls, WI
Water complex construction support

These projects continue to benefit riders, organizers, volunteers, and horses throughout the region, creating opportunities for education, competition, and growth that might not otherwise be possible. By investing in local facilities, CSDEA helps strengthen the equestrian community as a whole, ensuring that current and future generations of riders have access to safe, functional, and well-maintained venues where they can learn, compete, and build lasting partnerships with their horses.

Support the Facilities Development Program

Donations to the Facilities Development Program directly support the future of dressage and eventing throughout our region. Your contributions help improve venues, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of local equestrian facilities, creating better experiences and greater opportunities for horses and riders across the Upper Midwest. Every contribution, large or small, helps make that future possible.

Interested in Supporting Facilities in the Upper Midwest?

Donate Today

For questions about the Facilities Development Program, grant applications, or donations, please contact the Facility Development Committee.