HomeVolunteer Information

Volunteer with CSDEA

Help Strengthen the Dressage & Eventing Community

CSDEA exists because of the people who care deeply about horses, education, community, and the long-term future of dressage and eventing in the Upper Midwest. It is a shared effort, built and sustained by individuals who believe in supporting both the sport and the people within it. Our volunteers include riders, trainers, organizers, parents, horse owners, industry professionals, and passionate supporters who contribute in many different ways. Together, they help make educational programs, competitions, clinics, scholarships, awards, publications, and community events possible throughout the year.

Volunteering with CSDEA is not just about filling roles at events, it’s about being part of the structure that keeps the sport moving forward. It’s a way to stay connected, learn more about the industry, meet others who share your interests, and contribute to something larger than any single ride or event. Whether you have years of experience or are just beginning to explore ways to get involved, volunteering offers a meaningful opportunity to support the equestrian community while building relationships, gaining insight, and giving back to the sport we all care about.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteers are truly the heart of CSDEA. Every clinic run, every competition held, and every educational opportunity offered is made possible through the time, energy, and commitment of people who care about supporting the sport and the community around it.

Through volunteer support, CSDEA is able to:

Host clinics and educational events
Support recognized competitions and schooling shows
Grow dressage and eventing opportunities throughout the region
Maintain scholarship and grant programs
Support facility development initiatives
Publish educational resources and member communications
Celebrate rider and volunteer achievements through awards and banquets

Each of these efforts is connected to real people giving their time to ensure the sport continues to grow and remain accessible. No contribution is too small. Every hour volunteered helps create opportunities for riders and horses, strengthens local events, and supports the long-term health of the equestrian community.

Check Out Our Volunteer Recognition Program

There’s a Place for Everyone

You do not need to be an upper-level competitor or a lifelong volunteer to get involved with CSDEA. Volunteers come from all backgrounds, disciplines, and experience levels. Each person brings something valuable to the community.

Whether you enjoy being behind the scenes, helping at events, supporting educational programs, or simply staying connected to the equestrian world, there are many ways to contribute in a way that fits your time, interests, and experience.

Volunteer opportunities may include:

Helping at clinics or educational events
Assisting at dressage or eventing competitions
Scribing or ring stewarding
Hospitality and event setup
Awards and banquet support
Committee involvement
Administrative or organizational help
Communications and outreach
Facility and grounds assistance
Supporting junior and young rider initiatives

For many, volunteering also becomes a meaningful way to connect more deeply with the sport as it offers the chance to meet fellow riders, learn how events are run, and become part of the community in a more active way.

More Than Just Giving Your Time

Many members find that volunteering becomes one of the most rewarding parts of their involvement with CSDEA. It opens the door to learning, connection, and shared purpose within the sport.

It creates opportunities to:

Learn from experienced riders and organizers
Build lasting friendships within the community
Gain insight into competitions and educational events
Support the future of the sport
Give back to a community that supports your riding journey
Help create opportunities for future riders and horses

The strength of CSDEA has always come from members working together to support one another and grow the sport we all care about.

Submit Your Volunteer Interest Survey

Support the Mission of CSDEA

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CSDEA relies on the support of members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors to continue providing educational and competitive opportunities throughout the region.

Together, we work to:

Strengthen the equestrian community
Advance the disciplines of dressage and eventing
Support horse and rider education
Improve opportunities for riders at all levels
Promote quality horse care, training, and sportsmanship

Every volunteer helps move that mission forward.

Get Involved

Interested in Volunteering?

We’d love to help you find a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests, experience, and availability. Whether you’re looking to help at a single event each year or become more regularly involved with the organization, there are meaningful ways to contribute at every level of commitment.

Volunteering is one of the most direct ways to support the riders, horses, and programs that make up our community. Every role, big or small, helps keep things running.

We are deeply grateful to every volunteer, member, donor, sponsor, and supporter who has helped CSDEA grow since 1971. This community exists because of people who continue to show up, give back, and invest in the future of dressage and eventing.

Submit Your Volunteer Interest Survey

Other Ways to Support CSDEA

Volunteering is just one way to be part of the CSDEA community. There are many other meaningful ways to support the riders, horses, programs, and events that keep dressage and eventing growing throughout our region.

Whether you’re looking to get more involved, give back, or simply stay connected, every form of support helps strengthen the foundation of our sport and expand opportunities across the Upper Midwest.

In addition to volunteering, you can also support CSDEA by:

Becoming a Member

Becoming a Sponsor

Supporting Facility Grants

Participating in Shows, Clinics, & Events

Every contribution helps support the continued growth of dressage and eventing throughout our region.