Date: 3/31/2026
Subject: CSDEA April 2026 Newsletter
From: Jennie Hakes

APRIL 2026 NEWSLETTER

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you expected a hard-copy of the Omnibus and/or Cross Country magazine in the mail but didn’t get it, check your www.csdea.org profile > Additional Member Data > scroll down. “Would you like to receive a copy of the CSDEA Annual Omnibus” Yes or No. and “Would you like to receive mailed copies of the annual 3 print issues of Cross Country magazine?” Yes or No. Please contact the appropriate committee chair to receive a back copy, as the 2026 Omnibus and the Cross Country awards issue have already been mailed. Omnibus: Nancy Porter and Cross Country: Deena Helminiak.
CANCELLATION. North Run Farm in Delano MN has cancelled their 2026 dressage schooling shows, per owner Jacki Danielson. Hunter shows will continue as scheduled, however.
NEW. The Dressage Foundation (TDF) Riding School Fund was recently created to support "riding schools and lesson programs that are facing increasing financial pressures." Read more here.
April 23-26. Kentucky 3-Day Event is one of only seven annual 5* 3-day events in the world. Live stream the action here
Are you an event organizer, or are you a volunteer wanting to offer help? USEA has a FREE on-line program that hooks up volunteers, coordinators and organizers. See https://www.eventingvolunteers.com/.

RECOGNIZED SHOWS

EVENTING

MAY 15-17. Otter Creek Spring HT. Wheeler WI. Opening date: March 31. Closing date: April 28, per https://useventing.com/events-competitions/calendar/event?event=18986. Click here for details including XC map, and how to enter. USEA Event ID: #18986

MAY 31. Carriage house Farm Combined Test. Hugo MN. Click here for details. Opening date: April 14. Closing date: May 12. USEA Event ID: #19037

- photo by Jennie Hakes

DRESSAGE

MAY 8-10. Otter Creek's May Flower I & II. Wheeler WI. Opening date: April 7. Closing date: April 28. Details here. USEF/USDF #326209 and #323210.

MAY 16. WWDA Spring Dressage I. River Bluff Farm, Elk Mound WI. Click here for show bill and how to enter. Opening date: April 1. Closing date: May 8. Judge: Heather Salden Kurtz. Intro through 2^nd Level. USEF/USDF Competition No.: 345291

MAY 17. WWDA Spring Dressage II. River Bluff Farm, Elk Mound WI. Intro through Grand Prix. Click here for show bill and how to enter. Opening date: April 1. Closing date: May 8. Judge: Ann Cizadlo. USEF/USDF Competition No.: 343805

MAY 29-31. Otter Creek's May Flower III & IV, Wheeler WI. Opening date: April 28. Closing date: May 20. Click here for details USEF/USDF #339522 and #339523

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

CLINICS

APR 11-12. CSDEA dressage clinic with Katherine Abrams. Katherine Abrams is a USDF bronze and silver medalist and FEI Grand Prix competitor. Katherine has extensive experience in competitive dressage and her recent accomplishments include winning the FEI Intermediate 1 championship at the US Dressage Finals as well as multiple first place finishes in small tour CDI’s. (photo courtesy of Huppert Photography)

APR 19-20. Developing Rider Program with Anne Cizadlo. Mon Cheval Training Center, Cannon Falls MN. Riding open to CSDEA members only.
APR 30-May 3. Susanne Winslade Dressage & Biomechanics Clinic For Enhanced Connection of Horse & Rider Partnership. Freeborn Farm, Forest Lake MN.

- photo by Steve Hawrysh

SCHOOLING SHOWS

APR 11. North Run Farm Hunter Show. Delano MN. Call for details & to reserve a time slot. 763-972-3820 or 612-867-1865. Or email Jacki.
APR 25. Swan River Stables Show. Monticello MN. Part of the Schooling Show series with year-end awards. Dressage, equitation, and jumping.
MAY 2. Orchard View Stables in Watertown MN is hosting a dressage schooling show on Saturday May 2nd! Join us for a derby themed day of fun with great ribbons and prizes! Photographer: Carmel Huppert. Judge: Meg Dischler. Entry information here. Enter soon to secure your spot! Closing date: April 22.

IN CLOSING

After putting together this monthly newsletter for the last 10 years, I am ready to hand over the reins to another volunteer after I wrap this one up. (This is not an April Fool's Day joke!)

One final thought. You likely know that Marlene Schneider, beloved judge and instructor, passed away in December 2024. I lessoned weekly with Marlene for many years back in the 1990s. An interview with Marlene was featured in the spring 1996 issue of what was then called the Cross Country Journal. Click here to read the issue. Happy trails to you all! - Jennie Hakes, editor