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CSDEA Award

Von Bluecher Volunteer Award

Honoring Extraordinary Service to the CSDEA Community


Behind every clinic, horse trial, schooling show, educational opportunity, banquet, and member program is a dedicated group of volunteers who make it all possible. The CSDEA community has always been built on the generosity, dedication, and passion of volunteers willing to give their time in support of dressage, eventing, and the horses and riders we serve.

Each year, CSDEA proudly recognizes one exceptional volunteer with the Von Bluecher Award. This award is an honor celebrating long-standing service, leadership, and commitment to our organization and equestrian community.

Established in 1989, the award recognizes individuals who have contributed countless hours over many years to help grow and strengthen dressage and eventing throughout our region. Recipients are honored at the annual CSDEA Awards Banquet and receive the traveling Von Bluecher trophy along with a special gift of appreciation.

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CSDEA Award
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What the Award Represents


The Von Bluecher Award recognizes individuals whose dedication, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on CSDEA and the equestrian community it serves. It honors volunteers who consistently give their time, energy, and expertise to support riders, horses, events, and programs, often without seeking recognition in return.

  • Long-term dedication to the organization
  • Service to riders, horses, and the equestrian community
  • Leadership and mentorship
  • Behind-the-scenes work that keeps programs running
  • A willingness to support others and strengthen the sport

These are the people setting jumps before sunrise, organizing educational programs, helping at competitions, serving on committees, mentoring new members, supporting fellow volunteers, and stepping up whenever help is needed. Their contributions may not always be visible from the sidelines, but they are often the foundation upon which successful events, thriving programs, and strong communities are built.


The Von Bluecher Award celebrates those individuals whose quiet dedication, generosity, and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference year after year.

Nomination Eligibility


Nominees for the Von Bluecher Award must:

  • Be a current CSDEA member in good standing
  • Not be a previous recipient of the award
  • Not currently serve as an elected member of the Board of Directors during the nomination year

 

CSDEA Award

Submit a Nomination


Do you know someone who consistently gives their time, energy, and heart to support the CSDEA community?

We encourage members to recognize the volunteers who help make this organization possible.


Nominate a Volunteer

CSDEA Award

Looking for Ways to Get Involved?

 

Whether you can help for a few hours at a clinic or would like to become more involved through a committee or ongoing program, there are many ways to support the CSDEA community. Volunteers help make our educational opportunities, competitions, awards programs, publications, and member events possible, and we're always excited to welcome new faces.


No matter your experience level, availability, or area of interest, there is a place for you to contribute. Some volunteers enjoy helping at events and competitions, while others prefer supporting programs behind the scenes. Every contribution, large or small, helps strengthen the dressage and eventing community throughout the Upper Midwest.


Ways You Can Volunteer

Volunteer at Events: Help at clinics, horse trials, schooling shows, educational seminars, banquets, and member events throughout the year.


Join a Committee: Support the organization behind the scenes through committees focused on education, awards, publications, sponsorships, volunteers, membership, and more.


Help at Recognized Shows: Many affiliated competitions rely on volunteers for scoring, hospitality, jump crews, ring stewardship, setup, and other important roles.


Support Educational Programs: Assist with mounted and unmounted educational opportunities, clinics, demos, and learning events for riders and horse owners.


Contribute Your Skills: Do you have experience in photography, writing, social media, graphic design, fundraising, administration, or organization? We would love to connect your strengths with areas of need within CSDEA.

Whether you're looking to give back to the sport, meet new people, gain experience, or simply become more involved in the equestrian community, volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to make a difference.


Explore Volunteer Opportunities 

 

Questions About Volunteering?


We’re happy to help you find opportunities that match your interests, experience level, and schedule. Whether you’re new to volunteering or looking to take a more active role, we can help point you in the right direction.

Contact the Volunteer Committee

Past Recipients

2020 - Present

  • Lin Nelson-Mayson
  • Deena Helminiak
  • Kari Hill
  • Julie Michener
  • Gail Turnberg


2010 – 2019

  • David Holub
  • Jennie Hakes
  • Anna Schueler
  • Bob & Erin Owen
  • Sheri Pederson
  • Pat Nimmerfroh
  • Rachel Whitcomb
  • Kelly Vallandingham
  • Heather Salden Kurtz
  • Robert Dunn


2000 – 2009

  • Melissa Quinn
  • Jeanne Ahrenholz
  • Cindy Piper
  • Walter & Jean Kunz
  • Laura Carlson
  • Chris & Barry Widell
  • Sherri Drake
  • Beth Rosness
  • Jodi Ely
  • Jane Braddock


1989 – 1999

  • Max and Karin Von Bluecher
  • Linda Stellmach
  • Charlotte Hill
  • Patty Humphries
  • Liz Bozonie
  • Jan Zwak
  • Pat Ness
  • Nancy Porter
  • Nan Cowin
  • Sue Goepfert
  • Scott Rohlik


Thank You to Our Volunteers


CSDEA simply would not exist without the dedication of our volunteers. From a few hours spent helping at an event to years of behind-the-scenes commitment, every contribution plays an essential role in keeping our programs, competitions, and community efforts running smoothly.

Volunteers are the foundation of our organization. They set courses, manage rings, support riders, organize educational opportunities, assist at shows, serve on committees, and step in wherever help is needed. Often, it’s the quiet, unseen work that makes the biggest difference. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care each volunteer gives. Your efforts not only support CSDEA, they strengthen the entire equestrian community across our region and help create meaningful opportunities for riders, horses, organizers, and facilities alike.


Thank you for being such an important part of what makes this community possible.