Spring 2026: AA Clinic, CDS Scholarships & More
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 12
As spring approaches (after another balmy LA "winter"), we're launching the LA Chapter Newsletter — a place to share what's happening locally, highlight opportunities from CDS, and keep you connected to the LA dressage community year-round.
You'll find everything in one place: upcoming clinics, scholarships, new programs, and a few things we'd love your input on. We're glad you're here.
Upcoming Shows
April 25-26 LA Spring Dressage @ LAEC (LA Chapter Points)
May 22-24 Dressage at Flintridge (LA Chapter Points)
June 12-14 CDS RAAC South @ Galway Downs (see qualifying requirements)
Take Our 2026 Chapter Survey
Our 2026 LA Chapter Survey is open, and we'd love your input before it closes Sunday, March 22.
Your responses will directly shape what the chapter offers in 2026 — including the events we host and how we grow our programming. It takes just a few minutes and every response makes a difference.
Apply to Ride in the 2026 CDS AA Clinic
CDS South Adult Amateur Clinic
📅 June 27–28, 2026
📍 La Cresta Equestrian Center, Murrieta, CA
The clinician for the 2026 Linda O'Carroll Memorial CDS Adult Amateur Clinic Series is Patty Mayer! Each chapter is invited to send one rider to the clinic.
To be considered as our chapter rider:
Email chapter chair Glenda McElroy at glenda@glenroys.com by Friday, May 8.
Include a brief bio on you and your horse with a short paragraph on why you'd like to participate.
Auditing is free to CDS members and $20/day for non members.
The fine print (see full participation details):
The clinic fee is sponsored by the chapter, but you are responsible for covering your own expenses for transport, stabling, hotel, etc.
The LA Chapter Board will randomly draw a winner and two alternates. If the winner is unable to attend the clinic, the spot goes to the first alternate, and so on.
To apply, you must be:
an Adult Amateur, 22 years or older.
a current CDS LA Chapter member in good standing.
able to walk/trot/canter with proper diagonals and leads (Training Level minimally).
You and your horse must:
be sound, fit, and in good condition.
have an established partnership of at least 6 months; you may not borrow a horse specifically for the clinic.
The same rider cannot ride in two consecutive annual CDS AA clinics.
If you are selected and ride in the clinic, you agree to provide a one-page write-up on your clinic experience for publication on the LA Chapter’s website, social media, etc.
Application deadline: Friday, May 8
CDS Scholarships — Deadline April 30
CDS offers several scholarships each year to support riders, educators, and young equestrians in their dressage journeys. Applications for these scholarships are due April 30, 2026.
Hans Moeller Memorial Scholarship — $1,500 For riders 30 and older who have competed at Third Level or above. Open to amateurs and professionals.
Jane Jackson Scholarship — $1,500 For riders under 30 who have competed at Third Level or above. Open to amateurs and professionals.
RAAC Scholarship — $300 (per region) For amateur riders 22 and older with a USEF Amateur Card who have competed in the Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC).
Carol Plough Endowment Youth Scholarship Fund — $750 For riders 21 and under competing at First Level or above. Applicants must describe how the funds will be used and submit a letter of recommendation from an instructor or equestrian professional.
Judge Candidate Scholarship — $1,000 For L Program graduates pursuing USEF judge certification or current judges working toward a higher rating. Applicants must have been accepted to a specific program and provide an acceptance letter with dates and location.
New from CDS: Dressage Accomplishment Club (DAC)
CDS has launched the Dressage Accomplishment Club — a new recognition program designed to celebrate dressage achievements outside of USEF/USDF-recognized competition.
If you're competing at CDS-only shows, western dressage, working equitation, breed shows, or other non-recognized venues, your scores and accomplishments count here. It's a great way to be recognized for your work, whatever arena you're in.
Enrollment is $35 per horse.
Check Out Our New Website!
If you haven't visited recently, head over to lachaptercds.org — we've completely redesigned the site to make it easier to find what you need, from show information and awards to membership details and volunteer opportunities.
We'd love to hear what you think. Email us at hello@lachaptercds.org any time.
