Reinstate our equestrian team

DIHP Statement

January 19, 2026

Chancellor Gary S. May Office of the Chancellor University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616

RE: Formal Opposition to the Reclassification of the UC Davis Division I Equestrian Team

Dear Chancellor May,

On behalf of the ownership and management of the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP), we are writing to express our profound concern and disappointment regarding the recent announcement to transition the UC Davis Equestrian team from varsity to club status.

As one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America and a cornerstone of the West Coast horse industry, we have a unique vantage point on the value this program brings to our sport. The loss of a Division I pathway at a premier institution like UC Davis is not merely a “strategic adjustment” for the university; it is a significant blow to the equestrian infrastructure of the entire Western United States.

UC Davis has long been a beacon for equestrian excellence, blending world-class veterinary research with elite athletic competition. By removing the varsity status of this program, the university is dismantling a vital pipeline for the next generation of industry professionals. Our sport relies on the caliber of athletes that a D1 program produces—individuals who possess the discipline, technical skill, and leadership necessary to advance the industry as riders, trainers, veterinarians, and business owners.

The impact of this decision will be felt far beyond the campus:

  • Regional Decline in Opportunity: With only one other DI program remaining in California, West Coast student-athletes are being effectively forced to look East. This brain drain strips our region of talent and discourages young riders from pursuing higher education in California.
  • Economic & Industry Synergy: DIHP has been proud to support and collaborate with the UC Davis community. The synergy between your athletic program and our international-level competitions creates a vibrant economic and cultural ecosystem that supports thousands of jobs across the state.
  • Research and Welfare: The varsity team serves as a critical partner for the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. The transition to a club model jeopardizes the high-level care and research environment that has historically led to breakthroughs in equine health and welfare—advancements that we utilize daily at our park.

We understand the complexities of athletic department budgets and Title IX compliance. However, to see a program of this stature relegated to club status—particularly at a university whose very identity and mascot are rooted in agriculture and equine heritage—is a deep disconnect from the values the “Aggie” brand represents.

We urge you to reconsider this decision and engage in a dialogue with the equestrian community to explore sustainable funding and partnership models that would allow these 33 dedicated young women to retain their varsity status. The Desert International Horse Park remains a committed ally to the sport and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can support the program’s longevity.

The West Coast cannot afford to lose UC Davis Equestrian. We hope you will choose to preserve this essential piece of California’s athletic and agricultural legacy.

Sincerely,

Management & Ownership Desert International Horse Park