American Horse Council issues statement
“Horse hockey” is a term every Regent of a land‑grant agricultural university ought to recognize as shorthand for nonsense, and it aptly captures UC Davis’ recent decision to downgrade its varsity equestrian team while elevating STUNT, a competitive cheer discipline, to varsity status.
– American Horse Council
Desert horse park Speaks Out
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.
— Desert International Horse Park
cal horsemen’s association voices concerns
CSHA is deeply concerned by Chancellor May’s decision to downgrade the Women’s Equestrian Team from Division I to Club status, a move made without transparency or input from key stakeholders.
– California State Horsmen’s Association
Murieta equestrian center statement
Center for Equine Health
news coverage
UC Davis equestrian team losing its varsity status – Fox40
UC Davis Division I equestrian team demoted to club, student-athletes devastated – CBS Sacramento
‘Blindsided’: UC Davis Equestrian team loses Division I varsity status; athletes, alumni shocked – KCRA
Straight from the Rider’s Mouth: Saying the Hardest Goodbye – NCEA News
UC Davis Equestrian Team Petitions for Reinstatement of D1 Team – Equine Chronicle
What the Loss of UC Davis’s NCEA Division I Equestrian Team Means for the Future of Our Sport – The Plaid Horse
Parents push back as UC Davis cuts varsity equestrian sports, elevates new program – Sacramento Bee
Young athletes face ‘crushed’ dreams as UC Davis downgrades equestrian team – Abridged
American Horse Council Letter to the University of California Board of Regents – The Equine Chronicle
UC Davis moves equestrian from varsity to club sport. Stunt does the opposite – ABC News
Equestrian team moved to club sport status for 2026-27 season, STUNT promoted to NCAA varsity team – The California Aggie
UC Davis equestrian teammates file federal lawsuit after DI program cut, ask university to reinstate – CBS News
Eight Years, Two Titles, One Decision: UC Davis Equestrian’s Fight Isn’t Over – Horse Nation
From stable to courtroom: Riders sue UC Davis over decision to drop equestrian program – KCRA
Parents, Athletes Allege Financial Errors and Title IX Concerns in UC Davis Decision to Cut Women’s Equestrian – Davis Vanguard
Student athletes sue UC Davis after equestrian team demoted to club level – Abridged
UC Davis equestrian team wins final home meet before D1 demotion – Fox 40
UC Davis equestrian team hosts final meet as supporters push for reinstatement – CBS News
UC Davis announces the woman’s varsity equestrian team is no longer varsity, but a club sport – ABC news
Advocates uncover Title IX disparities amid Equestrian Team reinstatement efforts – Daily Democrat
UC Davis women’s equestrian team considers Title IX lawsuit against university – Fox40 News
equestrians speak out
As a former collegiate equestrian student-athlete turned college recruiting consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful these programs are—both during college and long after graduation. Equestrian programs consistently produce student-athletes with some of the highest team GPAs on campus and foster discipline, leadership, time management, and academic excellence.
— Raegan Rast Bennett