The UC Davis women's varsity equestrian team held its final competition on Saturday, defeating the University of Tennessee at Martin and finishing undefeated in their conference. The victory comes as the university faces pressure to reverse its January decision to demote the program to club status. Supporters, including former members and parents, argue the move is unfair and poorly timed.
The UC Davis equestrian team, consisting of 33 Division I athletes, hosted its last varsity meet on Saturday after eight years as a program. They secured a win against the University of Tennessee at Martin, maintaining an undefeated record in their conference for the season. However, the athletes' future remains uncertain following the university's announcement in January to cut the varsity squad and reclassify it as a club sport.
Jen Landes, parent of a sophomore rider who transferred from UT Martin to UC Davis, expressed frustration: "It's emotional because we're so frustrated with how everything has gone." She noted that her daughter expected three more years at the Division I level, a plan now disrupted. Landes also questioned the financial analysis behind the decision, suggesting the independent report used flawed or inflated data.
Former team captain Laura Wise, part of the inaugural 2018 team, highlighted the setback: "We have been working in the NCEA for years to go from an emerging sport status. So it's something that this is a huge step backwards, especially in a school that is so highly regarded in agriculture and veterinary medicine." Wise criticized the mid-season timing as unfair and poorly handled.
Ruby Nahum, a recent graduate from the team, accused athletic director Rocko DeLuca of letting the team down and voiced hope for reversal: "I hope that, for the sake of the future of the equestrian community, this decision is revoked."
A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of four teammates alleges recruitment under false pretenses, claiming the university knew of the impending cuts. UC Davis maintains the decision is justified by an independent report citing high costs for horse care, housing, veterinary services, and training. The university states it complies with Title IX by elevating the women's STUNT club to varsity status and insists the decision is final. A follow-up statement in mid-February reiterated the resource-intensive nature of the sport.
Despite the challenges, the team will compete in the ECAC Championships on March 26 in Dover, Delaware.
