The Equestrian College Advisor has released statistics on the 2026 signing class for Division I and Division III teams in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association. The data reveals a decline in the average number of horses, shows, and classes for Division I riders compared to the previous year. Academic backgrounds also shifted, with more students from online high schools.
For the third year in a row, The Equestrian College Advisor compiled data on the NCEA's 2026 signing class, covering 49 Division I members and including Single Discipline/Division III teams for the first time. All information comes from public sources, with no details on scholarships available.
Key trends for Division I riders in 2026 include a drop in activity levels: the average number of horses shown per rider fell from 11 to 9, shows attended decreased from 22 to 21, classes entered declined 11% from 226 to 200, and classes per horse dropped 14% from 181 to 153. Large Junior Hunters remained the most popular division, and winter circuits continued as a staple in schedules.
Academically, the share of online high school students rose sharply from 26.8% to 41.9%, while private school attendees fell from 44.6% to 25.8%.
Comparing divisions, Division III riders averaged half the horses (4 vs. 9), fewer shows (11 vs. 21), and half the classes (100 vs. 200) of Division I counterparts. However, classes per horse were 12% higher for Division III at 172 versus 152.
These figures underscore the intense commitment needed for Division I spots, building on prior years' data. In 2025, activity had increased: horses from 10 to 11, shows from 21 to 22, classes up 16% to 226, and per horse up 11% to 181. Online students dipped slightly to 26.8%, private schools rose to 44.6%. The 2024 class showed even lower baselines, with horses at 10 and shows at 21.
Randi Heathman, founder of The Equestrian College Advisor, draws on her admissions and program experience to assist equestrian students in finding college fits.
