UC Davis Riders Challenge Equestrian Team Downgrade

Parents and athletes allege financial errors and Title IX concerns in university's decision to cut women's Division I program

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The University of California, Davis has decided to downgrade its Division I women's equestrian team to club status, and parents and athletes are challenging the move. They allege major budget discrepancies, fundraising concerns, and potential Title IX issues, and are seeking reinstatement, an independent financial review, and a broader equity audit affecting women's sports on campus.

Why it matters

The UC Davis equestrian team downgrade raises concerns about gender equity in the university's athletic programs and the transparency of its financial decision-making. As one of the most visible women's sports on campus, the equestrian team's status change could have broader implications for Title IX compliance and the school's commitment to supporting female student-athletes.

The details

According to the reports, UC Davis plans to transition the women's equestrian team from Division I to club status, citing budget constraints. However, parents and athletes allege major discrepancies in the university's financial accounting and claim the move could violate Title IX requirements for equal opportunities in women's sports. They are demanding an independent review of the decision and a broader equity audit of the entire athletic department.

  • UC Davis announced the equestrian team downgrade in February 2026.

The players

UC Davis

The University of California, Davis is a public research university located in Davis, California.

UC Davis Equestrian Team

The women's equestrian team at the University of California, Davis, which has competed at the Division I level.

Parents and Athletes

The parents and student-athletes of the UC Davis equestrian team who are challenging the university's decision to downgrade the program.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The parents and athletes are seeking an independent financial review of the decision to downgrade the equestrian team, as well as a broader equity audit of UC Davis' athletic department to ensure compliance with Title IX requirements.

The takeaway

The UC Davis equestrian team downgrade highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women's sports programs at the collegiate level, where issues of funding, gender equity, and transparency in decision-making can have significant impacts on student-athletes. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to uphold the principles of Title IX and ensure equal opportunities for female student-athletes.