UC Davis Equestrian Team Wins Final Home Meet Before D1 Demotion

Riders, parents, and supporters rally against the school's decision to downgrade the program.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The UC Davis equestrian team hosted its final home meet before the school's planned demotion of the Division I program to a club sport. Riders, parents, and supporters voiced their opposition to the decision, with a coalition advocating for the team's reinstatement. The university cited financial considerations and a review of the national competitive landscape as reasons for the demotion, but former team members and a lawyer representing plaintiffs in a lawsuit dispute the school's justification.

Why it matters

The UC Davis equestrian team is one of just 14 Division I programs in the country, and its demotion represents a significant loss for the sport at the highest collegiate level. The decision has sparked outrage from the team's supporters, who argue the program has been successful and the school's explanations lack transparency.

The details

In January, UC Davis administrators decided to demote the school's Division I equestrian team to a club sport next season, ending the top-level team after eight years. A coalition of past and present team members, parents, and community supporters are advocating for the team's reinstatement, filing a lawsuit against the university. The school cited financial considerations and a review of the 'national competitive landscape' as reasons for the demotion, but the team's supporters dispute these justifications, arguing the program has been successful and the school has not been transparent about its decision-making process.

  • On March 9, 2026, the UC Davis equestrian team hosted its final home meet before the planned demotion.
  • In January 2026, UC Davis administrators decided to demote the school's Division I equestrian team to a club sport.
  • In February 2026, a lawsuit was filed against UC Davis by four plaintiffs over the decision to downgrade the equestrian team.
  • From March 26-28, 2026, the UC Davis equestrian team is scheduled to compete in the ECAC Championships in Dover, Delaware.

The players

Jen Landes

A parent of one of the riders on the UC Davis equestrian team and part of a coalition advocating for the team's reinstatement.

Bill Janicki

A lawyer representing the four plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed against UC Davis over the decision to demote the equestrian team.

Ruby Nahum

A former member of the UC Davis equestrian team who is disappointed by the school's decision and believes the athletic administration needs to provide more transparency.

Laura Wise

A former team captain for the UC Davis Aggies equestrian team who hopes the school will reverse its decision, though she doubts the athletic department will change its mind.

UC Davis

The university that decided to demote its Division I equestrian team to a club sport, citing financial considerations and a review of the national competitive landscape.

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What they’re saying

“It's completely unclear exactly how they justified the decision and why they did this.”

— Jen Landes, Parent of a rider on the UC Davis equestrian team (fox40.com)

“We decided that it was worth fighting. And I think what's important is this is a successful team. This is not a program that's struggling.”

— Jen Landes, Parent of a rider on the UC Davis equestrian team (fox40.com)

“It's impossible to really make judgements about what's going on, unless the athletic administration really can come forward and explain what's going on. We're all disappointed and I feel just so sad for the girls that did not have the opportunity that we did.”

— Ruby Nahum, Former UC Davis equestrian team member (fox40.com)

“It is one that is a purely women sport and to see that not supported by such a prominent agriculture school, is extremely disappointing and I would say shameful.”

— Laura Wise, Former team captain for the UC Davis Aggies equestrian team (fox40.com)

What’s next

The judge in the lawsuit filed against UC Davis will decide whether to allow the equestrian team to continue competing at the Division I level.

The takeaway

The decision to demote the successful UC Davis equestrian team has sparked outrage from riders, parents, and supporters who argue the school has not been transparent about its reasoning. This case highlights the challenges facing women's sports programs at the collegiate level and the importance of maintaining opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest levels.