The UC Davis D1 NCEA Equestrian Team was eliminated based on financial manipulation. We are now in receipt of the internal UC Davis emails (through our PRA requests), and the emails reveal there was financial manipulation resulting in significant (>$1 million annually) irregularities and errors. Furthermore, contrary to their public statement about the reason for cutting this team, internal emails show that this was purely a financial decision and initiated over a year ago in March 2025. Emails reveal that the athletics department was instructed to cut $1.05 million annually; athletics then significantly inflated the equestrian costs by that amount and then used that inflated number to satisfy the request by eliminating the D1 equestrian team. Davis then provided those inflated numbers to the consultant and asked them to confirm the approach: “…this action is approved contingent on an external review to confirm this approach”.  This violates all ethical standards and COI. Davis also continued recruiting and fundraising for this team during this whole past year right up until the moment they cut the team, which raises grave concerns about material misrepresentation and possible fraud.

The team just won their 3rd conference championships. They have been a source of pride and an essential component of the university's athletic and academic community at one of the top agricultural and veterinary schools in the country. They have produced multiple All-Americans yet their accomplishments have been largely unrecognized, and now the athletes will be replaced by STUNT. All while the athletic director continues to funnel money at men's sports in violation of Title IX. 

Please help us save the team — every donation, no matter the size, truly makes a difference. We’re incredibly grateful for any support and for sharing our story. ❤️

https://gofund.me/5053d52a3

It's impossible not to see this through the lens of NIL and shifting priorities where budgets are redirected and student-athletes are treated as expendable collateral damage.

This program matters. It matters to every girl who woke up at 4 am for meet days. To every rider who balanced school and the team, to every young athlete who has spent years dreaming to ride for this team, and to every horse cared for and loved on by these girls. To every alum who helped build something bigger than themselves.

Moreover, reinstating the equestrian team aligns with UC Davis's commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering scholarships and opportunities to student-athletes from various backgrounds. The team not only promotes gender equality in sports but also encourages a connection with nature and animal welfare, echoing the university's environmental ethics and leadership in veterinary sciences.

We urge the UC Davis administration to reconsider their decision and reinstate the D1 NCEA Equestrian Team. Doing so will not only restore opportunities for current and future student-athletes but also reaffirm UC Davis's dedication to comprehensive excellence and innovative education. Let us uphold UC Davis's proud equestrian legacy and ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to thrive.

Please sign this petition and forward it on to show your support for this vital cause and help bring back a cherished part of the UC Davis community.