California University Cuts Equestrian Program
A California university has unexpectedly terminated its top-tier equestrian program, even after the team celebrated its third conference championship just a few months ago. This decision has left numerous student-athletes without a team or a place to continue their education.
In January, the University of California, Davis announced the shocking decision to cut equestrianism as an intercollegiate sport, citing an external review by College Consulting that assessed the financial implications of the program. Reports indicate that parents and students were taken aback, as the team was disbanded with little warning and after the transfer deadlines had already passed.
The announcement not only affected current students but also recent recruits, who found themselves turned away, denied admission to UC Davis without any options. While the university attributed the cut mainly to budget constraints, additional emails and documents suggest that discussions to eliminate the program were ongoing for a year, even as school officials sought donations just weeks prior to the announcement.
An independent audit has raised questions about the accuracy of the university’s financial claims regarding the equestrian program, with supporters arguing that it brings in profits of around $700,000 annually. Rosemary Fritsch, a concerned parent whose daughter was recently brought onto the team, expressed disbelief that such decisions were made while officials were covertly planning cuts.
Although Fritsch’s daughter may still have college options, other families report their student-athletes are facing waitlists or outright denials. The sequence of events and the financial justifications for the program’s termination are now under heavy scrutiny.
In February 2025, the university’s president issued directives for a 10 percent budget cut across departments, and soon after, it was reported that the equestrian program was on track to save more than a million dollars. By early April, the decision seemed final, with no alternate paths considered.
The situation intensified as it was revealed that the external review, which was meant to validate the decision, was completed only after the university had already announced its plans. This has led many to believe there was a lack of transparency in the process.
Supporters of the equestrian program are now rallying against the cuts, questioning the motives of the athletics director, who they claim was actively searching for reasons to justify deeming the program unsustainable. Parents have voiced their frustrations, highlighting a lack of basic facilities and support for the team.
A lawsuit has been filed against the athletics director and other officials, alleging they misrepresented the program’s budget while misleading incoming students about the impending cuts. Additionally, the university’s police department is investigating potential wire fraud, stemming from donations solicited during this period.
Economist Andy Schwartz, brought in by supporters for an independent audit, remarked that the costs claimed by external evaluations are inconsistent, noting a significant error in accounting for a horse that was actually donated but listed with a high purchase price. He further pointed out that out-of-state tuition from students might have been overlooked in financial assessments, potentially resulting in significant revenue for the university.
In a defense of their decision, UC Davis stated that all policies were followed and that the choices regarding the equestrian program were made with the community’s best interests in mind. The university is conducting its own investigation into the financial data used for evaluating its programs and fundraising, but results won’t be available until after the equestrian team’s conclusion date.
