NCEA Equestrian Update Following Another Team’s Decision to Discontinue Equestrian Program

NCEA Update- Nov. 17th

The National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) remains an active, unified and vocal advocate of NCAA Women’s Equestrian. While no action has occurred with the Committee on Women’s Athletics (CWA) recommendation to remove equestrian within the NCAA, the NCEA has not been sitting still. Two important meetings are scheduled in December to support the advancement of the sport. The first is a meeting of an NCAA Equestrian Caucus of Coaches and Proponents in Dallas, Texas, the initial week of December. The following week will be an Equestrian Summit of Athletic Directors, Administrators and Conference staff. These meetings act to promote and propel our exceptional equestrians by combining the backing of our member institutions, conferences and equine industry.

Yesterday’s news from the University of Tennessee at Martin of their decision to remove future sport sponsorship of Equestrian is disappointing. Their loss is felt deeply by every member of the NCEA.

It is important to circulate correct information about the status of Women’s Equestrian to avoid damaging claims as we work jointly to support the sport. The CWA has recommended to remove Equestrian from the emerging sports list. This act is in accordance with an NCAA policy which establishes a ten year timeline to achieve a minimum of 40 schools to advance from the emerging to full championship status. This recommendation, to this point, has not been adopted by the NCAA.

To support Women’s Equestrian be positive, continue to write letters of support to influencers ( your alma mater, local university, athletic directors, conferences, etc), attend meets, make donations and encourage others to become advocates. For more information, contact NCEA Emerging Sports Consultant Rob Peterson.