My name is Dawn Gonzalez, and I am writing this as a proud and heartbroken parent of a UC Davis Equestrian team member. Like so many other young women on the UC Davis Division 1 Equestrian Team, my daughter has spent her entire life working toward a single goal: competing at the highest level of NCAA athletics. For her, being an Aggie isn’t just about the sport—it’s about grit, discipline, and the bond between horse and rider that defines our university’s agricultural roots.
On January 9, 2026, our team was blindsided. Despite being back-to-back conference champions (2023 & 2024) and currently ranked among the top programs in the nation, UC Davis announced it will demote the Equestrian program to a club sport starting in July 2026. This decision effectively ends the Division I dreams of 33 dedicated female athletes and leaves them with almost no options to compete at this level on the West Coast.
UC Davis is a world-class agricultural and veterinary institution. Our mascot, Gunrock, is a horse. The Equestrian Team is the living embodiment of the school’s spirit. To see it removed in favor of "strategic adjustments" feels like a betrayal of the very identity of the university. These athletes aren’t just riders; they are scholars and ambassadors who have proven their worth in the arena and in the classroom.
How I’m Connected:
As a parent of one of the current UC Davis Equestrian student-athlete, I am helping organize this fundraiser on behalf of the team families and supporters.
How Funds Will Be Transferred:
All funds raised on this GoFundMe will be managed by me and transferred directly to the Keep Davis Riding organizing committee. This committee is made up of parents and alumni working together to support communications, and advocacy efforts for the team. I will ensure that all funds are accurately accounted for and used as intended.
How Funds Will Be Used:
Donations will go toward covering costs associated with the effort to reinstate UC Davis Equestrian as a Division I program. This includes outreach and communication efforts, and awareness campaigns through keepdavisriding.com. Any remaining funds will be used to support the athletes and team logistics during the transition period.
"Please consider donating to help us #KeepDavisRiding and ensure that future generations of Aggies can continue to represent the very best of UC Davis and the equestrian community."