WACO, Texas - The University of Lynchburg and the State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz) have announced their intention to participate in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) during the 2019-2020 season, the organization announced Monday. 

Lynchburg is a Division III institution located in Lynchburg, Va., that competes in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC).  The program competed in multiple NCEA scrimmages during the 2018-2019 season and is looking forward to fielding a full NCEA hunter seat squad this season.

"Our riding program is always striving to give our students opportunities to grow as riders," said Justine Betzler, Lynchburg riding instructor and coach. "The addition of the NCEA format will continue to challenge riders to reach higher levels of collegiate riding.”

The Lynchburg equestrian program has a strong history and has developed nicely over the past few years after partnering with Sweet Briar at the Harriett Howell Rogers Riding Center. The historic facility and Lynchburg's commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience have proven to be a successful formula, as Lynchburg students continue to excel in the IHSA, local and regional shows, and have even finished well in the American National Riding Commission Championships during both the 2016 and 2017 academic years.  

SUNY New Paltz is a Division III institution located in New Paltz, N.Y., and competes in the State University of New York Conference (SUNYAC).  The 2019-2020 season will be the programs inaugural season as a varsity sport.  Director of Athletics Stuart Robinson announced the addition of equestrian as a varsity sport in February.

"Like all of our programs right now, they've all been on an upswing in terms of their overall success," Robinson said. "The decision to add equestrian is another step in that direction. To take on a program like this who has had a long club existence and elevate it to a varsity level, we're excited to be able to provide such a great opportunity for students of this caliber, and that is exciting."

Head coach Helaina Ricciardi will be in her first season as the program’s head coach and looks forward to bringing a lot of talent to SUNY New Paltz.
"We hope to bring top riders in the area and to really get New Paltz on the map as a top riding school," Ricciardi said. "Really start off the introduction in the first few years in a positive way with a really great group of riders."

The addition of the Lynchburg and SUNY New Paltz continues to show the growth of NCAA equestrian and assists in the mission of the NCEA to grow the opportunities for female equestrian student-athletes.  NCEA Executive Director, Dr. Leah Fiorentino, expressed that the addition of both programs is a step forward in providing more quality academic and athletic experiences for female student-athletes.

“We are excited by the commitment from Lynchburg and the SUNY New Paltz to expanding participation opportunities for women,” Dr. Fiorentino said.  “Both NCAA Division III schools have broadened their equestrian programs to include NCEA varsity team rosters to meet the increasing demand for quality programs at academically strong institutions. We look forward to a successful inaugural season for both programs.”

For more information about the University of Lynchburg, visit www.lynchburg.edu and for more information about SUNY New Paltz, visit www.newpaltz.edu.