If you are interested in college riding, here is some basic information on the National Collegiate Equestrian Association, or NCEA.  These NCEA Fast Facts will give you an overview of what to expect as you explore NCEA programs.

Also, be sure to check out our blog post on the topic, “Prepare for Collegiate Riding.” 

Understanding NCEA

• The National Collegiate Equestrian Association is the governing body for the equestrian component of the NCAA (or National Collegiate Athletic Association).  The NCAA sets forth rules originally designed to protect student-athletes from pressure from coaches as they decide their choice of school. They also set forth academic standards for student-athletes.  

• Equestrian was introduced to the NCAA in 1998 and is considered an NCAA “Emerging Sport.” To be fully sanctioned by the NCAA, 40 schools must sponsor an NCEA program.

• As of 2019, there are 24 schools participating in the NCEA, and the program has enjoyed steady growth.

PSA Rules

• High school or college students not yet in the NCEA (or NCAA) who have the potential to do so are called “Prospective Student Athletes,” or PSAs. 

• A PSA who is interested in the NCEA should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center during her freshman or sophomore year of high school, even if the PSA has not contacted any colleges about their Equestrian programs. You can register at www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.com.

• As a PSA, you can contact a coach at any time by phone, text, email or social media.  However, a coach cannot return any type of communication until June 15th following a prospects sophomore year of high school.  So, if you reach out, be prepared for a lack of response due to those rules.

Program Requirements

• Many teams, just like in other sports, require rider athletes are required to participate in team strength and conditioning sessions. Exact policies vary by program.

• Academics are also very important in NCEA. Most programs require freshmen to log study hours their first semester to make sure they are setting aside adequate time. 

• In many athletic departments, there are also community service requirements.
• For equestrian student-athletes, there may also be stable chores, meetings, and fundraising events.

Colleges and Universities with NCEA Programs:

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Jenn Crow

Equine Web Support Specialist at Top Line Media Team

Jenn Crow has been a lifelong barn rat, and a hunter/jumper professional for 20 years with a passion for teaching and operations, from lesson programs, to IEA Teams, to shows such as WEF, Harrisburg, and Washington. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and has extensive web marketing and media experience, specific to the equine industry.

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