New Paltz, NY --- State University of New York at New Paltz Athletic Director Stuart Robinson announced Wednesday the Hawks equestrian program will add the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) format to its competitive riding program beginning in the 2019-20 academic year.

"I think 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."

SUNY New Paltz announced the addition of equestrian and men's lacrosse as its 16th and 17th varsity programs this past summer. The implementation of equestrian in particular draws parallels to when the school added men's volleyball as a varsity program. Like equestrian this upcoming year, the Hawks men's volleyball team originally played universities from all over the country until there were enough programs to establish divisions.

Robinson believes the equestrian program has the potential to establish the same type of success as SUNY New Paltz men's volleyball has had, which brought home a National Championship in 2016.

"Without a doubt. Like in men's volleyball, there is a great opportunity to not only compete against the best, but then ultimately to have a Division III equestrian competition and championship," Robinson said. "I think it puts us in a unique position not only because we are offering a unique sport like this, but giving the college a unique niche in terms of attracting students of this caliber. I think with time, like men's volleyball, and like programs like that, as an emerging sport I think we'll emerge in it."

The SUNY New Paltz equestrian team will become NCEA championship eligible no later than the start of the 2020 season and is just the third Division III program to be added to the NCEA. Other Division III schools include The University of Lynchburg and Sweet Briar College, both located in Virginia.

There are five Division II programs currently active in the NCEA (LIU Post, Seton Hill University, Stonehill College, University of Minnesota Crookston and West Texas A&M University) with 17 Division I colleges.

The club equestrian team at SUNY New Paltz ran for 18 years before making the announcement it will make the jump to a varsity program this past July. The Hawks are in the process of finalizing their 2019-20 schedule in the NCEA, which will be announced at a later date.  

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