University of Lynchburg

The 2026 Lynchburg equestrian team cemented its place in history by winning the 2026 NCEA National Championship, securing its fourth NCEA championship title in program history with all four titles earned within a five-year span. The Hornets earned the victory by defeating Charleston, 6-3. Lynchburg claimed four points in fences, producing a team score of 419.3 behind performances from Madeline Rubin (88), Amaya Bellfield (85.3), Rebecca Collier (83.7), Stella Patenaude (82.3), and Mary Katherine Ragsdale (80). In flat, the Hornets earned two points as Abigail Zemp led the lineup with an 88, followed by Rebecca Collier (81.7), Kristen Palmer (78.7), Abigail Devlin (76.7), and Amaya Bellfield (74.3). Rubin was named the fences Most Outstanding Performer, while Abby Zemp received the honor in flat, highlighting a championship performance defined by consistency throughout the Lynchburg lineup.