Caledonia High School riders are fighting for varsity letters after the district denied their request for the sixth straight year. The team won its sixth state championship last fall. The school says equestrian is not an athletic department sport. The riders say the letter matters for their futures.

A state title. No letter.

The Caledonia Equestrian Team captured the state championship in the fall of 2025. Coach Kim Fox Frederick said the win brought tears.

"We were able to pull off a win when we didn't expect it. A lot of tears, happy tears."

The team also received certificates of special congressional recognition from Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Caledonia). His certificate praised the riders for their "model horsemanship with a spirit of purpose and perseverance."

But the riders did not receive varsity letters for their achievement.

The scholarship gap

Sophomore Sophie Edmondson said varsity letters could change her college prospects.

"Varsity lettering on a state championship team could mean a difference in scholarships and it's more proof of all of our hard work that we've put into this team to be so successful."

Senior Grace Rabbitt will graduate without a letter for equestrian.

"A sport is a sport. We put in just as much work as everyone else, so having that letter would mean everything."

Why the district says no

Caledonia Community Schools said varsity letters are reserved for programs under the athletic department. Equestrian operates as a club sport under the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (MIHA). The sport is not sanctioned by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

"Varsity letters are awarded to students participating in programs that fall under the district's athletic department. Student organizations and clubs outside of the athletic department, including equestrian, recognize participant achievement and involvement in a variety of meaningful ways that are specific to their programs and experiences," the district said in a statement.

Fox Frederick said other high schools in Kent County do offer varsity letters to their equestrian riders. She said the team has offered to pay for the letters themselves.

"What else can we do? How can we get our letters, and if not, why can't we?"

What happens next

The riders are still pushing for recognition. Edmondson is hopeful the policy will change before she graduates.

"I am hopeful."

Rabbitt's senior year ends without the letter. The district has not announced any plans to change its policy.

• Team: Caledonia High School Equestrian
• Coach: Kim Fox Frederick
• State titles: 6
• Governing body: Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association (MIHA)
• District stance: Varsity letters limited to MHSAA-sanctioned athletic department programs