Holly Lansidel is next up in SMU Equestrian's 2020 Senior Spotlight series. Lansidel came to the Hilltop from Roy, Washington. She competes as a Western rider in Reining. This season, she has won four out of six matchups for the Mustangs and has tied once. As a sophomore, Lansidel won the NCEA Reining Rider of the Year honor, the first Mustang to do so, and was named to the NCEA All-American Reining First Team. She earned a spot on the All-UEC Reining Team in both 2018 and 2019 and was named a First Team Academic All-American as a junior.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-meet rituals?
Not really. Usually a coffee on the way to the barn is necessary and I try to wear a fun pair of socks!
 
What's your go-to pump up song?
"International Harvester" by Craig Morgan
 
Fun Fact
I can ride a unicycle and I like chickens.
 
How did you get into equestrian?
My mom has ridden horses since she was a kid and she still does, so I was basically born into it and have loved it ever since!
 
Which SMU horse is your favorite and why?
Stewie! He's my favorite because he's an angel. He was here when I started my freshman year and I have always felt like we've been pals. He's really sweet and just a good horse.
 
What's your favorite memory from SMU?
My favorite memory has to be nationals last year, it was the first time the reining team had made it to the championship round and it was so amazing to experience it with everyone. 
 
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I am planning on staying in Dallas! I hoping to take a small break after graduation and then start working full time after that. 
 
What's one thing you want to say to the SMU family?
One thing I want to say is thank you. It's been an amazing four years at SMU. This school has shaped who I am today and who I want to be in the future. It has made me appreciate so many aspects of life and has allowed me to achieve many of my goals. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities that I have been given by those around me at SMU.