The next rider featured in our 2022 Senior Spotlight series is Western rider Megan Waldron. The Parker, Colorado native gives us a bird's-eye perspective on her time at SMU and some of the standout moments and memories she will carry with her into her graduate studies on the Hilltop.
 
What initially stood out to you about SMU and why did you choose it?
 
"What initially stood out to me about SMU was the "at-home feeling" I got when I arrived on campus for the first time. I have always been super close to my family, and since I'm from Colorado, I was worried being so far away for school was going to be hard… but I have loved it. Not only did I feel at home with the school, but also with the team."
 
Favorite memory of your college years?
 
"My favorite memory was the first time I got to show on the roster my Freshman year. When I was recruited, I never thought I would get the opportunity to show because I don't have a lot of world titles under my belt. At the end of my first semester, I got put in to show against Delaware State at their facility. I ended up winning my point and earning my first MOP. I will never forget that feeling of how excited my coaches, my team, and I were for that. I am extremely grateful for the coaches I have gotten to work with throughout my college years and for the confidence they have put in me."
 
Which was your favorite horse to ride for SMU, and why?
 
'It's definitely Pete. Anyone who knows me knows that Pete is my man. My freshman year, Pete was a little bit of a struggle for the team because he refused to go forward, tended to stand on his hind legs, and didn't get along with many people. For some reason though, he liked me, so him and I worked together a ton. Him and I have both come a long way, so it is a little bit like we grew up together. We have always had a special bond, and it is kind of cool because we both worked our way up to competing on the roster.
 
"Pete is one I have always been able to count on… I've ridden him bareback an endless amount of times, he loves my little sister (which is the most adorable thing ever), and can always make a bad day better.

"He will always have a special place in my heart. Hopefully when he retires Coach Carol will let me take him home (wink wink)."
 
Favorite thing to do in Dallas when you're not in class or riding?
 
"It might sound crazy, but I love studying and practicing so most of my life is filled with either one or the other. One thing I do enjoy outside of that is I love to try different restaurants and go out to eat. I also spend way too much time obsessing over my golden retriever, Luca."
 
Favorite place to eat in college?
 "Picking one is pretty tough, but I have become quite obsessed with Torchy's Tacos, which I never knew existed until I came to Dallas. I used to love going to a gelato shop called "Frost Gelato," but unfortunately, they closed. I still don't understand how that was possible because I'm pretty sure I could've kept that place in business!"
 
What will your biggest takeaway be from your time with SMU equestrian?
"My biggest takeaway will be to always work hard and trust yourself. From my time spent as a member of SMU equestrian, I have learned that anything is possible with hard work and confidence in one's abilities. Our team is often seen as an underdog, and the success we have had in the past four years shows that hard work and trust goes a long way. I know I will always have the support of my coaches, and that being a part of the SMU equestrian team was an experience that I will cherish forever."
 
What would be your most memorable moment for you as a rider for SMU?
"Besides the first time showing on the roster, some other memorable moments (or favorite moments) for me as a rider were competing in the National Championship finals last year and being SMU's first ever All-American Team Horsemanship rider. Being an All-American is something I had always dreamed about, but I never would have thought I could achieve it in my collegiate career. For me, it proved that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, which is a mindset I intend to have in every aspect of my life.
 
"Another memorable moment was at Nationals. I got to ride the famous OSU horse, "Chili," and even won my point which was exciting." 
 
What do you plan to do once you have graduated?
"Lucky for me, I get another year on my favorite team at my favorite school! I will be pursuing my Master's of Science in Accounting at SMU, and will be a fifth-year on the Equestrian team. After that, I am planning to sit for the CPA exam August 2023 so I can practice at a 'Big Four' accounting firm that fall."

Anything else you would like to share about your SMU experience:
 
'I am so thankful for my time on the team… I can't believe it has gone so fast!"