Cindy Walquist - Equestrian Coach

Cindy Walquist

Title:
Assistant Coach - Western
Email:
Cindy_Walquist@Baylor.edu

Cindy Walquist enters her 10th season as an Assistant Western coach for Baylor Equestrian after returning to the program for her second stint ahead of the 2025-26 season.

In the 25-26 campaign, Walquist and her Horsemanship squad had a 1-11 record in the event. The Bears earned a dominant 4-1 victory over No. 7 TCU at home for senior night. Walquist coached junior Carley Rutledge to a 77.50 ride on Mister to earn her first career Most Outstanding Performer nod. Rutledge would continue on her success, earning her second MOP in the next meet against UT Martin in a neutral site contest. Walquist also coached senior Anna Thron to a 5-5-2 season, earning one MOP honor. Walquist’s squad earned three total MOPs and seven riders rode career highs in the season.

Prior to returning, the 40-year Western trainer and coaching veteran held the same position at Baylor from 2010-18, and is excited to be back at BU.

"I feel blessed and excited to be returning to Baylor University on the coaching staff of the Equestrian team," she said. "Baylor has high educational standards with great Christian roots. I look forward to working with these talented young athletes."

Entering her 10th season in 2026-27, Maxwell is excited to have a coach of Walquist's caliber back to the staff.

"I am thrilled to welcome Coach Walquist back to Baylor," Maxwell said. "She is a tremendous coach, both in and out of the arena, who will help elevate this entire program. Aside from coaching, Cindy is a wonderful person who will pour into our student-athletes through all aspects of their experience at Baylor. We can't wait to get started."

In her previous stint with the program, Walquist guided riders to a laundry list of accolades, highlighted by three Big 12 titles, two Big 12 Riders of the Year, 13 NCEA All-Americans and 17 All-Conference performers.

While with the Bears, she coached Abbi Demel to an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsemanship Challenge Championship. In 2018, she coached the Horsemanship squad to the event semifinals of the NCEA Championship.

Additionally, she has coached over 30 All-American Quarter Horse Congress Champions and upwards of 10 AQHYA Champions, in addition to being a Congress Champion herself. Walquist has also seen success at the American Paint Horse Association, National Snaffle Bit Association and Paint Horse Breeders Association World Championships. The AQHA Professional Horseman has coached champions in showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, trail and western riding.

Cindy, along with her daughter, Whitney, and son-in-law, Craig, own and operate Walquist Quarter Horses in Cleburne, Texas.