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SMU Drops 'Pony Up' Amid Fan Outcry

9/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

SMU Board of Trustees Chair David Miller announced the discontinuation of the rally cry "Pony Up," citing its natural decline.
This decision coincides with the documentary "Thunder On: Resurgence of the SMU Mustangs."
The athletics department has not used #PonyUp since May, although admissions recently did.
Miller clarified that the university's mascot is the Mustangs, not ponies, but the live mascot, Peruna, will stay.
Fans have voiced strong reactions on social media regarding this change.

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Story summary

SMU Board of Trustees Chair David Miller announced the discontinuation of the rally cry "Pony Up," citing its natural decline.
This decision coincides with the documentary "Thunder On: Resurgence of the SMU Mustangs."
The athletics department has not used #PonyUp since May, although admissions recently did.
Miller clarified that the university's mascot is the Mustangs, not ponies, but the live mascot, Peruna, will stay.
Fans have voiced strong reactions on social media regarding this change.