Damage Control and Spin in Full Force and Effect

[George S. Patton]

just because we are adding another horse does not mean we are getting rid of Peruna...also, traditions take time to develop, when peruna first made an appearance I am sure there were a lot of people saying oh this isn't tradition, i think it is important to add more traditions to SMU football. we have very few at this point, but have added some since i was around like mustang 11 and the boulevard, but some have also died like no more senior gifts, I think it is important to look at this whole situation as if it will be a good tradition for years to come, ie good pr for continually saving "wild mustangs" or if it isn't then don't create it. i know the athletic department has been trying to come up with things to add to add more of a home crowd spirit from things are rivals do to things that other colleges do

OK, SMU opened in 1911. The first Peruna was in the 1930s? So in those first 20+ years when a school is getting its act together, did we have something that pre-dated Peruna? Thanks in advance for your help.

[SMU 86]

I, for one, will be booing - and I have NEVER booed - anybody or any thing at a college game - this, folks, will be a first. This idea is really, really stupid!!!

I know some have different positions on this issue. But the horses we are getting were rescued out of some terrible situations. They did not choose to come here. No reason to take it out on them.

So the ideal situation for them is to have a connection with SMU? Where are they going to be moved to.

I am just saying I understand disagreeing with a decision made by someone but I don't think our displeasure should be aimed at the horse themselves. That's all I was saying.

[George S. Patton]

I don't believe that's intetion of many on this board. Sure, we want the horses to be in better than situations than where they were. But I believe this whole thing has turned into an opportunity to advance a political cause that Pickens and whoever else involved is using SMU to advance it.

They are using the shield of "adding to Peruna". Spare me.

[NickSMU17]

If Peruna goes, I go...

I have no problem with the new horses, but Peruna should be front and center, the star of the show...

[RunPeruna]

I agree with Nick.

[fivemon]

i believe the adding of the new horse(s) is a stunt to try and figure out a way to get students interested in staying for the whole game. There is little to no student involvement in the games which causes them to leave early. from my experience the games they stay longest have been vs. TCU (rival) and any homecoming game.

[SMU_is_bowling]

So where does it say we are getting rid of Peruna??

This whole "Big Horse" thing could be just like the 60's, be around for a few years and go by the way-side. If the student body embraces it and it brings some notarity to SMU, without removing Peruna, then it will stick around longer. Why is it such a bad thing?

Is it because you assume they are getting rid of Peruna?? If so, then it is your misgiving for assuming, not there's for not explaining word for word what they are doing.

Personnally the comments on some threads about Florida not bringing in a salamandor (sp) and LSU not changing to a white tiger, etc are silly... mainly because they already have mascot's that represent their name (Gators = an alligator; Tigers = a tiger; Longhorns = a longhorn; Mustangs = shetland Pony) does not seem to match up to me. As to the Aggies mascot, they have more tradition and spirit then I have ever seen at SMU for whatever reason... so them having a dog is made up for by their student body representing the way that they do.

[jtstang]

It may sound trivial but psychologically mascots, uniforms,music, fan noise etc. does affect play on the field. It doesn't trump pure talent but it does affect all involved.

Not only does the concept that big horse mascots will make us better on the field sound trivial it is downright asinine. And on the outside chance that it is true, all that tells me is we need players with more mental toughness.

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

Actually I don't think we need to worry that much about them suddenly getting rid of Peruna....they know they'd catch hell for that.... but what I most fear is when the current Peruna croaks what might happen.

I fear someone could use Peruna's death as an endless delay tactic like "well we'll see about replacing him"....or.."it may be tough to find one right now"....or..."well with the tight budget it isn't possible plus we have the full size horse now"....or "maybe next season"....so I'm not worried about Peruna short term...but when he croaks lets demand he be replaced....my fear is that there are certain elements that envsion the current Peruna is the last Peruna.

[PonyKai]

So where does it say we are getting rid of Peruna??

Just phase him out. Introduce the new Mustangs on October 17th, where they will conveniently be named as representatives of the SMU football team along with Peruna. Then, when the current Peruna retires, oh look at that...we've just decided to stick with Peanuts and Cashews from now on because the students just love them so much and the team clearly loves running out behind him more.

And that'll be that.

[NickSMU17]

How much can a peruna cost? If this one dies, I would be willing to buy another one, I can't pay for upkeep but I will pay for the little guy...

I will not be buying any big horses, ever....

[NickSMU17]

I just looked, Shetlands in texas run about $500, I will gladly donate a new one if something happens to the current...

Peruna isn't going anywhere...I Hope...

[jtstang]

Actually I don't think we need to worry that much about them suddenly getting rid of Peruna....they know they'd catch hell for that.... but what I most fear is when the current Peruna croaks what might happen.

I fear someone could use Peruna's death as an endless delay tactic like "well we'll see about replacing him"....or.."it may be tough to find one right now"....or..."well with the tight budget it isn't possible plus we have the full size horse now"....or "maybe next season"....so I'm not worried about Peruna short term...but when he croaks lets demand he be replaced....my fear is that there are certain elements that envsion the current Peruna is the last Peruna.

I am afraid this is what will come to pass if they don't phase out Peruna even sooner.

[Diamond Girl]

We already have Peruna IX. He's beautiful and fiesty and is two years old and is just waiting for Peruna VIII to retire. His name is Cosmos.

[mustangklick]

You guys are listing reasons as to why the new horses aren't "Real" Mustangs. My point is that the 2 new horses are closer to "Real" Mustangs than Peruna was or will ever become.

It may sound trivial but psychologically mascots, uniforms,music, fan noise etc. does affect play on the field. It doesn't trump pure talent but it does affect all involved.

If you watched that video, JJ said "My players want to come out behind a real Mustang". I've also heard from former players who thought Peruna was ridiculous.

All that tells me is that the players need to be taught about Peruna's exploits.

yep, killing the fordham ram won me over for life.

My Dad (Drexel) espcially enjoys the time Peruna tried to mount the Texas Tech horse.

My fiancee (Baylor) thinks Peruna is cute and a "badass" - You should know she's an elementary teacher and thats not common language for her so it is a pretty awesome compliment. I also don't know how he can be both but hey, I'll take it.

If they keep Peruna, I'm fine. That little Shetland has got some fire.