Mustangs...it's gonna be OK

[mrydel]

First why have we conceded that it is a worthy cause to take a wild and free animal out of his environment, broken his spirit, put a person on his back to control him, and keep him stabled for life? Second, Read my lips......not doing away with Peruna. Why would they keep Peruna after this one passes when they have 2 other mascots on hand? Sure he can say that now, but the proof will come on the day the next Peruna comes on board.

I personally think the idea of taming wild mustangs is deplorable but I guess still better than the governments option to shoot them that was in the paper today. I wish one of you linky guys or gals would find the AP story that ran today about what the Department of the Interior is doing with the mustangs in the US today, BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO MANY.

[Statler]

First why have we conceded that it is a worthy cause to take a wild and free animal out of his environment, broken his spirit, put a person on his back to control him, and keep him stabled for life? Second, Read my lips......not doing away with Peruna. Why would they keep Peruna after this one passes when they have 2 other mascots on hand? Sure he can say that now, but the proof will come on the day the next Peruna comes on board.

I personally think the idea of taming wild mustangs is deplorable but I guess still better than the governments option to shoot them that was in the paper today. I wish one of you linky guys or gals would find the AP story that ran today about what the Department of the Interior is doing with the mustangs in the US today, BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO MANY.

FYI - Peruna VIII is approximately 14. Peruna VI was about 26 years when he retired. So the geldings might die before Peruna does.....(now that would be ironic!)

[mrydel]

Well put me down as officially closing out my rant against the change. I have voiced my opinion and I am sure my thoughts do not matter in the minds of the powers that be. I am now ready for some football and will be providing positive thought waves in the direction of the team. Long live Peruna.

[Greenwich Pony]

Hmm. Another, "Are we dumping Peruna?' thread. Gotta say, traditions are not for the kids in school, but to create connections with the alumni outside of them. The kids in school are the "stewards of tradition" to pass the flame on to the next generation. I cannot see the alumni who give money liking this. I certainly am not someone who has given millions, but I do write my check every year for as much as I can, and if there is no black Shetland stallion on the sidelines and/or no Mustang band, then there will be no check from me. It just is not SMU anymore, it has morphed into something else and my money can go to other things. These are our two strongest and most unique traditions. The administration should not mess with them.

I also agree that if the team was regularly in the 8-4 neighborhood, we would not be having this discussion at all. If the students bother to do a little homework, they'll find Peruna is a unique and fiesty mascot that the schools should be proud of. Furthermore, NOBODY rides Peruna. I can thing of nothing more degrading than ANYONE riding our mascot. Especially with our "Unbridled" campaign. What sort of symbolism is that?

While I do sympathize with the real Wild Mustangs and have no problem with a one-off real mustang run with Peruna to raise awareness, I have to say I feel a little shafted by the Pickens clan. After all, they are saddling us with another horse we need to feed and care for when our budgets are tight, and frankly I don't know how much they have donated to the "Unbridled" campaign. If T. Boone has signed over a big check to cover the gap, or is building the new nataorium or something along that magnitude, then fine, two mascots. Otherwise, we support your cause but butt ou of what little tradition we have left. And if T. Boone is stepping up to the plate in a big way, I will obviously thank the man, but until I see something along those lines, I cannot help but feel a bit used.

[Greenwich Pony]

Oh, and might I add that I write my check regardless of the team records. The tradition of SMU is more important than the team record as far as I am concerned. However, I would like to see the teams do a hell of a lot better on the field!!!

[Hoop Fan]

spot on Greenwich, like so many have been. This is called a public relations nightmare and Turner is being obtuse if he doesn't recognize that. If there is a misconception, he needs to act and clear it up publicly. This is a big deal and you do not add or change live mascots lightly.

[Statler]

The riders are going to be the horses' trainers for the Navy game because the horses are still very unsettled and it would be dangerous for anybody else to ride them. They will only attend the halftime for the presentation to Turner by the Pickens.

You will not see them again until next year. This is their only appearance for this year as they have to further trained and the decisions made as to how to use them in addition to Peruna. The students will decide on the names later in the school year.

Whoever SWC Grey Hair is...he is conntected......figure it out on your own.