Letter from Steve Orsini ... re: mascots

[RGV Pony]

Uh, Steve, does this mean we will now compete to have one of the top 25 horse shelters in the nation?

I think the company line is to don't and say that we do

[RGV Pony]

This seems like an appropriate time to share. My 6 year old loved the Blvd as always on Saturday. Saw Peruna and loved him. Asked if they're still going to have the "big horse" next week "so Peruna will have a friend"...asked a couple of more times about the big horse...loved watching Peruna at the game. Walking out the long way, we passed by the Peruna memorial to the east of the scoreboard. He stopped, and said how sad...all the Perunas are right here...I'm going to pray for all the Perunas. Cant wait to see Peruna again next week and the parachute guys!

Then: So will Peruna's big friend be here too?

Peruna's not going anywhere. I guess I'm more moderate than most. Anyway a few years ago people w/ PETA et al were [deleted] about Mike the Tiger being a caged animal at LSU. Ever seen Mike's new habitat outside the Maravich center? You won't find a finer pseudo-natural habitat anywhere. And yes, I know they didnt add another Tiger or whatever. But people complained nevertheless that LSU should not keep an animal in captivity.

Anyway, I thought it was supposed to be a new day in America. What happened to Yes We Can?

I'm very close to the family who took care of Mike. PETA -- militant animal rights group.

makes them no less a pain in the [deleted].

you're close to Dr B?

[George S. Patton]

Well, maybe I got it mixed up. I thought is was Dr. K

[Dooby]

Have they thought through exactly how Peruna will work in concert with the other two next year?

Based upon the letter above...no.

I am fairly sure they had thought about it and now they are holding off. I think there is legitimate concern that there will be booing at the game and they did not want the Pickens to witness that.

Quite frankly, I think this has been in the works for months and the absense of the inflatable helmet tunnel is, in part, to allow the clearance for the Mustang(s) and rider.

[KnuckleStang]

How these animals will be involved in our future game presentation is yet to be determined.

This is a very important detail, and is worth focusing on. No reason why the Mustang "cause" can't be accommodated without changing gameday atmosphere and traditions.

It is important to keep in mind Coach Jones has been advocating the abolition of Peruna as a visible mascot since his arrival at SMU. Who is going to be leading the team on the field, that is what I want to know. If it is not Peruna, and Peruna alone, then our mascot is being replaced. Simple as that

[Mustangsabu]

Steve, there are no wild horses in North America (Or South America, Africa, Europe, Antarctica or Australia). Horse on this continent or either domesticated or feral. There is only one species of wild horses and that is in Asia.

Well I think we all learned a little something today. Thanks.

P.S. I don't think Steve was making the technical distinction

[Treadway21]

I don't find this letter satisfying as an explanation and it is not reassuring in regards to Peruna's future. I am not sure screwing with a college's mascot is the best way to promote a cause. And I am usually on board with Orsini and Jones.

[mustangbill67]

Steve, there are no wild horses in North America (Or South America, Africa, Europe, Antarctica or Australia). Horse on this continent or either domesticated or feral. There is only one species of wild horses and that is in Asia.

This is an highly technical distinction. While Mustangs may not genetically be a wild breed of horse, they have been roaming "wild" in Texas and the west for 500 years. Maybe domesticated back in the 1500's but "wild" ever since.

[PonySoprano]

Since the US Auto Industry is almost dead, maybe we can start a foundation to save the (Ford) Mustang and get Ford to donate a couple of vintage mustangs - they could lead the team out on the field.

[Dooby]

Since the US Auto Industry is almost dead, maybe we can start a foundation to save the (Ford) Mustang and get Ford to donate a couple of vintage mustangs - they could lead the team out on the field.

Full disclosure: I have suggested this.

[max the wonder dog]

A simple declarative sentence-- "We will salute the wild Mustangs at halftime of the Navy game, after which they will retire to the equestrian facility and Peruna will continue as the official mascot," -- would have end this discussion. Instead he wrote:

"Together, they will represent a spirited tradition at SMU which is enjoyed by students, parents, alumni and other Mustang fans."


Sounds like the deal is done, the sellout has taken place, and Orsini is dancing around looking for cover.

[NickSMU17]

A simple declarative sentence-- "We will salute the wild Mustangs at halftime of the Navy game, after which they will retire to the equestrian facility and Peruna will continue as the official mascot," -- would have end this discussion. Instead he wrote:

"Together, they will represent a spirited tradition at SMU which is enjoyed by students, parents, alumni and other Mustang fans."


Sounds like the deal is done, the sellout has taken place, and Orsini is dancing around looking for cover.

I agree....I also think there is a place for the mustangs but only as peruna's sideshow....

[Peruna88]

Who is going to be leading the team on the field, that is what I want to know. If it is not Peruna, and Peruna alone, then our mascot is being replaced. Simple as that.

x2

[mr. pony]

"First and foremost, let me stress that Peruna, the black Shetland pony who made his first appearance at a campus pep rally in 1932, is and will continue to be our mascot.

Another big part of our athletic tradition, though, is our nickname - the Mustangs. "

Nearly 8 decades with this discrepancy.

Will this site's name now change to ponymustangfans.com?

[max the wonder dog]

btw, the Ford Mustang launched a genre of cars known as "Pony Cars," small 2 door performance coupes