Oklahoma State University Athletics
Bullet One Of Three Finalists For Award
October 10, 2001 | General
Oct. 10, 2001
Stillwater, Okla. - Stars Parr Money, better known as Bullet, is one of three finalists for the 2001 MD Barns Silver Spur Award program administered by the American Quarter Horse Association. The three finalists came from over 150 nominations.
The MD Barns Silver Spur Award honors those American Quarter Horses who have made a significant impact in the lives of others or who have been cast into the public spotlight through prominent accomplishments to help create a favorable public perception of the breed.
Those nominated must be a registered American Quarter Horse and must have enriched the life of a human being(s) through outstanding training, contribution or accomplishment.
AQHA Members voted online through AQHA's Web site. The top three finalists positions will determine final placing. The winner and first and second runners-up will be announced, as decided by AQHA's Membership, at the AQHA World Championship Show, Nov. 16, in Oklahoma City, Okla.
The three finalists are:
Heza Exclusive Man, also known as Duke, a 1989 Sorrel Gelding owned by Jerry and Glenda Long of Capitan, N.M. Duke has helped his owner cope with diabetes and its evils-including losing his sight. The duo have bonded so closely that Jerry is now competing again and heading up a youth program focusing on helping at-risk youth.
Silvers Two Face, also known as Two Face, a 1980 Sorrel Gelding owned by the Collins Family of Salado, Texas. A finalist in the 2000 MD Barns Silver Spur contest, Silvers Two Face has made a remarkable comeback returning to work at Peaceable Kingdom, the summer camp for chronically ill children near Youngsport, Texas.
Stars Parr Money, also known as Bullet, is a 1983 Brown Gelding owned by Oklahoma State University. The Oklahoma State University Cowboys have many symbols of their western heritage, including their mascot Bullet. With his traditional sprint across the football field following every Cowboy touchdown, Bullet has made appearances at schools, parades, rodeos and the opening ceremonies of the Oklahoma State Special Olympics.
The winner of the 2001 MD Barns Silver Spur Award will receive a $20,000 MD Barns gift certificate and a custom-designed Montana Silversmiths belt buckle.
A $5,000 MD Barns gift certificate will be awarded to the first and second runners-up.
For more information on the MD Barns Silver Spur Award, please contact the AQHA at (806) 376-4811 or visit AQHA's Web site at www.aqha.com. Footage of the presentation will be available on AQHA's Web site on Nov. 16.
BIO INFORMATION on Stars Parr Money (aka Bullet)
The Oklahoma State University Cowboys have many symbols of their western heritage, but none is more appropriate than their mascot, Bullet.
The Spirit Rider program debuted in 1984-with the first few Spirit Riders providing their own horse to serve as mascot for the OSU Cowboys. However, in 1988, Stars Parr Money, was donated to the OSU Athletic Department to be used specifically as the mascot. Since that time, Bullet has delighted crowds with his traditional sprint across the football field following every Cowboy touchdown.
The heart of the Cowboy Spirit Rider Program, Bullet is not only seen at Lewis Field and other OSU football games, he's made appearances at local elementary schools, parades, rodeos and other special events-including the opening ceremonies of the Oklahoma State Special Olympics.
The tradition of the Spirit Rider can be attributed to the late Eddy Finley, who wanted to promote school spirit the "cowboy way," on horseback. Throughout the 14 years additional support has come for the Spirit Rider and Bullet, much of it due to Finley's hard work. A horse trailer, custom-tooled saddle and uniform dress for the Spirit Rider and ground crew have been donated to OSU.
In honor of the Spirit Rider and its tradition, Jim Hamilton sculpted the Spirit Rider Bronze that sits next to the Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater. The bronze recently became a gathering place where students congregated to find strength in the wake of a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 10 men affiliated with the Cowboy Basketball program.
Bullet is housed at the OSU Equine Center. Along with the Spirit Rider, students in the ground crew are trusted with Bullet's feeding, exercise and grooming. Cleaning the horse trailer and keeping the saddle polished are other chores that are part of the Spirit Rider team.
