Oklahoma State University Athletics
Bullet Named 2001 MD Barns Silver Spur Finalist
August 20, 2001 | General
Aug. 20, 2001
Stillwater, Okla. - Bullet, the horse that has become synonomous with Oklahoma State athletics, has been named one of six finalists for the 2001 MD Barns Silver Spur award. Members of the American Quarter Horse Association can vote on-line for the winner of this year's award.
Stars Parr Money, also known as Bullet, is a 1983 Brown Gelding owned by Oklahoma State University that has delighted crowds with his traditional sprint across the football field following every Cowboy touchdown.
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, Bullet was donated to the OSU Athletic Department to be used specifically as the mascot.
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 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 due mostly 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 Athletics Center in Stillwater. The bronze statue has recently become a gathering place where students congregated to find strength in the wake of the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 10 people affiliated with the Cowboy Basketball program.
The Silver Spur award honors an outstanding American Quarter Horse that has accomplished something that helps create a favorable perception of the breed in the public eye or enriches the life of one or more people through the horse's actions.
Members of the AQHA can log on to www.aqha.com and click on the MD Barns Silver Spur Award logo. Bullet is the final horse listed. For more information, contact Dan Bomhoff at (405) 377-8360. The winner will be given a $20,000 gift certificate for a new barn.
