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OSU Spirit Rider Program
The Spirit Rider Program was initiated by Dr. Eddy Finley in 1984 who's orginal idea was to have the OSU flag carried down the field after each Cowboy touchdown. John Beall Jr. was the first Spirit Rider on a black mare named Spirit.
In 1988, the OSU Athletic Department purchased a 5 year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Stars Pars Money, to be the full time spirit horse. After a campus-wide contest, the horse was renamed Bullet and a legend was born.
Approximately 65 students have participated in thsi program since its inception as either the Spirit Rider or on teh Spirit Team as a ground crew member. The Spirit Rider and his/her team are responsible for the care and maintenance of Bullet and are required to make appearances at parades, schools, rodeos, Special Olympics and other University related functions.
Try-outs for the spirit rider team are held every spring, which requires an application, horsemanship demonstration and an interview with the selection committee.
Jennifer Cunningham and Bullet
In 2001, Bullet was one of three finalists for the MD Barns Silver Spur Award presented by AQHA. This award honors those American Quarter Horses that have made a significant impact on the lives of others and have created a favorable perception of the breed.
Bullet was named second runner-up and won a custom made Montana Silversmith belt buckle and a $5,000 MD Barns gift certificate.
(Pictured left)L to R: Dr. David Freeman, Dr. Don
Wagner, Tim Cash,
Mrs. Eddy Finely, Dr. Steven Cooper, Michelle Wrigley, Shalyn Weaver,
Dan Bomhoff, Josh Brecheen and David Turner.
Top: Ty Cunningham carries the original brand on Bullet.Middle: Dan Bomhott proudly carries the American flag after
September 11th.Bottom: Jason Wright aboard Bullet prior to his retirement
in 2002.
