Happy Thanksgiving Week everyone! I figured this would be a perfect “Equestrian Stylist” post for the week. Florida State University’s Chief Osceola and the appaloosa horse”Renegade” prance the field for every home football game in Tallahassee, Florida. Being an equestrian, this is my favorite part of the game: when Renegade gallops on the field and Chief Osceola spears the Seminole spear in the center of the field (and yes, with Fire and all!) Garnet and Gold bled through the stadium for this past weekend’s Homecoming Football game. Now, “Renegade” travels with a friend that looks just like him so they can train younger horses to learn the tricks of the show. These horses really learn how to put up with the college scene at every game. I was able to get a tour of where they keep the other “Renegades” while one is on the field. These horses get to experience the crowds traveling through the stadium while resting in a private “VIP Horse area”.
Getting into the fashion side of it: Bill Durham was a Tallahassee businessman who thought up with the idea of Renegade as the school’s mascot in 1977. He is still in charge of selecting and training both the horse and rider. The traditional regalia worn by Chief Osceola and Renegade is designed by women of the Seminole tribe each year. Pretty neat fact, if you ask me!
A picture describing the traditional mascot for the FSU Seminoles
Renegade being escorted to the trailer post-game. What a fabulous life he has!
Renegade and Chief Osceola celebrate a team’s touchdown by rearing in the center of the field.
Chief Osceola and Renegade prancing in the end zone. What a great team! There are some beautiful fall colors right there: Browns, Garnets, Golds.. mm perfect color palate for the Holiday this week!
Beautiful horse. I’ve always wondered how they get those horse mascots to be so quiet. Even my super quiet gelding would freak out in a crowd like that.
Have been an admirer for many years. Was wondering how to find information on the breeding of Regegade. I have always had appaloosas and am really curious. Also do you replace the horses from the same breeder? And who are they? Thanks!!
Question…Noticed that there is a girth strap on Renegades belly…is there any type of saddle under the blanket? or does it simply hold the blanket in place? Thanks for a response