Rumbling With Ralphie V: CU Mascot Sporting New Harness
September 10, 2016 | Football, Ralphie
CU mascot 1-0 With Her New Accessory
BOULDER — As the Colorado Buffaloes ran away with a 44-7 victory over rival Colorado State Rams in the season opener, something special was worn by one of the fastest Buffs on the field that evening.
We're not referring to Buffs junior tailback Phillip Lindsay, who rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Nor are we referring to a "him."
Instead, we're talking about Ralphie V, the beloved Colorado Buffaloes mascot, who knows there is no better way to a girl's heart than to praise her with some new accessories — in Ralphie's case, a new harness.
Earlier this year, Bill Jesser Saddlery, out of Longmont, fashioned a new black leather harness and headstall for our beloved Ralphie V, which she sported against the Rams. The new harness kept the iconic brass "CU" located on the front of her headstall, and the leather color was switched from brown to black. The brass CU logo was made by Ray "Butch" Cornell, the son of Ray Cornell, who built the first ever harness for Ralphie I.
Ralphie is no stranger to the fine custom harness and headstall designs created by the Cornell family of Boulder. Ralphie I used a custom harness and headstall made by Cornell that lead ropes were attached to allow the Ralphie Handlers to run with and help guide her around the field.
Initially, Ralphie II used the same custom leather harness that Ralphie I used, but used a different headstall. The harness was modified to fit Ralphie II's bigger size, and in 1986 a new harness and headstall was used by Ralphie -- this one was built by Carl W. Pike Saddlery of Boulder, the same company that modified the original harness to fit Ralphie II. The new headstall featured the iconic brass "CU" emblem on the front of the headstall for the first time.
Ralphie III initially used the same harness and headstall that was used by Ralphie II. In 1989 a new harness and headstall was used, again with a large brass "CU" on the front of the headstall. The new harness and headstall was built by M. King Saddlery of Boulder.
Now, Ralphie V is sporting a new harness, one she debuted successfully against CSU.
Saturday, when the Buffs take on Idaho State at 3:30 pm for the home opener at Folsom Field, Ralphie V will continue wowing fans with her impressive run down the field. She will have her signature harness and headstall, which hopefully will bring the Buffs more good luck in their pursuit of a winning season.
