Fearless Champion, the black quarter horse that has served Texas Tech's Masked Rider for the last 10 years, took his final run this month during the Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State football game. Fearless began his duties as the Masked Rider's official horse in 2013. 

Since then, he has traveled more than 150,000 miles and made 2,604 appearances with 10 different Masked Riders. Of those 10 Masked Riders, seven came from Texas Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. They include:

• Ashley Adams (2021-2022) Lubbock, Texas; Department of Animal & Food Sciences
• Emily Brodbeck (2019-2020) Lubbock, Texas; Department of Natural Resources Management
• Lyndi Starr (2018-2019) Mount Vernon, Texas; Department of Agricultural Education & Communications 
• Laurie Tolboom Martin (2017-2018) Dublin, Texas; Department of Agricultural Education & Communications
• Charlie Snider (2016-2017), Corinth, Texas; Department of Animal & Food Sciences - Equine Science 
• Mackenzie White (2014-2015), Marble Falls, Texas; Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics 
• Corey Waggoner (2013-2014) Lubbock, Texas; Department of Animal & Food Sciences

Sam Jackson, a professor in Texas Tech's Department of Animal & Food Sciences who tends to Fearless Champion's care on campus, said the way Fearless was able to handle high-stress situations and being surrounded by people made him special.

“Fearless Champion has represented Texas Tech exceptionally well during his tenure as the Texas Tech mascot,” Jackson said. “His temperament, personality and consistent behavior while interacting with fans and making his runs during games has been phenomenal.”

Jackson said it will be difficult to find another horse that is as talented and enjoyed his role as much as Fearless Champion. Texas Tech officials are in the process of searching for his replacement. Any assistance from fans and alumni to identify potential candidates for evaluation is welcome, Jackson added. The horse will continue to make in-person appearances for the remainder of the school year before officially retiring next summer.

In 1954, Texas Tech fans attending the Gator Bowl in Tampa, Florida, witnessed the evolution of a beloved tradition that Red Raider fans would embrace for decades to come. Dressed in black with a long flowing cape and mounted on a solid black horse, Joe Kirk Fulton caught the eyes of the nation when he charged onto the playing field to lead the Red Raider football team. 

Ed Danforth of the Atlanta Constitution wrote: "No team in any bowl game ever made a more sensational entrance." The dramatic entry by the horse and rider electrified the crowd, as well as the team which beat Auburn 35-13.

CONTACT: Chance Brooks, Interim Chair and Professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or chance.brooks@ttu.edu

1122NM21 / Editor's Note: To view video on a day in the life of Fearless Champion, please click here