Ralphie the Buffalo

Ralphie is best known for running a horseshoe pattern around Folsom Field prior to each half of home football games.

[2] Due to their smaller size, reduced strength, and less-aggressive temperament, female bison have always been chosen as Ralphie as opposed to males.

They spend more than 20 hours per week training, practicing, and caring for Ralphie, while rotating the privilege of running with her at the games.

While she only watched from the sidelines originally, by 1967, it was determined that she would run on the field prior to games to intimidate the other team.

In 1986, Oklahoma State pranksters snuck into their college’s veterinary clinic and sprayed painted “OSU” on Ralphie's back in orange letters.

[11] Taylor Stratton has been the program manager and head coach since 2020, replacing John Graves after five years.

Special gates can be closed to allow the Handlers to easily and safely attach her harness and headstall on her and bring her in and out of the trailer.

[citation needed] The activity for which Ralphie is most well-known is her run across the field prior to each half of Buffaloes' home games.

An ESPN producer and cameraman documented the trip and aired a special on that weekend's College Gameday.

[3] Ralphie has access to shelters that allow her to avoid bad weather, however the program reports that she enjoys being outside regardless of temperature or precipitation.

Ralphie's pasture contains large scratching posts made of old street sweeper brushes donated by the city of Boulder.

[citation needed] In addition to the Ralphie Handlers and coaches, she also has a veterinarian who provides wellness exams and vaccinations.

According to the school's official Ralphie website, inspections are conducted annually by the university's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

The program's USDA Class C exhibitor's license subjects it to unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.