SMU spirit members walk the school mascot, Peruna, around the edge of the field during the pregame of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Dallas, Texas.

Peruna IX, a colt, has been the SMU mascot since 2011. SMU’s first live mascot appeared in 1932 and, for the first 60 years or so, Peruna would charge the field after every SMU touchdown.

Peruna during SMU's 31–30 win over Navy on Sept. 22, 2018. / Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images ...

Peruna has worked at SMU since 1932 and is one of the most well-known horses in all of North Texas. We figured it was time to get some answers to our questions straight from his mouth.

PETA wants the mascot to stay home. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote to SMU President R. Gerald Turner this week, asking the university to keep Peruna IX in Texas.

PETA wants the mascot to stay home. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote to SMU President R. Gerald Turner this week, asking the university to keep Peruna IX in Texas.

Handlers run with SMU mascot Peruna IX after a touchdown during the second half of the ACC championship game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. Clemson defeated SMU 34-31.

SMU's current mascot Peruna IX has been at the school since 2011, and the tradition of a live horse at Mustangs games has been in practice since 1932. Initially, Peruna would run on the field ...