Cowboy Joe's handlers have the privilege of working with and grooming Joe before events, trailering him to events, and showing him off at home football games and other community and university functions. Handlers have the unique opportunity to spend time with Cowboy Joe and express their deep-rooted passion for the history of the University of Wyoming. Cowboy Joe represents a long-standing tradition and is an attraction to adults and children alike. Cowboy Joe and his handlers embody the slogan, The World Needs More Cowboys. Joe travels with his handlers to all home football games, parades around the state, UW graduation, the National Western Stock Show, Wyoming State Fair, and The Border Wars against Colorado State University, to name a few. Cowboy Joe's handlers demonstrate school spirit and care for the rowdy, adorable pony mascot at all his events.
Kaylee is a senior at UW, studying business management with minors in equine science and hospitality. When she is not participating in events with Cowboy Joe, you might find her competing on the UW Ranch Horse Team, working at the Vee Bar Ranch, or managing her horseback riding program "Harmony Equine."
Kali, a Cowboy Joe handler since 2023, is a second-year law student with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, having graduated in 2023. She is currently specializing in International Human Rights Law. Outside of academics, she tries to be in nature as much as possible, whether spending time with her horse, her dog, or her fiancé.
Alexa Rigsby has been a Cowboy Joe handler since 2023. Hailing from Cambridge, Minnesota. She is pursuing a degree in Psychology and plans to undertake a graduate certificate program in Elementary Education upon completing her bachelor's. On top of her academic pursuits, she is a dedicated member of the UW Ranch Horse Versatility Team. Beyond her involvement in equestrian sports, she finds joy in spending time with her horses and friends, indulging in hiking adventures, and engaging in various crafting activities.
My name is Tess Palen and I’m a sophomore undergraduate majoring in Physiology with minors in Spanish, Honors, and Religious Studies. In the future, I hope to pursue medical school and to run my family’s ranch. At the University, I’m a research assistant in genetics and a SOAR mentor for the Honors College. Outside of school, I’m an EMT, I train horses, and I love to rock climb!
Fans of the University of Wyoming Cowboy football enjoy watching Cowboy Joe V, a fifth generation Wyoming mascot, as the pony trots around War Memorial Stadium after each Cowboy score. This 13-year old Shetland pony is more than just a mascot at Cowboy and Cowgirl events - he loves to meet people and is very popular with the kids. Next time you see Cowboy Joe V be sure to stop and say hello!
Cowboy Joe is a tradition which started in 1950 when the Farthing Family of Cheyenne
made a generous donation of a young pony to become Wyoming's mascot. Cowboy Joe also
represents UW in parades around the region, appears in Tailgate Park on football game
days and leads the band and team in the pre-game Cowboy Walk.
