A Mascot for William & Mary

Posted in Background, Mascot Ideas | 4 Comments

4 Responses to “Speaking of …”

1. on 17 Dec 2009 at 10:04 am1 Reconsider the Friesian

   We proposed the Friesian Horse as the W&M mascot based on considerable research. This revealed that the Friesian Horse had strong historic ties to W&M and would serve it well at formal events, as well as being a fun mascot. These extensive ties permit the Friesian to serve as both an ambassador for the College, as well as a learning tool illustrating historical parallels. As mascot, it would strengthen ties between W&M, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

   William of Orange was of a Dutch royal line and married Mary of England, solidifying the alliance between the Netherlands and England. Once married, Mary became Princess of Orange and the couple lived in Holland.. William of Orange later overthrew James I of England–or our school would not exist—The Dutch man who would become England’s king is documented riding Friesian-looking horses into battle. His reign began and ended on a horse. He never surrendered his Dutch heritage. The Friesian Horse mascot would represent this often overlooked history. W&M was chartered during the rule of an English King of Dutch descent and his Queen, with Dutch title. Today, the Friesian is the Royal Horse of The Netherlands, with Queen Beatrix as the Patroness of the breed’s registry. Queen Elizabeth II of the UK is the Patroness of the Fell Pony Society—-The Fell Pony is nearly identical to the Friesian in a smaller size. Both royal families keep stables of beautiful horses and are active equestrians. Coincidentally, Friesians first entered America about the time of the founding of W&M.

   Horses played an essential role in the construction of W&M. As you enter the oldest campus buildings, imagine horse drawn carts delivering building materials. For the first 200+ years of W&M history, before automobiles, college students arrived on campus by horse, or by foot. Most of our ancestors relied on horses—look back into your family tree and you’ll find horses powered your past.

   The William And Mary Pony (WAMPO) was a beloved mascot. A horse mascot would honor that college history. Past school colors were black, orange and white; all associated with the Friesian. Orange was in honor of William of Orange. Gold is a current W&M color. Friesian horses now draw the golden carriage at high ceremonial events in the Netherlands. Today, our graduation robes are black with green and gold elements. The Friesian is all black and adorned with school colors proudly represents the achievement of each graduating class. Both W&M and the Friesian horse breed were nearly lost in wars, except for the effort of a “tribe” of dedicated individuals. Horses live in family units, where they rely on each member for survival, friendship and education—a TRIBE of horses. Today, the college fields an equestrian team.

   The Friesian is known as the horse of Royalty and is often referred to as “The Feathered Horse,” due to the long hair on its lower legs and elegant mane and tail. Friesians are majestic, noble, attractive, intelligent, gentle and rare Friesians are put through strict testing and only the best are accepted for honors, as only the best applicants are accepted as W&M students. Our mascot should be of similar caliber. The Friesian Horse as mascot would be an original—there are no other CAA horse mascots—and no Friesian mascots in the US…nothing close! As a majestic figure, it would not be subject to derision by athletic opponents, or be offensive to groups of people or individuals.

   The mascot should be chosen on the basis of merit. We believe the Friesian admirably meets this challenge. Therefore, we respectfully request the committee reconsider the Friesian

   
   
2. on 20 Dec 2009 at 9:50 pm2 Travis

   I would prefer Patriots, Royal Governors, Minutemen, Fightin’ Beefeaters, or some similar recognizable colonial period icon.

   
   
3. on 02 Jan 2010 at 9:18 pm3 Linda

   I would like to second the motion that the Friesian Horse be reconsidered. This is an original and well-thought-out suggestion that deserves to be added to the list of finalists. The beauty and majesty of a real horse would seem to me a much more appropriate symbol for William & Mary than a costumed human turning somersaults.

   
   
4. on 09 Jan 2010 at 10:14 am4 Friesian x 3

   The “feathered horse” (Friesian) clearly had greater historical relevance to W&M than the wren, phoenix, pug or griffin. The reason the wren was submitted was merely the name “wren” itself. Its actual connection to W&M via the Wren Building is likely a historical inaccuracy…a poor basis for the college mascot.

   The King & Queen as mascots will be derided by others. The image of K&Q doing “handstands” (actually a question in the recent on-line mascot questionaire) on the sidelines or with exaggerated physical features insults the royal family and mocks the college itself.

   The griffin and phoenix are the antithesis of “tribe”.

   The Friesian is the strongest physical image, a quality lacking in the others. The pug duplicates the JMU bulldog, but in a weaker form.

   For these reasons I “third” the recommendation to reconsider the Friesian.