The University of Wyoming is known for its distinctive symbol, a rider and bucking horse. In the logo is a world famous bucking bronc from Wyoming named, Steamboat.
Steamboat was born on ranchland between Laramie and Bosler. From the time the horse was born, he had a wild and stubborn side that later inspired the school’s spirit.
When the black colt with three white socks was refusing to be wrangled, he broke a bone in his nose that, once healed up, left him sounding like a steamboat. That distinct sound got him his name, Steamboat.
The horse made his first rodeo debut in Denver in the early 1900’s. From 1901 to 1914 the horse made his legacy by bucking off all riders in his career except a handful.
During his rodeo days, a photo had been captured of the famous horse with one of the few cowboys that rode him, Guy Holt. Holt was a World Champion in the Bronco Rider Contest at the Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1903.
This photo captured the eyes of the UW Equipment Manager, Dean Hunton, and he had it made into a logo. The logo you see on campus is still here today.
The indomitable spirit of the horse and the grit of the cowboy to ride him, represents the spirit of Wyoming.
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