In the middle of busy university life, two chestnut Haflinger horses named Pistol and Pete always catch people’s eyes on the University of Wyoming campus. With their light-colored manes and calm steps, these draft horses are more than just a pretty sight. They stand as living symbols of Wyoming’s farming history and the lasting values of hard work, community, and a close connection to the land.
Pistol and Pete joined the university in 2015 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station. Their arrival was more than a ceremony. It was a way to reconnect the university’s agricultural programs with the public and honor the role of draft horses in Wyoming’s farming history.
Haflingers are strong, calm, and good at many jobs, making them a great choice. They originate from overseas and have long been used to pull carts, wagons, and work in fields and forests. Pistol and Pete show these traits every day, working hard and representing the university to the public.
Each day, the horses help out at the Laramie Research and Extension Center. They haul hay for cattle, pull harrows to break up feeding areas, and do other jobs that would usually need machines. Their work is useful and also teaches students and visitors about traditional farming.
Besides their work at the research center, Pistol and Pete are well-known at university and community events. They often join parades, field days, and campus celebrations, sometimes pulling a restored sheep wagon that reminds people of Wyoming’s ranching past. Their appearances at Homecoming, the UW Rodeo, and graduation have become a favorite tradition, bringing people together and making lasting memories.
During commencement week, the horses often give rides around Prexy’s Pasture, dressed in university colors and surrounded by seasonal decorations. These moments bring a sense of celebration and connect generations of students to the university’s agricultural roots.
Pistol and Pete also help with outreach and education beyond campus. They have visited elementary schools, joined statewide parades like the Cody Stampede, and even appeared at the re-dedication of the Wyoming State Capitol. Their calm and friendly nature makes them great for meeting children and people new to agriculture, helping explain livestock and farming.
Their role at the university extends into the classroom and experiential learning environments. Students studying animal science, agriculture, and related fields have the opportunity to work directly with the horses. This hands-on experience is increasingly rare in academic settings and provides valuable insights into animal husbandry, teamwork, and the historical significance of draft animals.
Seeing Pistol and Pete can remind people of the values at the heart of Wyoming’s farming and ranching traditions. In a state where agriculture still matters, these horses stand for resilience, teamwork, and respect for the land. Their steady presence encourages people to think about why sustainability, tradition, and the changing role of agriculture are still important today.
As the university grows and faces new challenges, Pistol and Pete are still here. Their work and appearances help connect old traditions with modern education, making sure lessons from the past stay relevant and easy to understand.
As they near their tenth year at the University of Wyoming, Pistol and Pete have become much more than just draft horses. They are a big part of campus life, teach people about agriculture, and are friends to anyone wanting to learn more about farming and community. Whether they’re pulling a wagon through snow or leading a parade down Grand Avenue, they show the strong, steady spirit that is at the heart of the university.
