Cal Poly Introduced New Live Mascot Chase II
The university retired its previous mascot after a decade of service and debuted Chase II in San Luis Obispo.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Large Animals
Cal Poly introduced Chase II as its new live mascot following a debut at the Farmers' Market in Downtown San Luis Obispo on February 19. The horse replaces the previous mascot, Chase, who served the university for a decade.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant update for the university's traditions, ensuring that the live mascot role remains filled for upcoming campus and community events. This change follows a multi-year effort to identify and train a suitable replacement.
Three horses participated in the university training program, which began following the acquisition of the animal from the Nevada Correctional Center three years ago.
The players
Cal Poly
This is a public university located in San Luis Obispo that maintains a specialized equine center for student research and animal training.
Chase II
He is the newly designated live mascot for Cal Poly, having been selected after a rigorous training program involving socialization and field readiness.
Niño
He is a companion horse that runs alongside the primary mascot during official field performances and public university events.
The details
Chase II underwent more than a year of intensive training, which included familiarization with stadium noise and being ponied by a handler on horseback. Students at the university equine center socialized the horse to ensure he was prepared for the environment of field performances, where he is accompanied by a companion horse named Niño.
Timeline
Three years ago, Cal Poly purchased the horse from the Nevada Correctional Center.
Over the past year, the horse adjusted to stadium noise and mascot responsibilities.
On February 19, Chase II officially debuted at the Farmers' Market in San Luis Obispo.
Culture Shift
The use of live horses in university athletics reflects a broader trend of maintaining traditional campus customs while modernizing the welfare and training standards for animal participants. By integrating specific socialization programs, universities align their mascot programs with established equine welfare guidelines.
Residents of San Luis Obispo can expect to see Chase II at future university events and local gatherings throughout the year. The horse will be a consistent presence in campus activities, maintaining the long-standing tradition of a live mascot for the community.
The takeaway
The successful integration of a new live mascot highlights the importance of long-term preparation and socialization for animals in public roles. Proper training remains the most critical factor for ensuring that animal participants can handle the unpredictable nature of large crowd environments.
Further reading
For more information on the university's animal programs, visit the Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mustang News.
