 Ralphie II made her debut on November 18 , 1978 , the final home game of the season , and last game for head coach Bill Mallory . Colorado lost 16 @-@ 20 to Iowa State . But the Ralphie Program and name became a tradition . In 1985 Colorado selected the homecoming theme of “ Ralphie goes to Hollywood . ” In 1986 Ralphie made the trip to Oklahoma and ran at the Colorado vs Oklahoma State game and stayed at OSU ’ s veterinary clinic . Students from Oklahoma State University broke into the clinic that night and spray painted “ OSU ” in orange letters . Ralphie II was transported around in the same modified steel , brown 4 @-@ horse trailer that Ralphie I used . Initially Ralphie II used the same custom leather harness that Ralphie I used , but used a different headstall . The harness was modified to fit Ralphie II ’ s bigger size than Ralphie I ’ s . In 1986 a new harness and headstall was used by Ralphie , this one was built by Carl W. Pike Saddlery out of Boulder , Colorado , the same company who modified the original harness to fit Ralphie II . The new headstall featured the iconic brass “ CU ” emblem on the front of the headstall . While always a part of the Athletic Department , it was not until 1987 when Ralphie Handlers first earned a Varsity Letter for their participation . 
