The Cowgirl and The Colts
A Story of the 1st Female NFL Mascot
by Paul Travers
In 1959 Carolyn Clark and her pony Dixie rode into the pages of football history as the first female mascot in professional football. Carolyn was an accomplished horsewoman by the age of ten and daughter of the legendary jockey Willie Clark. She dreamed of starting a riding academy for handicapped children. Her fame as a Baltimore Colt created a touching story of faith, family, friendship and football. This is her story – a look at life in the 1950's, professional football, horses, and rock and roll as seen through the eyes of a young cowgirl.
"The Baltimore Colts were a complete team: that was not just the players but the fans. What would that team have been without Carolyn and Dixie? They were a special part of that team, the magical and fragile bond between players and fans."
Raymond Berry — Baltimore Colts 1955 to 1967
Pro Football Hall of Fame 1973
Carolyn & Dixie ...
Carolyn Clark and her Welsh pony, Dixie, created sports history as the first female mascot in a professional football league. Saddle-up for a ride into the Fabulous Fifties as Carolyn becomes the "new cowgirl of the Old West" with the world champion Baltimore Colts. Hear the cheers and jeers as Carolyn and Dixie face the challenges of new careers on and off the field. Meet a fascinating cast of heroes, healers, and horses who bring a forgotten history to life!
"I remember it as if it was yesterday, the crowd cheering wildly as Carolyn rode her pony Dixie around the stadium to celebrate a Baltimore Colts touchdown. Carolyn had the unique ability to realize her dreams and touch the lives of others at such a young age. In my eyes, she will always be a Baltimore legend."
William Donald Schaefer — Governor of Maryland 1987 to 1995
Mayor of Baltimore 1971 to 1981
Related Links...
"Carolyn knew her calling early in life. She was already a successful cowgirl when she rode to fame as the mascot for the Baltimore Colts. She did what she loved and knew best... riding Dixie and being a cowgirl 'til the end!"
Sherri Mell — Cowgirl Hall of Fame 2004
Appaloosa Hall of Fame 2006
Founder of R.O.P.E.R.
"A heartwarming story about a little girl who defied all odds and rode her pony Dixie into the pages of early professional football history, leaving a legacy to inspire young ladies to pursue their love of the equestrian sport."
John Ziemann — Former Baltimore Colts Band Member
President of Baltimore's Marching Ravens
Indianapolis Colts on Wikipedia - History of the Baltimore / Indianapolis Colts franchise.
Welsh Ponies & Cobs - The Official Web Site of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America, Inc.
Memorial Stadium on Stadiums of the NFL - A brief history of Memorial Stadium, home of the Baltimore Colts football team from September 1953 until December 1983 when the organization was moved to Indianapolis.
Photo Gallery...
Carolyn Clark was born in the jockey's room of a Charles Town, West Virginia hospital in 1949. Her father, Willie Clark, was a jockey at Charles Town Races who had ridden in 10,630 races by the time he retired at the age of 69. Carolyn's mother, Dorothy Clark, was a thoroughbred horse trainer at the family owned Green Hill Farm in Upperco, Maryland.
Carolyn learned to ride when she was only 2 years old. By the time she was 7, she was leading horses to the track at Pimlico Race Course and earning dozens of ribbons in local pony shows. In 1959, at the age of 9, Carolyn and her white Welsh pony, Dixie, became Baltimore Colts mascots, riding around the warning track at Memorial Stadium after every Colts touchdown or field goal.
On October 11, 1965, sixteen year old Carolyn Clark was killed when the driver of the car in which she was riding fell asleep and the vehicle crashed into a bridge abutment along Route 40 just outside of Aberdeen, MD.
According to Dottie Hicks, Carolyn's older sister, Dixie the Welsh pony — who's real name was Crayfield Starlight — lived out his days on Senator Daniel Brewster's farm in Worthington Valley.
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The Cowgirl and The Colts
A Story of the 1st Female NFL Mascot
by Paul Travers
This book has just been released. It is currently available for purchase directly from the publisher, Helm Publishing.