A five-month old black and white filly named Birthday Wishes has been donated to the Golden Saddle Club, the booster organization for the McNeese State University rodeo team, by Sulphur businessman Jack Hebert for a raffle to raise funds for rodeo scholarships. Cecil Musgrove, left, president of the Golden Saddle Club, and Hebert show off the filly, which will be on display at all home games beginning this Saturday, Sept. 6, at the McNeese vs. Delta State University football game at 7 p.m. in Cowboy Stadium. McNeese Photo

A beautiful five-month old black and white overo filly - Birthday Wishes - has been donated to the Golden Saddle Club, the booster organization for the McNeese State University rodeo team, by Sulphur businessman Jack Hebert for a raffle to raise funds for rodeo scholarships.

The filly will be on display at all McNeese home football games this season and the lucky winner will be announced at the final home game Nov. 8 against Stephen F. Austin. Tickets are $5 and a booth will be set up outside the northwest gate before each home football game to sell tickets.

Hebert, who raises paints and thoroughbreds on his 300-acre farm, is a strong supporter of McNeese and Cecil Musgrove, president of the Golden Saddle Club, said, "Jack Hebert has provided whatever we have asked of him and we are so appreciative of his support."

Hebert, who attended McNeese, will also provide handlers to travel with the horse to promote this fundraising endeavor. "This is a paint with a unique color pattern," said Hebert. "I am excited about donating this horse to raise money for scholarships for the McNeese rodeo team."

McNeese rodeo coach, Justin Browning, said tickets will also be available through the rodeo office by calling 475-5696. He said tickets can also be purchased during the annual McNeese Rodeo scheduled Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at the West Cal-Cam Arena in Sulphur.

Browning said the filly has the same blood line as Moon Dancer Tux, the horse with the "mystery" rider who was introduced to Cowboy fans last football season at home games, again thanks to the generosity of Hebert. The horse and rider tradition continues this Saturday at 7 p.m. in Cowboy Stadium where McNeese plays Delta State University.