LONG LIVE THE
MATADORS
The quintessential history of Texas Tech University's Masked Rider mascot program
CHRONICLING MORE THAN
70 YEARS OF FEARLESS HORSES AND RIDERS.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The first ridden-horse mascot tradition began at the Gator Bowl on January 1, 1954, when Joe Kirk Fulton led out the Red Raider Football Team on a black horse. Now, more than 70 years, 65 riders, and 15 horses later, the Masked Rider serves as an icon of Texas Tech University.
Long Live the Matadors tells their story in photographs and writing in this 240-page coffee-table-style book. It also features the only comprehensive listing and genealogies of the horses in the program and riders' hometowns and majors.
FOUR WAYS TO BRING IT HOME.
Get your copy from one of the online retailers below. LLTM is also available at select gift stores and Texas Tech University Press events.
FROM RIDER TO WRITER
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stacy Stockard Caliva is an award-winning author, graphic designer, and communications professional in Lubbock, Texas. A three-time graduate of Texas Tech University and licensed attorney, she served as the 43rd Masked Rider and continues to sit on the program's advisory committee. Stacy has been involved with horses for more than three decades, including a successful career on competitive horse judging teams, judging regional horse shows in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, competing on Texas Tech's inaugural Ranch Horse Team, training horses, and teaching youth and amateur riders.
Stacy also sits on the Raider Red Committee, which oversees Texas Tech's national champion costumed mascot program, and advises the High Riders spirit organization.
PRESS & MEDIA
"Texas Tech’s 43rd Masked Rider turns passion project into new book"
Caprock Chronicles: The story of Texas Tech's unofficial first Masked Rider
— KCBD
— Stacy Caliva for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Long Live the Matadors wins the 2026 Rupert N. Richardson Award at the West Texas Historical Association's annual meeting. The award recognizes the best non-fiction book published on West Texas History.
Stacy speaks about first female Masked Rider in Texas Tech's Centennial documentary.
— From Here, a Texas Tech Story
Long Live the Matadors wins a 2025 Winnie Award from the Equus Film & Arts Fest held in Maryland. The Equus Film & Arts Fest celebrates the art of storytelling through film, literature, and art with the Literary Corral celebrating its 12th year.
"We just get the world's greatest students at Texas Tech, and they tend to find their way to this program, which I am so grateful for."
— Stacy Caliva for the Masked Rider 70th Anniversary Featurette
BRING THE STORY
TO YOUR AUDIENCE.
Invite Stacy to speak to your group or at your conference. She has delivered keynote addresses, presented to classes and civic groups, and given intimate talks to small groups.