From Elgin, Texas · Handler Moe Taylor · 30+ Years Experience

BEN THE
LEGENDARY
LONGHORN

The viral sensation who's taken Texas — and the internet — by storm. ESPN. Sports Illustrated. Millions of views.

📱 22M+ Views 🐂 8 Years Old 🗺️ 8 States 🤘 4 UT Seasons
22M+
Instagram & TikTok Views
8
Years Old
4
Years at UT Games
8
States Traveled

THE LEGEND


Meet the gentle giant who became a Texas icon


A Texas Tradition
Ben the Legendary Longhorn isn't just any steer—he's a 7-year-old sensation who's been stealing hearts at Texas Longhorns football games for four years straight. Owned by Moe Taylor of Elgin, Texas, Ben has become a beloved fixture at UT Austin tailgates.

Starting when Ben was just 2 years old, Moe began riding him to games on North Campus and West Campus. What started as a unique way to show Longhorn pride has evolved into a viral phenomenon that's captured national attention.

The Dynamic Duo (Plus One)

Ben doesn't travel alone—he's often accompanied by Damit, Joe's loyal blue heeler dog, who rides right along on Ben's back. Yes, I said Joe, not Moe. Joe is Moe's brother.  Together they bring the real "MoJo" to this iconic crew. They have become quite the sight around Austin and beyond.

Ben has journeyed to 8 different states, following not just the UT Longhorn football team, but also the women's softball team. He's a true superfan who brings smiles wherever he goes.

As Moe says: "Ben really is a gentle giant and loves to be hugged and scratched. The people of Austin really love Ben the Longhorn."

 

VIRAL MOMENTS

The moments that put Ben on the national map

Sept 7, 2025

Instagram Goes Wild for Ben

Two major Instagram accounts shared Ben's story on the same day, generating nearly 12 million views combined and close to a million likes.

📸
@kinsycutie
factsabouttexas
2.8M views
281K likes
@fuckjerry VERIFIED
Major verified comedy/culture account
9.1M views
690K likes
Nov 30, 2024

Texas A&M Game Goes Viral

Ben and Moe rode to the Texas vs. Texas A&M game at College Station — the first rivalry game in over a decade. Texas A&M police spotted the duo on campus and after about an hour asked them to leave. They headed to the legendary Dixie Chicken where Ben took photos with ecstatic fans. The story exploded on Twitter/X with millions of impressions and was picked up by ESPN, Sports Illustrated, CBS Austin, KHOU Houston, ON3 Sports, Whiskey Riff, and dozens more.

Sept 2024

TikTok & Social Media Sensation

@itsmealfie11111's video of Ben at UT's home opener exploded on TikTok with 2.3 million views and 441K likes. Set to "I'm from Texas" by Trae tha Truth, Ben rode through West Campus with Damit on his back. Another TikTok by @Destiny_drippy from a parade in Houston, TX has 544K likes.

2021–2024

Four Years of Tradition

Ben has been a staple at UT tailgates for four consecutive seasons — football, softball, you name it. Known as a gentle giant who loves greeting fans, he became a beloved Austin icon long before going national.

2018

The Beginning

When Ben was just 2 years old, Moe Taylor started riding him in Elgin, Texas. The foundation of a legend was born at Hooves & Horns TX — and the rest is history.

MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Ben's story has captured national attention across major outlets

Burnt Orange

Meet Moe Taylor: The Man on the Longhorn at Texas Games

burntxorange.com

Read Full Story →
MySA

Diehard UT Fan Brings Literal Longhorn to Austin Tailgates

mysanantonio.com · Sept 12, 2024

Read Full Story →
ESPN

Texas vs. Texas A&M Rivalry Scene 2024 — Ben Featured

espn.com · Dec 2, 2024

Read Full Story →
Sports Illustrated

Texas A&M Police Escorts Out Man Who Rode Longhorn Near Stadium

si.com · Nov 30, 2024

Read Full Story →
Burnt Orange Nation

Man Riding Steer Forced to Leave A&M Campus

burntorangenation.com · Nov 30, 2024

Read Full Story →
ON3 Sports

Texas A&M Police Ask Man and Dog Riding Longhorn to Exit Campus

on3.com · Dec 1, 2024

Read Full Story →
Elgin Courier

Moe Taylor Leads Ben, Iconic Longhorn — Holiday by the Tracks

elgincourier.com

Read Full Story →
Whiskey Riff

Man Riding A Longhorn With His Dog Kicked Off Texas A&M Campus

whiskeyriff.com · Dec 1, 2024

Read Full Story →
Animals Around The Globe

Man Rides Longhorn with Dog in Lap To College Football Match in Texas

animalsaroundtheglobe.com · Apr 2, 2025

Read Full Story →
FOLLOW BEN

In addition to seeing Ben pop up on random accounts across the internet, you can follow his official pages to stay up to date!

WHY BEN?

The numbers and the story speak for themselves

📺
ESPN Mention
🏆
Sports Illustrated
📱
Viral TikTok & Social Reach
🤠
Recognized Texas Fan Icon
💰
High Sponsor Value
📰
Strong PR Story
👨‍👩‍👧
Family Friendly Brand
🗺️
Major Texas Coverage

BOOK BEN FOR YOUR EVENT

Awards galas. Weddings. Brand launches. Race weekends. Festivals. Tailgates. Corporate events. Museums. Libraries. If you're creating an experience people won't forget — Ben belongs there.

No matter the occasion, Ben the Legendary Longhorn brings a one-of-a-kind Texas moment that stops people in their tracks, fills up camera rolls, and gets talked about long after the event is over.

Visit Hooves & Horns TX →

Ben the Legendary Longhorn

Part of Hooves & Horns TX · Elgin, Texas

Family-owned livestock entertainment serving Austin & Central Texas