Charles Barkley arrives outside studio on high horse

Charles Barkley, who was recently voted the "favorite announcer" in a player's poll conducted by Sports Illustrated, celebrated winning the showdown by arriving outside TNT's "Inside the NBA" studio the only way they do it in Oklahoma— by horseback.

Even though Barkley is technically a studio analyst— and not an announcer— he rode in on his high horse and black hat to announce his arrival as the new sheriff in town.

While head-shaking fans outside the arena— before last night's Oklahoma City Thunder-San Antonio Spurs game— watched the greenhorn try to keep from falling off Gunner the horse, you can hear one of Barkley's co-hosts from the show, Ernie Johnson, urging the stallion to "just take off."

All that was missing from the scene was Clint Eastwood's squint and a tumble weed.

In the 124 player poll, Barkley beat out some of his contemporaries like Jeff Van Gundy, Steve Kerr, Reggie Miller and even the legendary Marv Albert.  Most satisfying to Barkley was probably besting his co-host and studio nemesis Shaquille O'Neal.  Sometimes there just ain't enough room in that there set for the both of them.

At least in the old west they had a hat big enough for Barkley's head and ego— the ten-gallon variety.

After seeing Barkley being guided around by like a four-year old getting a pony ride,  I think the Round Mound of Rebound should stick to studios not stables.