One of Kovacs' "Kapusta Kid" puppets - this is 'Albumen' the horse. He was part of a cast of animal characters Ernie used for years on different shows. 'Albumen' is wearing his space suit from "THE KAPUSTA KID IN OUTER SPACE" which was broadcast on NBC December 19, 1955. The video of the show is on Youtube.Scenes from the show including a frustrated Ernie "breaking the fourth wall" by popping his head up and asking the crew if they have "lost their minds" as they were advancing the cue cards too quickly and taking a bow.
