Barn name: Thunder II.

Thunder “thunders” down the field after a Denver Broncos’ touchdown.

Details: 1994 gray Arabian gelding by Solstice and out of Camila, by Gondolier.

Owned by: Sharon Magness Blake, Englewood, Colorado.

Trained by: Ann Judge-Wegener, Bennet, Colorado.

You probably know him as: The Denver Broncos’ mascot who “thunders” down the football field after each touchdown.

A good sense of humor: “He’s very playful. At the games if we’re not scoring, he plays with water bottles,” says Sharon. “I’ve taught him to pull my (coat) zipper up and down.”

A strong bond: “He trusts Annie and trusts me, in order to do what he does. It’s unusual for a horse to be able to take that kind of noise and stimulation and behave very well,” Sharon says.

Only a little spoiled: “The caterers bring him peeled, diced carrots be- fore every game,” says Ann. “During one of the cold games when I was sipping on hot cider, I discovered that he really wanted some. So now he gets hot cider, too.”

Loves attention: “Thunder’s very tender and wonderful with kids. He’ll play with them, ruffle up their hair, or blow kisses in their faces,” Ann says. “He’s very tolerant, but he’s got a great sense of humor. He’s really hilarious. If he sees a camera, he immediately faces it and puts his ears up.”

Leading the team: One of the most dangerous parts of Thunder’s job is leading out the Broncos at a home game. “You’ve got the cheerleaders with their pompoms in front?which he’s not crazy about?and the team getting excited behind you,” Sharon says. “Now, I put my face on his face, and I stay there as long as I can, and he just stays very quiet. The proudest I’ve been was when Annie went to run out of the tunnel, and someone ran in front of her. Thunder stopped on a dime.”

What did you think of this article?

Thank you for your feedback!

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Horse&Rider provides all you need for today’s Western horse life. Learn from top professional trainers, clinicians, and horsekeeping experts.

Related Articles

HR_23BON_Travel_Franklin TN Mustangs 02

Travel to Franklin, Tennessee For the Mustang Makeover

Make your way down to Franklin, Tennessee, to watch selected trainers showcase their previously untouched mustang in a variety of events.
Read Now
IMG_6498_jpg-741x1024

Having an Attitude of Gratitude

Even the most mundane of chores becomes a cherished action, when you are suddenly unable to do the things you've always done.
Read Now
sara-and-reba-3

Horses We'd Like to Own: Reba

A piece of the American West, this gritty mare has proven her worth time and time again, and even stared death in the face.
Read Now