The Denver Broncos have a very popular and well-known mascot named Thunder. Thunder is a real horse that makes appearances at every Broncos home game and various other events throughout the year. He is a magnificent Arabian horse that is cherished by fans and players alike. Thunder is not just any ordinary horse, he is a symbol of strength, power, and determination. His presence on the field during games creates an atmosphere of excitement and energy. Fans eagerly await his appearance as he gallops down the field, leading the team out of the tunnel before every home game.
Flip back through the years of Broncos training camps with photos of fans dating back about three decades.
Thunder II retired from performing in games in early 2014 after the Broncos won the AFC Championship for the 2013-2014 season, but continued to make public appearances. Thunder s job usually includes leading the team onto the field at the start of every home game and running from one end of the field to the other when the team scores a touchdown or a field goal.
Fans eagerly await his appearance as he gallops down the field, leading the team out of the tunnel before every home game. It is a sight to behold as the crowd erupts in cheers and applause. The mascot tradition began in 1993 when the original Thunder, a purebred Arabian horse, made his debut.
Thunder (Denver Broncos)
Thunder is the stage name for the horse who is the official live animal mascot for the Denver Broncos football team. Three purebred Arabians have held this position, all gray horses whose coats lightened with age until they were completely white. Thunder has appeared in four Super Bowls with the Broncos, including an appearance by "Thunder III" at Super Bowl 50 in 2016. Thunder shares mascot duties with Miles, a human who wears a fake horse head and a Broncos uniform.
Thunder's job usually includes leading the team onto the field at the start of every home game and running from one end of the field to the other when the team scores a touchdown or a field goal. He and his rider also interact with fans prior to each game; the horse is particularly popular with children, who are allowed to pet him. The horses who have served as Thunder are trained to trust their handlers and to remain calm in situations that would normally frighten horses, including being inside loud football stadiums filled with thousands of fans and performing in the presence of exploding pyrotechnics, loud music, cheerleaders waving pom-poms, skydivers landing on the field, and other spectacles common to both American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) games. The first Thunder performed at two Super Bowl games during his career, and, as of 2016, Thunder III has appeared at Super Bowl XLVIII and Super Bowl 50. In 2014, Thunder III also made promotional appearances in Times Square and on television morning news shows in New York City. Thunder is routinely asked to appear in parades and at many other public functions. He has needed to travel in airplanes, ride on elevators, appear indoors for press conferences, visit hospitals and schools, and on at least one occasion, walked amongst banquet tables in a hotel ballroom.
The first Thunder, later named "Thunder, Sr.", was a stallion whose registered name was JB Kobask. Originally a show horse, he was the original mascot from 1993 until his retirement in 2004, and continued to make community appearances until his death in 2009. He was succeeded by the gelding Winter Solstyce, foaled in 1994, the personal pleasure riding horse for his owner, who took over as "Thunder II" in 2004. Thunder II retired from performing in games in early 2014 after the Broncos won the AFC Championship for the 2013-2014 season, but continued to make public appearances. "Thunder III", whose registered name is Me N Myshadow, was the understudy to Thunder II, specifically trained to become the next Thunder, beginning when he was started under saddle at age three, and began performing at preseason games in 2013. Although Thunder II was the mascot for the 2013-14 season, Thunder III went to Super Bowl XLVIII because he was younger and better able to handle being shipped by air to the east coast. Each mascot had a different personality: JB Kobask was very bold, while Winter Solstyce was more timid at first but grew into the role, being notable for his friendliness to people and for his tendency to pose for cameras. Me N Myshadow is laid-back and would prefer to doze off during games when he is not performing; he wears ear plugs to protect his hearing. Sharon Magness-Blake has owned all three horses. The trainer and rider of Thunder is Ann Judge-Wegener.
Thunder is trained and ridden by Ann Judge of Thunder Spirit LLC. She is an accomplished equestrian.
Since then, there have been multiple Thunder mascots, all of them equally captivating and beloved by the Broncos community. Each Thunder mascot is specially trained and cared for by his own team of professionals to ensure his well-being and safety. Thunder not only entertains the fans during games but also participates in community events and charity activities throughout the year. He is a symbol of the team's commitment to giving back to the community and connecting with fans on a personal level. The Denver Broncos organization takes great pride in their mascot Thunder and the joy he brings to the fans. He is an integral part of the team's identity and a beloved figure in the city of Denver. Whether it is leading the team onto the field or interacting with fans, Thunder embodies the spirit of the Broncos and continues to be a beloved symbol of the team's success and passion..
Reviews for "Thunder's Tricks and Antics: Memorable Moments from the Denver Broncos' Mascot"
1. John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the Denver Broncos mascots, Thunder. I found their performance to be underwhelming and lackluster. The whole routine seemed uncoordinated and sloppy. I was expecting something more energetic and exciting, but they just failed to deliver. Overall, I wouldn't recommend watching their performance.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - While I appreciate the effort put into the Denver Broncos mascots, Thunder, I wasn't impressed with their performance. The choreography felt repetitive and didn't showcase any unique or captivating moves. Additionally, the costumes seemed outdated and didn't really match the grandeur of the Broncos organization. Overall, I felt let down by their performance and wouldn't go out of my way to see them again.
3. Mike - 3 stars - The Denver Broncos mascots, Thunder, were just okay in my opinion. I didn't find their performance particularly memorable or impressive. Their routine lacked the charisma and energy that I expected from a professional mascot team. While it was nice to see them supporting the team, I think there's definitely room for improvement in their performance. Overall, I'm on the fence about recommending them to others.
4. Lisa - 2 stars - I have to say I was quite disappointed with the Denver Broncos mascots, Thunder. Their routine felt outdated and lacked excitement. It seemed like they were just going through the motions without any real enthusiasm. I was hoping for a more interactive and engaging performance, but unfortunately, they fell short. I wouldn't recommend attending their show if you're looking for an entertaining and thrilling experience.