By: Susan Heckler
Did you hear about the Thunder on Super Bowl weekend? There is Thunder and then there is Thunder. Both teams competing in the Super Bowl had mascots named Thunder. The Seattle Seahawk’s is a hawk named Taima which means “thunder.” The Denver Bronco’s mascot is a beautiful purebred Arabian gelding named Thunder.
When Thunder the horse needs to come to New Jersey to represent his team, it is not an easy chore. It is a very long drive in a horse trailer for this majestic animal, even without factoring in the winter weather, and he certainly can’t fly coach. Thunder was shipped to Newark airport by Federal Express and was accompanied by a few humans. Needless to say, they did not book a suite at the local Holiday Inn for him.
Thunder was a guest at a local horse farm for the big weekend. Golden Gait Farm, located at 323 Sweetmans Lane in Millstone Township was the chosen location. The owners of the horse, Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake chose the farm from viewing it on the website. They chose Millstone Township as it is roughly 45 minutes away from the stadium, the same commute he has in Colorado.
Thunder was busy doing appearances in New York City, and arrived by a chauffeur driven trailer from Golden Gait Farm. He was seen showing up on the Today Show, Fox & Friends and other morning shows to promote his team. You would think a country boy would be bothered by Manhattan crowds and traffic, but not this young man. Thunder was not disturbed by the ruckus and did his ‘thing’ like a true professional.
While not on the job and on his down time, he got to enjoy the beautiful surroundings Millstone offers. He got to ride the trails at scenic Halka Nursery with Golden Gait owner Jacki Hundertpfund and the mascot rider Ann Judge-Wegener.
Having such a famous visitor demanded some special treatment. Security cameras were installed so Thunder could be supervised 24/7. According to the owner of the farm, Thunder was quite the gentleman and is welcome to come back and stay anytime.
Thunder was a guest at a local horse farm for the big weekend. Golden Gait Farm, located at 323 Sweetmans Lane in Millstone Township was the chosen location. The owners of the horse, Sharon Magness Blake & Ernie Blake chose the farm from viewing it on the website. They chose Millstone Township as it is roughly 45 minutes away from the stadium, the same commute he has in Colorado.
Thunder was busy doing appearances in New York City, and arrived by a chauffeur driven trailer from Golden Gait Farm. He was seen showing up on the Today Show, Fox & Friends and other morning shows to promote his team. You would think a country boy would be bothered by Manhattan crowds and traffic, but not this young man. Thunder was not disturbed by the ruckus and did his ‘thing’ like a true professional.
While not on the job and on his down time, he got to enjoy the beautiful surroundings Millstone offers. He got to ride the trails at scenic Halka Nursery with Golden Gait owner Jacki Hundertpfund and the mascot rider Ann Judge-Wegener.
Having such a famous visitor demanded some special treatment. Security cameras were installed so Thunder could be supervised 24/7. According to the owner of the farm, Thunder was quite the gentleman and is welcome to come back and stay anytime.