The Denver Broncos' live mascot, Thunder, and his owners are ending their careers with the team in a very fitting way: riding off into the sunset of retirement. After 33 years of ownership, Sharon Magness and Ernie Blake, longtime Thunder rider Ann Judge and the white Arabian horse Thunder are retiring from service. "On behalf of our organization and all of Broncos Country, we thank Sharon Magness Blake and Ernie Blake, Ann Judge and the entire Thunder Spirit team for their extraordinary contributions to the Denver Broncos," team co-owner Carrie Walton Penner said in a statement. "For more than three decades, Thunder created lasting memories for fans as an iconic part of our gameday experience and community outreach." You can view the statement, as well as a fitting tribute from the team, below.
“We have the deepest appreciation for what Sharon, Ernie, Ann and the Thunder Spirit team have meant to the Broncos and look forward to building on their incredible legacy.” Broncos Owner & Foundation Board Chair Carrie Walton Penner on the Thunder Spirit team's impact: pic.twitter.com/uEciGhJSWn — Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 10, 2026
After more than three decades running the Thunder program, Sharon Magness Blake, Ernie Blake and Ann Judge are retiring. Thank you to the entire Thunder Spirit team for leaving a legacy that will continue to engage and delight fans for generations to come! 📰 »… pic.twitter.com/tdRgE8vQfl — Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 10, 2026 Broncos insider Mike Klis reassured fans that the live mascot program will continue, just with different owners, trainer and horse. Thunder has been a tradition beloved by fans, and having it continue both at Empower Field and the Broncos' new stadium will surely be a highlight of many gamedays to come.
To be clear the mascot Thunder will continue to gallop after Broncos scores (except for safeties and after 2-min warning of each half). There will be a new owner, rider and horse going forward. https://t.co/EcCmsoet09 — MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 10, 2026 Elsewhere on the mascot front, Miles was recently inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Miles received congratulations from several of Denver's gold jacket wearers, including Peyton Manning and Steve Atwater, as well as current players like wide receivers Marvin Mims and Courtland Sutton. You can view the tribute to Miles below.
To our good friend, @5280Miles: Congratulations on making it into the Mascot Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/Mqn3U6oxyH — Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 7, 2026 Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans. This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Thunder, Broncos' live mascot, retires (but a new horse is on the way)