Mascot Appearances

Big News - Retired!
 Thunder is loving life having retired in the Sunshine State! He and Lightning retired on February 21, 2009 just after Lightning's last appearance at the Purina Walk for the Animals Pet Walk in downtown Miami. The horses thank all of their fans for taking all the great photos of them, petting them, coming to their appearances and for taking the time to learn about the world of horses. They both want you to know they are happy spending days running and playing, eating really good grass andjust being silly little horses!

February - Purina Walk for the Animals
Lightning met a few thousand adoring fans -- both canine and human -- at the annual walk to raise money for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. She posed for photos, signed autographs with her hoof and she also gave out her glamour photos for donations for the charity. She was a very big hit as usual!

December - Thunder & Lightning are celebrating the holiday season, see you in 2009!
Actually, we think Thunder wanted the holidays off so he could be a reindeer for Santa, because he heard reindeer eat sugar treats!

November  - Humane Society Anniversary Celebration
Lightning greeted dogs and the local community while the DJ played music, people shopped the garage and book sale, and dogs participated in dress up contests. Lightning also posed for photos with some of North Miami's city officials which made her feel important especially during an election month.Lightning also posed with many kids and a few dogs with the donations going to the Humane Society's fundraiser. 

November - The Florida Fair - Celebrating All Things Florida
Lightning and Thunder met a real Florida panther and listened to the parrots talk while kids learned abotu Florida history and wildlife. Earthman was a favorite of Lightning's because of his colorful costume, while Thunder wanted to meet Butch, the Florida cowboy, who grew up in the Florida swamps. 

October 2008 - Sheridan Park Elementary School Career Day
Lightning greeted kids as they arrived for school and then she did presentations to every kindergarten class. Lots of other classes came in to see her, even though they were not sheduled to. They were that excited! Wouldn't you be if a mini horse showed up to your class?

October 2008 - Festival of the Sun and Horse Fair at Calder
Thunder & Lightning once again represented Calder in the Mini Parade featuring miniature horses parading on the track. They also mingled with the crowd and Lightning loved leading the Kid's Parade with over 125 kids participating. Lightning pranced down the track apron to the winner's circle and back with smiling, waving kids and she loved every minute of it!

August 2008 - Miami Children's Museum "Target Stores Friday Nights Out" Program
The Mini Mascots were on hand for kids for this FREE night at the museum for kids and their adults in which 2500 people turned out. Target stores underwrites the program to allow families with limited budgets to enjoy the museum's offerings. Many families enjoyed the photo opportunity with the Minis.

KISS Cares for Kids Radiothon for the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
July 2008 - The Minis, Thunder & Lightning, donated a $10,000 charity check to the hospital foundation for the radiothon. They met radio DJs and also stopped to visit sick kids who were a highlight of their day.

"Friday Nights are Fun" Marlins Community Foundation at Dolphin Stadium
June 2008 - Lightning visited the Marlins Community Foundation at the Marlins ballgame, where the staff fundraised by selling $1 grab bags with cool player's cards, plus raffles and other baseball-related items to buy or bid on. All money raised helps programs in the community. Lightning wore her pink Skechers for the occasion.

MINI MASCOT BIRTHDAY PARTY
May 2008 - Thunder & Lightning celebrated their 9th birthday party on Memorial Day. About 150 kids visited the party, with 24 entering the mascot coloring contest! The contest winner receives a photo in the winner's circle with the mascots this summer. Kids sang "Happy Birthday" joined by Wally our bugler, played games, took photos with Thunder & Lightning, and received gift bags compliments of the Children's Museum, Marlins Community Foundation, Royal Caribbean and the Miami Dade library. A "Mini" cake was served with "Mini" cupcakes for kids.

MIAMI CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
May 2008 - Thunder presence packed the auditorium with kids several times over a two hour period. Kids learned about the Mini Mascots, their care, about horses and jockeys and many other topics.

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF TOURNAMENT AT MICCOSUKEE GOLF CLUB
May 2008 - Lightning promoted Calder Race Course by her appearance for the GMCC annual tournament in South Miami. She met golfers who were participating in putting challenges and greeted businessmen as they started their "shotgun rally". Lightning later stayed for lunch mingling with the Chamber staff and other special guests.

JFK MIDDLE SCHOOL - BEAT MAGNET SCIENCE PROGRAM
May 2008 - Thunder & Lightning visited with all the middle school classes at the JFK Middle School in North Miami to teach kids about horses, their genetics and horse racing. A big topic was Eight Belles and Barbaro and how horses have evolved and how their systems work to assist them with healing, or in some cases detering their wellness. Kids also played a horse trviai contest to win jockey goggles.

BOOKER T WASHINGTON SPECIAL SCHOOL PROGRAM
April 2008 - Special needs students met Thunder to learn about careers with horses. Kids learned about trainers, jockeys, racetrack jobs and how to be grooms. Thunder showed kids his teeth, hooves and his mane and tail. Each got a chance to bond with him one-on-one. Thunder, who usually likes to play, was very quiet and gentle with the kids and stood very still. Later, he met the kids in the winner's circle and posed for pictures.

PAR FOR THE HORSE GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR THE SPCA
May 2008 - Lightning helped with the SPCA fundraiser by appearing on the Bonaventure Golf Course. She accepted cash donations and her presence drew awareness to concerns of uncared for animals. Of course, Lightning is a lucky horse, having been loved and cared for all her life. She wishes all animals will be treated with the love she receives.

WALK FOR THE ANIMALS
February 2008 - Lightning got to visit all her dog friends again at the Bayfront Park event for the Humane Society of Greater Miami. It was a real treat for her, she posed for pictures with dogs and their walkers. She also got to walk in the event, and was even recognized by the parade organizers.

HOLIDAY PARADE FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
January 2008 - Lightning represented Calder in the Liberty City parade and marched almost 4 miles! She loved the cheerleaders with their sequined pom-poms and boots. And she especially loved when she got to meet the police horses in the parking lot before the parade started. Lightning was excited, because she's marched in parades before, but never with a float! It was a big day! It was exciting for her also because people gave her snacks along the way. It was a long parade for Miss Lightning so she got to go home before the end of it and she even got some pink cake before she was loaded into her trailer to go home.

FAMED EQUINE SPORTS ARTIST DRAWS THE MINI MASCOTS
December 2007 - Thunder & Lightning had a big surprise on Grand Slam day when Debbie Sampson, a well known sports artist, visited Calder with her artwork. She had great paintings and sketches of Calder champions LostintheFog and Barbaro, among others. But the best sketch of all was framed and was of Thunder & Lightning. The realistic art of Lightning looking up with her big eyes and Thunder looking up but putting his lip out for food is proudly on display in the Administration building at Calder Race Course.

LIGHTNING'S FIRST PICTURE WITH SANTA
December 2007 - Thunder & Lightning volunteer annually for a kid's party for backstretch workers. Kids get gifts, a party with a clown and magican, and even get to meet Santa. Every year, Thunder & Lightning enjoy the corn on the cob and watermelon the kids bring to them at the party. But the best part this year was that Santa invited Lightning over for a picture with him and his elf, trainer Heidi Roote. Although Lightning was 8-years old, it was her very first photo with Santa, and she loved it! Thunder was looking for the reindeer, so he did not get a chance to see Santa this year, but hopefully next time

THUNDER & LIGHTNING STORY-TIME
August 2007 - Thunder & Lightning had over 600 visitors for their third annual free Friday Night program sponsored by Target at the Miami Children's Museum. The Mini Mascots participated in "Mascot Storytime" sharing racing adventures and their antics with museum visitors. Then they were groomed and posed for pictures. The auditorium, where the program was held, was set up like a stall with shavings and a corral which they loved! The floors were very slick so Thunder wore his tennis shoes. Kids even got a Calder goody bag with Thunder & Lightning's business card, a certificate of achievement and a horse-related gift.

MARLINS GAME - "Friday Nights are Fun" Community Foundation
Friday, August 3, Dolphins stadium - community area - Anyone with a ticket to the game got to visit Lightning and see the Marlins Community Foundation display which featured $1 grab bags with cool player's cards, plus raffles and other baseball-related items to buy or bid on. All money raised helped programs in the community. Lightning was there to draw attention to the area, of course. She wore her tennis shoes and a Marlins bucket hat, plus her hair was braided in Marlins colors!

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION AT GREEN GLADES RANCH
June 2, 2007 - Lightning got to visit one of the biggest supporters of the Boys and Girls Club - Broward Hall of Fame rodeo cowboy Ron Bergeron. Lightning visited his ranch to help throw a VIP party for the volunteers who work so hard all year long to make a difference in kid's lives. Lightning spent the time greeting kids, eating hot dog buns and seeing her first waterfall. Lightning also got to walk on their beach, but was scared of the waves. And before Lightning left she met a bronze horse statue and some real horses too in a big pasture. Finally, Lightning posed in front of the Boys and Girls Club sign on her way out to save the memory of it all.

MINI MASCOT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Monday, May 28, 2007 - It was hard to believe that Thunder & Lightning turned 8 years old! Thunder's even got gray hair (Lightning had some all along, probably from Thunder's playful picking on her!). Anyway, as usual here was the annual party celebration timeline:
Noon Make a Birthday card for Thunder & Lightning and get your very own party hat
1 pm Gathering with hats on and noise makers for the party
1:10 Official Singing of Happy Birthday
1:15 Presentation of the cake (and hopes that Thunder doesn't eat it!)
1:20 Quick hugs and petting for the horse
1:25 Let's eat the real cake!
1:30 Thunder & Lightning give gifts to kids. Plus, get their latest business card.

LIGHTNING HELPS "MASCOT MOM" GET HONORED
May 2007 - Tammy Gantt, director of promotions and group sales at Calder Race Course, received the 2007 Carlos J. Arboleya Community Service Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Tammy is better known as Thunder & Lightning's mom who brings them out for their appearances and is in charge of their care before their events. Named in honor of distinguished Miami business and civic leader Carlos Arboleya, the award is given to an outstanding Leadership Miami participant with a strong commitment to community service throughout the year.

Without Lightning's help, it would not have been possible for Tammy to have received the award. Lightning helped by attending the Humane Society Pet Walk which helped raise money for the pet day that Tammy helped plan. Tammy received numerous nominations based upon her outstanding dedication in creating a Pet Hurricane Preparedness Fair. The Fair -- held at the Miami Children's Museum in March -- promoted awareness of preparing pets for hurricanes, included a micro-chipping drive for only $15 per pet and featured first-hand accounts from pet rescuers to the New Orleans disaster. The event included creation and distribution of a safety checklist, Pet Hurricane Preparedness Tips. Lightning made a big difference and wants everyone to help prepare their pet (so does Thunder but he's a bit excited about dogs so he did not attend).

MYSPACE
May 2006- Thunder & Lightning and Calder Race Course have joined your favorite online friends - My Space and Hi5. Thunder & Lightning can be visited on the friends site Hi5 at http://minimascots.hi5.com. Many horse trainers have joined them as friends, along with show jumpers and even cowboys. Maybe the trainers can give the mascots some schooling so they can learn even more! Calder is at http://www.myspace.com/calderracecourse. Some jockeys, other racetracks and horse racing fans have joined Calder's page. Before you join either site, be sure to check with your parents/guardians first.

WALK FOR THE ANIMALS
February 2007 - Lightning led the Walk for Animals at Bayfront Park. Lightning was at the park near the Leadership Miami booth near the kid's area from 8:30 am until noon. She posed for pictures and raised money for the Humane Society and the Hurricane Preparedness Dog Fair at the Miami Children's Museum on March 24.

VACATION
January-February 2007 - It's true Thunder & Lightning went on vacation until after the Orange Bowl and Super Bowl on February 4. This is because their trainer, Tammy, also works with these major groups. They don't mind, because they know her work helps make sure they can afford the hay, grain and all the treats they get!

BACKSIDE KID'S HOLIDAY PARTY
December 2006 - Annually, Calder works with lady trainers, jockeys and others to host a Backside Holiday for the kids of the grooms (the people who care for the racehorses). This year, the kids each got a gift certificate from a toy store, a wonderful party with cookies, hot dogs and refreshments plus music and a magic show. Best of all, the kids got to meet Santa Clause and wonderful jockey Rosemary Hoemeister, Jr. The best part is that Rosie signed autographs and posed for pictures. Thunder & Lightning were on vacation so they made special holiday cards for the kids that Rosie gave out in every gift bag. The kids loved them so much!

TEACH-A-THON
November, 2006 - It's hard to believe considering Thunder ate the homework on his last school visit, but it's true....Thunder & Lightning are participating in the Education Fund's Teach-A-Thon. They were assigned to go to John F Kennedy Middle School in November and teach six classes! For each minute they last teaching, Thunder & Lightning raise money for the Education Fund which offers grants to Miami-Dade teachers and offers supplies and other items to classrooms in need. You can visit the link at http://firstgiving.com/jfkandcalder and make an online donation. At this point, Thunder & Lightning are in third place. We are competing with people like Burger King corporate (big companies!) Even Rob Hanrahan from channel 6 is a Teach-A-Thon teacher at another school. We would like to finish in first place...so if you want to help, you can donate as little as $5 and as much as you want! If you don't want to do it online, Thunder & Lightning are also collecting on Family Days on November 11 and 12. Then they turn in all the checks (made to Education Fund), cash (you get a charity receipt) and online total to the Fund the following week. We hope we are NUMBER 1! Just like in a horse race, Thunder wants to be first! Lightning just wants to see all the kids and be in the classroom in the air conditioning.

MANY MINIS
October 2006 - Festival of the Sun was one of those great days -- the weather was perfect and the Horse Village was full of the most beautiful horses. There were small grand champions like mini stallion Elvis who loved to run around his pen and then later a pulled a cart in the mini parade. There was also Jazz who had really cool star markings on her back legs and it was hard to believe but she was 23 years old. Thunder will tell you that's old for a horse. Then there was Pepper, a baby horse that was twice as tall as the minis, plus Gus whose head was bigger than all the minis bodies! Whoa! He was 19.1 hands tall. A hand is 4 inches so how many inches total is he? (hint: 19 x 4 + 1). Lightning marched in the Kid's parade...you kids looked so adorable and cute. Que Lindo! And she even supervised the other minis that paraded, jumped, trotted and dressed up in costume!

CALDER JOCKEYS LOVE THE MINIS!!
September 2006 - The Calder jockeys took time out of a busy day to pose with Thunder & Lightning and even play with them. Elvis Trujillo even tried to run away with Lightning to the jockey's room! Lightning would have loved the air conditioning and watching the TV.

MINIS AND CUB SCOUTS
A local Cub Scout troop visited last month and one little boy brought his father George. George is loved by the mascots because he is a carpenter here at Calder. George helped rebuild the mascot's fence and roof after last year's big hurricane season.

LIGHTNING SEES CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - September 15, 2006
Tiny Lightning visited the Children's Museum in Miami in September. Here she is posing with one of her many fans and posing in front of the huge Museum sign designed by famed artist Romero Britto. Lightning met almost 600 kids that night.

MINI MASCOT AT MARLINS - July 2006
The Marlins staff were just as excited at the stadium as everyone else, many forgot their cameras so we used Lightning's and sent the photos to them so they could show their co-workers. Lightning visited the Marlins on July 14. She was a tremendous success. She drew a lot of attention because she is so small, but people were also amazed that she wore tennis shoes. (You know, her Skechers) And of course, the Marlins fans couldn't pass up taking pictures of Lightning wearing a Marlins hat. Lightning was at the game to promote the Marlins charity, the Community Foundation, which raised $1,747 for the Cornerstones for Kids Programs. Because the area was so busy, Thunder did not attend but we did bring some popcorn back for him from the game. And when Lightning got out of the trailer, she whinnied to him a lot -- so we think she was telling him all about it!

OUR BIG VISIT TO BARRY UNIVERSITY - June 2006 by Lightning
We visited Barry University in Miami for a summer science camp and it was great fun! Thunder showed the kids how horses walk, trot and gallop (run). Then he showed his teeth while it was explained how he has wolf teeth (big teeth in the back to chew with).

Thunder also showed his "frogs" which are the middle growing part of his feet, called hooves on horses. Kids could tap his hoof to see it was hard just like a fingernail. In fact, it is strong enough to put a horseshoe nail in without hurting the horse. Then, Thunder showed places where horses cannot see - directly behind him and directly in front of him. Thunder taught the kids that horses have a "fight or flight" instinct -- so if something sneaks up behind them they will either fight (kick or bite) or flight (run). This is why it is important to talk to a horse and approach a horse from the side and front. Next, it was my turn to show off my blue eyes, paint coat and lovely hair to the kids. Each of the kids got to brush me and then listen to my stomach with a stethoscope which lets them know my stomach is working. Actually, my stomach made some loud burps and growling noises so I was a little embarrassed some of the kids were able to hear it. Then Thunder and I posed for pictures with each child. We draw a lot of attention because mini horses had never been to Barry University before. They took lots of pictures and even took a group photos with the staff of the university. It was a lot of fun. Thunder even tried to run up the stairs to the class with the kids!

7th Birthday Party on Memorial Day - May 2006!
Thunder trying to eat the cake box! That cake must smell good. Next photo, kids get ready to sing "Happy Birthday" to the mascots. Bottom left photo, Lightning tries the icing from the cake. Next, Thunder & Lightning are tired from their big party.

Festival of the Sun - October 2005
Thunder and Lightning had a great time meeting police horses, other minis that performed tricks and even a zebra who was Racing Stripes brother!

Hurricane Wilma Update
Thunder & Lightning were very, very lucky horses. Their caretaker moved them to a racehorse barn around 5:30 a.m. on Monday, October 24. About a half hour later Hurricane Wilma rolled through taking the roof off of their home, toppling trees and knocking down the whole fenceline. Meanwhile, Thunder & Lightning were nestled in their large box stall near the racehorses. However, as the storm progressed, many barns lost their roofs exposing scared racehorses. After the storm passed, it was discovered that about 400 stalls lacked a roof. Amazingly, only two horses injured themselves with some cuts and bruises. The Mini Mascots were again fortunate...as their racehorse barn was one of the few that did not lose its roof.

The racehorses were very nervous after the storm and wanted to start their training again. But many of the rails were broken or blown away and trees were on the track. So, finally Thursday, the horses started training again...first on the training track during the daylight hours only (no power). Then on Friday, both the main track and training track were used during the daylight hours. The horses were so excited watching from their stalls as horses with riders passed by. They couldn't wait to get outside! Meanwhile, the mascots simply tried to look out their very large stall door. Lightning got smart and would peek out the crack at the bottom, while Thunder figured the wisest thing to do was to stand at the back of the stall which is a little higher and peer out to see the racehorses walking down the horse path. It worked!!

Florida Intercultural Academy visit
Thunder & Lightning visited the Florida Intercultural Academy in Hollywood on Thursday, October 20. One of their biggest fans, Hayley Pappas, was there to share her favorite stars with her schoolmates. Thunder loved showing how fast he can run and Lightning enjoyed the petting a lot. She just got a haircut so all the petting felt very good.

Festival of the Sun Update
Thunder & Lightning loved Festival of the Sun this year. They met Racing Stripes' brother Little Sam and his trainer Tim Rivers. Zebras smell differently than horses and actually make a different sound. The Minis also had a great time participating with the Miniature Horse Club of South Florida on the track. Thunder loved it because the track was so muddy. He even kicked off his blanket to show his excitement. Lightning loved it because she got to see a couple mini horses her size. She also got to wear her new blanket (her favorite thing). Lightning met something smaller than her...Becky Coffey...the youngest person ever on the track. Becky's only 4! There were also many neat mini carts that Thunder just loved.

Thunder & Lightning also got to watch the Calder Children's Parade. It was great! Almost 50 kids got to be in the winner's circle and march in the parade down the track after the 4th race. It was quite exciting. Thunder couldn't believe how many kids showed up...in fact we ran out of cardboard horses for those who came late.

Oh and we almost left out how Thunder and Lightning have been visiting lots of kids lately. They went to the Hollywood Arts and Science Academy and saw kindergarten, first and second graders and a couple weeks ago Lightning went to a Girl Scout expo and met a lot of cool Girl Scout leaders who will be bringing their troops to Calder soon! More school visits in store!

October 2005
We can't wait for Festival of the Sun on Saturday, October 15! Many of our miniature horse friends will be coming and making an appearance this year. Plus, Lightning's favorite, the police horses are back. We will also be introducing a few breeds of horses that have not been at Calder before including a Hanoverian named George. George is also a retired police horse.

But even before Festival, the minis are preparing for a busy season. We've had so many requests for school appearances, we can barely keep up. We even have school appearances as late as December! Wow! Some of the schools include the Hollywood Academy of Arts and Science, JFK Middle School, Sheridan Park Elementary and the Florida Intercultural Academy in Hollywood.

And of course, we are very sad about the disaster in New Orleans and for the many people and pets affected by the storms. Thunder read several stories about brave people who saved the carriage horses in the city. You can go to http://thehorse.com to read Saving the New Orleans Carriage Horses. The handlers were heroes actually swimming almost 20 horses to a nearby park. The horse helpers also swam with the horses' food in buckets above the water every day from the stable to the park. Then they would ride two horses each day to the interstate where water was available. After one week, the stable manager was able to make it into the city and rescue them.

At Calder, employees are participating in the HORSE program in which they can donate to help employees of the Fairgrounds Race Course from New Orleans. Fairgrounds is owned by Churchill Downs just like Calder. Luckily, no horses were at the track during the hurricane. Also, on October 8, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is planning Racing to the Rescue which will also raise funds for existing charities to aid in recovery efforts.

September 2005
The Fan Club!
Thunder & Lightning are pleased to share this very nice letter with all of you. It really made our day! Katherine, we are glad school is going well and you like your teachers! Thanks for writing in.

Dear Thunder, Lightning and Junior Jockey Club,
How are you? Well, I hope you're all really good. Well I'm great I just started school. I like all my teachers. I am 12 years old and I am in 7th grade. I just wanted to write to thank you so much for sending me information on how you are all doing and what you have in plan for this month. From reading your letters, I have learned that Thunder & Lightning have school. I never actually knew that horses have school. So, I want to say hi to Thunder & Lightning and of course the Junior Jockey Club. So, by guys and I'll be waiting for September's article.

Sincerely Katherine S., one of your readers

August 2005
Lightning's Night with the Marlins
Thunder wishes you Good Luck in School
Thunder and Lightning can't believe you will be going back to school soon. Did you know horses go to school too? Lightning remembers the days of learning her manners. She's also watched the young 2-year-old racehorses "schooling" to learn how to run down the track properly, listen to their riders, focus on the race and be calm around lots of people. Many of the 2-year-olds that used their schooling to become better racehorses will be in the Juvenile Showcase races on Saturday, September 3. The whole day is races for 2-year-olds.

And just like in school, racehorses need supplies too. They need horseshoes, saddle pads, a bridle, halter and even soap and water for their bath after schooling. Thunder noticed that kids need supplies too like pencils, paper and folders. So, he hopes you've been collecting ThunderBucks at each Family Day so you can redeem them for school supplies at the Back to School Junior Jockey Club program on Sunday, September 4. And since Lightning loves to be read to, she's giving a ThunderBuck for each book you read this summer! Plus, you can get more ThunderBucks just for coming that day! That way, you can collect school supplies for your very own Mini Mascot Back-to-School kit!

And of course, our summer has been busy with our Sports Photography program, Breyer Horse Fun Day and Children's Party for employees of the backside who work with the horses as grooms, hot walkers and exercise riders. In addition, Lightning got to attend a Marlins game for the Marlins Community Foundation "Friday Night Out" program. Before the event, Lightning was escorted though the player's private clubhouse area and she even saw some coaches in Marlins uniforms. Thunder did not attend because Lightning was joined by a goat named Wilson. Lightning invited Wilson to the game because the Marlins were playing the Cubs...and as everyone knows there's a rumor that the goat brings the Cubs bad luck. Wilson was a big hit and Lightning thought he was doing a good job. But apparently Wilson got a little jealous of Lightning getting attention and decided to butt her with his horns right in her tail. Lightning was a lady and did not kick but she did snort at him!
And while Lightning was busy at the game, Thunder was busy trying to figure out how to get Employee of the Week. He heard that outrider Debbie Pate and her horse Scooter were recognized for helping catch a loose horse. A horse threw its rider during training hours and was running loose at full speed. According to eyewitnesses, Debbie and Scooter made a more-than-incredible catch before any others were hurt. Several trainers and spectators applauded when she caught the horse and remarked on the skill displayed by Debbie and Scooter.

July 2005
Thunder & Lightning's Biggest Birthday Party ever!!
We never expected it, but almost 100 kids, plus their families, two ponies, one chicken and even a random lizard showed up. Before the party started, the guests signed in, put their names in the birthday drawing and put on their party hats! To start the party, Thunder & Lightning greeted the official animals guests (Frisky, Brownie and the chicken).
Next they posed for the crowd while everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to them. This was Lightning's favorite part. Although she is shy, she really loved everyone looking at her.
This was followed by the pair greeting each of their fans as they marched around the corral for some quick "pat-pats." The only thing we forgot was to present the cake before it was cut. As you all know, Thunder likes to eat the cake, so it's probably good we forgot!
This year's cake was butter cream with white icing and was decorate with "Thunder & LiLi." LiLi is Lightning's nickname.
After the yummy cake was cut (and yes, we forgot the forks!), Lightning was presented with a piece of cake. She liked the cake but not so much the icing. Still, she was very kind to nibble on it a little, and then it was Thunder's turn.
Thunder was so excited he could hardly contain himself. He grabbed the cake and the plate, sticking the icing all over his nose and whiskers. He was very proud!
Next, we drew names so kids could win either a Thunder or Lightning stuffed animal or a Party Pony. There were so many kids, we ran out of prizes! But we knew Thunder wanted everyone to be happy, so we went and got more stuffed horses so that everyone that entered got something.
And to top it all off, Mr. Incredible showed up and took pictures with the birthday horses.

June 2005
Lots of Appearances for Kids!
The mascots have had a very busy month in May with many events including KAPOW career day, Girl Scout Day, open house at the Miami Children's Museum, the 100 Black Men Academy and the Nathan B. Young school day at Calder.

May 2005 - Off-season News
Everyone wonders what Thunder and Lightning do during the time that Calder is closed. Surprisingly, they make a lot of appearances in the community. Unfortunately, Thunder's eye infection, which started in early December, kept him in his pasture at home this off-season, so Lightning has been hitting the appearance circuit. By the way, Thunder is back to his old self and his eye has healed perfectly.

March 2005
Lightning Meets Celebrities at Sports Hall of Champions
On Tuesday, March 8, Lightning visited the 16th Annual Sports Hall of Champions award dinner held by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce at the American Airlines Arena. Lightning spent the evening getting acquainted with many of the sports celebrities and guests (and of course the food!). Lightning first noticed one of the tallest people at the event, Hall of Champions inductee, Ron Sekali, who played for the Miami HEAT in the 1980's. Since Lightning is the smallest mascot, she felt it was only appropriate to get a picture with Ron. The pairing was perfect, except for Lightning trying to steal his popcorn. I guess we should warn Lightning to be careful because Ron has some big friends including Shaq, who recently bought Ron's custom built house with high doors and ceilings.
In addition to Ron, Lightning nuzzled up to Hall of Champions inductee Marc Buoniconti. Marc was a former linebacker for The Citadel and is now ambassador for Project to Cure Paralysis. Lightning remembered Marc from the winner's circle at Calder, because Marc visits with friends each year when Calder donates money to the charity.

Next, Lightning recognized Andre Dawson, whom she had met last year while she was eyeing the massive World Series trophy. She knew Andre was an old pro posing with her. So, she moved over and struck a pose in front of him in his stunning blue suit.

Lightning also met the Miami HEAT mascot Bernie, you know, the crazy looking one with feathers coming out of its basketball head. He posed, and then some University of Miami cheerleaders showed up and fell in love with little Lightning. Lightning knew it was her moment...she fluttered her eyes and put on her sweetest face when they posed. After they left, Lightning spent time trying to figure out just what the Orange Bowl mascot is. Even though Lightning kept her distance because he was the biggest orange she had ever seen, he never stopped smiling. Finally after about 2 hours of mingling and eating popcorn, mints, a hot dog bun, a couple nachos and getting a sip if diet Coke, Lightning was finally ready to call it a night. As she trotted back to the trailer, she ran into another friend she had met last year -- Don Shula. Shula was serving as Master of Ceremonies with Guy Rawlings and they were headed to the stage to start the ceremonies. But not without Guy stopping and smiling as Lightning passed by.

March 2005
Lightning loves Holy Cross Lutheran School pre-schoolers
On Wednesday, March 23, Lightning visited pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students at Holy Cross Lutheran School in North Miami. Lightning was asked to appear so six classes of students could learn about horses and jobs at the racetrack. They learned about the foods a horse eats, what colors horses can be, what type of shoes they wear and how horses develop. There were many interesting topics, but the kids loved the fact that Lightning was the same age as many of them - 5 years old. Of course, another highlight was when everyone lined up to pet Lightning.

February 2005
Racing Stripes comes to theatre, Mascots promote it
Lightning was invited to appear at the school after one of the teachers learned about her at the premiere of the zebra racing movie, Racing Stripes, in January. During most of the movie's run, Calder had a display featuring a mini corral, jockeys' quarters, silks display and saddle towels at one of the local movie theatres in Fort Lauderdale. The displays also featured the mini mascots, posters of previous Derby winners and Calder's 2005 calendar featuring winners from 2004. The theatre also hosted a Family Day, which included a racehorse coloring contest, carnival-type games and a Junior Jockey Club activity where kids dressed up as jockeys and got their photos taken. The activity was such a hit that over 200 pictures were taken between three showings.

January 2005 - USC mascot Traveler meets Thunder & Lightning
The University of Southern California mascot is a big white horse named Traveler and he visited Calder staying in the racehorse barns before his appearance at the Orange Bowl game next door at the stadium. Thunder & Lightning visited with Traveler and held a photo session. Thunder wore his Calder blinkers and Lightning wore a big happy expression! She loved Traveler! One photo of Lightning and Traveler was even featured on page 2 of the Los Angeles Times. The caption read, "What are you doing after the game?" Then it said, " USC mascot Traveler meets Calder Race Course mini mascot Lightning. The Trojan rider served as their chaperone." You know, Thunder was not thrilled that it looked like Lightning was on a date with another horse...and that a photo of it was even in the paper. What most people did not see was Thunder just out of the shot eating an apple one of the stablehands gave him.