Witch marks, also known as apotropaic marks, are markings found on the skin of individuals believed to be witches or involved in witchcraft. These marks were commonly found during the early modern period in Europe, particularly during the time of the witch trials. These marks were seen as evidence of a person's involvement in witchcraft and were often used as a means of identifying and convicting individuals accused of practicing witchcraft. Witch marks could take various forms, such as birthmarks, moles, scars, or even skin blemishes. These marks were believed to be the result of a pact with the devil, which gave witches supernatural powers. It was believed that witches used these marks to receive their powers and to communicate with their demonic spirits.
The first horse to go by the name of Thunder was JB Kobask, a 10-year-old stallion who had experience as a show horse, something that would make it easier for him to adapt to situations involving large crowds, lots of noise and other distractions.
Then there s Ernie Blake, who works with the photographers and personnel on the field to help keep everyone safe, and Rudy Mendiola, who saddles and holds Thunder before he runs. Every December, Thunder rides the freight elevator to the Empower Field club level to mingle with 300 members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Denver many of whom have never seen a live horse for a Christmas party hosted by the Broncos.
It was believed that witches used these marks to receive their powers and to communicate with their demonic spirits. The methods used to identify witch marks varied. Some witch-hunters would examine a person's body, looking for any unusual or abnormal marks.
Sharon Magness Blake & Denver Broncos’ Thunder
Ernie Blake, Thunder 3 and Sharon Magness Blake proudly show- ing the Super Bowl 50 rings in 2016. Even Thunder got one.
Football games can be pretty exciting—especially when a nail-biter of a win is involved.
Photo courtesy of the Denver Broncos.
Ann and Thunder 3 leading the team onto the field in 2018.
The rush that fans of the Denver Broncos experience with every home-game touchdown or field goal is amplified when a majestic white Arabian who goes by the name of Thunder puts a figurative exclamation point on the score by triumphantly galloping from one end zone at Empower Field at Mile High to the other.
The roar of the crowd can be deafening when Thunder and trainer/rider Ann Judge, flying the team colors of orange and blue, make the celebratory lap.
The 2022 season is Thunder’s 30th year as the mascot of the three-time Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, and to mark the occasion, owner Sharon Magness Blake met with Colorado Expression to share highlights of the horse’s crowd-pleasing ways.
The idea for having a live animal mascot dates back to 1993, when Sharon and her first husband, Tele-Communications Inc. founder Bob Magness, received a call from general manager John Beake. He asked if they would be interested in bringing one of their horses to the stadium to add to the fans’ entertainment.
“Absolutely,” Sharon told him. “We would love to do it.”
At the time, Bob and Sharon Magness had 900 Arabian horses in their Magness Racing Ventures. Arabians, Sharon notes, are “super friendly and people-oriented,” making the breed a perfect candidate for a team mascot.
Photo courtesy of the Denver Broncos. Ann and Sharon with Thunder 3 in Manhattan for Super Bowl 48 in 2014.
Bob Magness died in 1996. In 2004, Sharon married Ernie Blake, an attorney and former mayor of Breckenridge who shares her love of horses.
The first horse to go by the name of Thunder was JB Kobask, a 10-year-old stallion who had experience as a show horse, something that would make it easier for him to adapt to situations involving large crowds, lots of noise and other distractions.
“We’d play tapes of crowds cheering and replicated the black-and-white field markings on the floor of our arena,” she recalls. “We did this so the horse wouldn’t shy or try to jump the lines while galloping on the field.”
And adapt he did. Judge has described Thunder No. 1 as a “bold and courageous horse with a huge ego” who “so loved the crowds.”
Thunder has his own team on the field—Ann Judge, who trains and rides him; and Sharon Magness Blake, who helps take care of him and helps direct him on the field. Then there’s Ernie Blake, who works with the photographers and personnel on the field to help keep everyone safe, and Rudy Mendiola, who saddles and holds Thunder before he runs. Rick Holman helps protect him and clears people out of the way, and David Blake loads the flag and alerts the referees. “And we all scoop poop,” Sharon laughs.
Thunder also helps rev up the crowd by leading the team onto the field at each home game’s start. “There is such a sense of pride and emotion as he leads the team out to the field,” Sharon says. “I get that every time I see it.” Thunder also participates in a meet-and-greet prior to each game where fans can have their picture taken with him and visit with trainer/rider Judge.
Photo courtesy Gary Petit.
Sharon and Thunder at Thunder’s Christmas Party at Empower Field at Mile High.
Thunder traveled with the Broncos to four Super Bowl appearances, including the 2014 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks that was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Thunder flew to the game and though the Broncos were defeated, Thunder scored several press appearances in New York City. Sharon vividly remembers walking Thunder through Manhattan for his spots on the Today Show and Fox Sports.
Thunder No. 1 retired after 10 seasons and was succeeded by Winter Solstyce, a gelding who had been Sharon’s personal riding horse. As Thunder No. 2, Winter Solstyce was timid at first, but with each season he became “very social, quite the poser and eager to experience new things.” Thunder No. 3, Me N Myshadow, also is a gelding whose run as the team mascot is nearing an end.
Off the field, Thunder makes appearances at various community and charitable fundraising events, most notably Western Fantasy, a dinner, auction and country music extravaganza benefiting Volunteers of America that Sharon founded 29 years ago with Jean Galloway. Sharon opens the event by circling the National Western Events Center arena floor astride Thunder, carrying the American flag, as Lee Greenwood, either in person or via recording, sings God Bless the USA.
Every December, Thunder rides the freight elevator to the Empower Field club level to mingle with 300 members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Denver—many of whom have never seen a live horse—for a Christmas party hosted by the Broncos.
Sharon, whose concern for the most vulnerable earned her the title of Best Live Philanthropist by Westword in one of its Best of Denver issues, is expanding her philanthropic reach by partnering with veterinarian Kelly Tisher and Littleton Equine Medical Center to form the Thunder Fund. It is a foundation that will help provide life-saving emergency surgery for horses whose owners cannot afford the cost. Littleton Equine Medical Center has cared for all of Sharon’s horses, including each Thunder, since 1965.
“We are excited to work with the foundation Sharon has created to help people with their horses in the most stressful time,” Dr. Tisher says. “This will be a great tribute to all of the Thunders.”
Joanne Davidson contributed to this story.
Others would use a technique known as "pricking," where a needle or sharp object would be inserted into the suspected witch's skin. If the accused person did not bleed or feel pain, it was believed to be a sign that they were a witch. Witch marks played a significant role in the prosecution of alleged witches. Once a person was accused of witchcraft, their body would be examined for any marks, which would be used as evidence in their trial. In many cases, having a witch mark was enough to secure a conviction and the accused person would be executed. However, it is important to note that the existence of witch marks was largely based on superstition and fear. Many innocent people were accused and convicted of witchcraft based solely on the presence of these marks on their bodies. Today, witch marks are seen as a historical curiosity and a reminder of the ignorance and hysteria that surrounded witch trials in the past. They serve as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based judgments, rather than allowing fear and superstition to dictate our actions..
Reviews for "Cracking the Code: What Witch Marks Really Mean"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - The book "Witch marks on slin" was a huge letdown for me. The plot promised a captivating tale of witches and their mysterious powers, but it fell flat in execution. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult for me to connect with any of them. Additionally, the pacing was slow and dragged on unnecessarily, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, I was disappointed with "Witch marks on slin" and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John Smith - 1 star - I found "Witch marks on slin" to be quite confusing and disjointed. The writing style was convoluted, and the author seemed to jump from one scene to another without proper transition. This made it difficult for me to follow the story and understand the motivations of the characters. There were also several plot holes and inconsistencies that left me frustrated and unsatisfied. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a well-crafted witchy tale.
3. Claire Thompson - 2 stars - Unfortunately, "Witch marks on slin" left me feeling underwhelmed. The concept had potential, but the execution fell short. The world-building was lacking, and I found it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The romance subplot felt forced and didn't add much to the overall plot. Additionally, the dialogue felt unnatural and stilted, making it hard to connect with the characters. While there were some interesting ideas in the book, it failed to deliver a compelling and cohesive narrative. I wouldn't recommend "Witch marks on slin" to others.