Traveler Mascot A traveler mascot is an object or symbol that represents the adventurous spirit of travelers. These mascots are often small and portable, making them easy to carry on trips. They serve as a reminder of the joys of travel and can bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to travelers, wherever they may go. The concept of a traveler mascot is not new, as people have been bringing small tokens or trinkets with them on journeys for centuries. These mascots can take many forms, such as a small figurine, a keychain, or even a piece of jewelry. They are often chosen for their personal significance to the traveler, such as representing a particular destination or carrying sentimental value.

Margy Meanders

Wayne and I have been on a University of Southern California sports vacation. Wayne is an alumnus and huge fan.

Today, we went to the USC vs. Notre Dame football game at the USC home field in the Coliseum, the historic stadium that dates back to the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. It was a warm, sunny day, a nice change from the chilly high of freezing in Powell River.

If I had to pick my favourite college mascot, it would be Traveler, the white horse carrying a Trojan warrior at the USC home football games. First of all, I'm a horse nut. Second of all, Traveler gallops around the stadium each time the team makes a touchdown.

Today Traveler was very busy with 7 big USC touchdowns versus the two that Notre Dame made.

On the USC campus, you will find a bronze statue of Traveler that was donated by outgoing president Steven B. Sample in 2010.

According to Traveler's own website, he first pranced onto the field at USC football games in 1961. That was Traveler I. He was discovered in the 1961 Rose Parade. Traveler wasn't the first horse to perform at USC football games, but he is the most famous.

Over the years there have been seven Travelers. They have been a combination of Tennessee Walkers, Arabians, mixtures of both, and now an Andalusian. But they all have been white. You can also find Traveler in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, ridden by his Trojan warrior, Tommy Trojan.

It's quite a sight to see Traveler gallop around the field at the Coliseum as the USC Band plays "Conquest" when the team makes a touchdown. Here's a sample by equusvideo on YouTube. -- Margy

Thrown into the spotlight, Traveler bears a storied history

“Tirebiter is dead!” read the Daily Trojan’s front page headline on September 20, 1950. It was only three years after the beloved canine was crowned USC’s official mascot.

For eight days, students questioned George Tirebiter’s legacy. After a contentious 800-518 vote by the student body, a puppy named George Tirebiter II beat out Hector the Horse to succeed Tirebiter as USC’s mascot.

Though Hector did not emerge as the victor, his appearance in the final vote was a sign that the USC community was still desperately searching for the perfect embodiment of the Trojan spirit. It would take another 11 years for them to discover what they were looking for.

Today, the statue of a noble white horse stands directly across from Tommy Trojan in USC’s central plaza. Students and visitors attempt to mount the statue, throwing “Fight On” signs and snapping photos along the way. His name is Traveler, the Trojans’ pride and joy at every football home game. A university icon in his own right, Traveler symbolizes USC’s rising prowess in both academia and athletics.

This year marks a new chapter in the University’s history: the debut of Traveler IX. And as the Trojan Family looks forward to the future, this 56-year-old mascot remains one of the University’s most enduring traditions — one that continues to inspire generations of Trojans to fight on and conquer challenges that await them every day.

A twist of fate

Traveler was neither the first mascot nor the first horse to march through the field at the Coliseum. After the death of the original USC mascot Tirebiter in 1950, the student body struggled to find an appropriate canine successor to continue Tirebiter’s legacy.

It was fate that allowed student Eddie Tannenbaum to discover Traveler in 1961. Eleven years after USC’s decision to keep George Tirebiter, Tannenbaum knew that it was time for change.

“I wanted to find a mascot more symbolic of the University,” Tannenbaum said.

By sheer luck and coincidence, Tannenbaum and Bob Jani, then-director of special events, noticed Richard Saukko riding his white horse Traveler through the Rose Parade. It was then that Tannenbaum orchestrated the rise of a new mascot that he believed epitomized USC’s fighting spirit.

Traveler and Saukko were asked to perform at the 1961 football season opener against Georgia Tech. What was only supposed to be a one-time gig became a mainstay at USC, as spectators erupted in cheers after seeing him trotting out of the tunnel and braving the field. Opting to keep his original name, USC adopted Traveler as the University’s official mascot following the stunning debut.

The mascot’s name has been subject to rumors and speculation in years past. In an unsigned obituary for Saukko, the Los Angeles Times wrote that Traveler was named after the horse of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. More recently, the Black Student Assembly denounced Traveler as a symbol of white supremacy amid the violent attacks that occurred in Charlottesville, Va.

Pat Saukko DeBernardi, Richard Saukko’s wife, has tried to dispel the rumors behind the origin of Traveler’s name, claiming to the Times that the horse was already named before Saukko purchased it in 1958. In addition, the University has also reaffirmed its stance on Traveler following inquiries from the Los Angeles Times.

“USC’s mascot is a symbol of ancient Troy. Its rider, with costume and sword, is a symbol of a Trojan warrior,” a USC spokesman wrote in a statement. “The name Traveler, spelled with one ‘l,’ is a common name among horses … USC’s Traveler is and has always been a proud symbol of Troy. There is no truth to any other claims or rumors about its name.”

More than just a mascot

Trojans and fans anticipate this moment at every football home game: The grandeur of Traveler and his Trojan warrior galloping around the Coliseum to “Conquest” after every touchdown.

Traveler’s adoption into the Trojan family was universally accepted and welcomed, as his appearance became an expectation and demand at other University functions beyond home games. Until 2003, the Saukko family bred and trained the first six Travelers.

“The University package includes Traveler, and I think people look forward to seeing him when they’re at a game and seeing him a lot,” Tannenbaum said.

Eight other Travelers have succeeded Traveler I and also contributed to the mascot’s reputation as the centerpiece of of Trojan fanfare. To celebrate the equine mascot, then-USC president Steven Sample dedicated a Traveler statue at Hahn Plaza in 2010.

Fifty-six years after Traveler’s conception, Tannenbaum looks back with nostalgia as he reminisces about Traveler’s transformation throughout the course of both his life and USC’s history. He chuckles when he reflects on his time as Traveler’s keeper. He smiles when he sees students snapping photos with the Traveler statue. And he cheers from his seat when Traveler makes his way around the football field, content with his contribution to something much larger than himself: the Trojan family.

“I’m [really] proud of my legacy,” Tannenbaum said. “I’m very lucky to be a part of something on the University campus. And as minor as it sounds, I think [Traveler is] the best mascot that any university has.”

The line of succession

It’s the night before an 11 a.m. home game.

Traveler and his rider Hector Aguilar have just finished riding through the hills for several hours. His muscles are warmed up, and he spends the night at a stable in Burbank, Calif. At 4 a.m., Traveler gets bathed and groomed for the big day. By 6 a.m., he and his owner Joanne Asman arrive at Gate 11 at the Coliseum, where is he kept until his big appearance prior to kickoff.

In 2003, Joanne Asman succeeded the Saukko family as Traveler’s primary breeder. Asman has worked with USC for the past 14 years, playing an integral role in training her Travelers to become the darling Andalusian horses that embody USC’s fighting spirit. And it was through her that Traveler VII was selected.

Since his debut, the seventh mascot has been adored for his majestic appearance, love of attention and ability to work through chaotic environments. But at age 26, he is facing retirement as Traveler IX — Traveler VIII never made it to the Coliseum — makes his way to the pedestal this fall to continue the Traveler legacy.

“He’s not happy giving up his position. He loves being Traveler, from the first running he did on the field, he went, ‘Ooh, this is nice, I like it,’” Asman said of Traveler VII. “He gets a little jealous every now and then, so we’re not going to make him stop until he tells us he’s ready to stop totally.”

For the past two years, Asman and Aguilar have been preparing Traveler IX for his big introduction. Painting USC end zones on red carpet, having children cheer with pom-poms and appearing at the Spirit of Troy’s band camp have all been part of the young horse’s training.

“What we look for [in the transition] from Traveler VII to Traveler IX is making sure he has the right mindset to do the job because not every horse can do it,” Aguilar said. “Not every horse can tolerate all that commotion and noise … so it takes a very special horse.”

The transition between the two horses has shown that there are some personality differences between the two equine companions. And though character contrast may affect how the horses interact with crowds, one thing remains the same: They will both be loved and adored by USC fans.

“Traveler IX is a little more lovable, in that he wants be up against you [and] wants to be petted all the time whereas [Traveler VII] likes it, but he’s just as happy being by himself,” Asman said.

For both Asman and Aguilar, preparing a horse to continue Traveler’s legacy has not been an easy task. But it’s been one of the most rewarding accomplishments of their lives, allowing them to become members of the Trojan Family along the way.

“It’s a great thrill — a great privilege to ride a horse not only in the Coliseum, but also as Tommy Trojan,” Aguilar said about his legacy as the seventh Trojan warrior. “Riding Traveler for all the history it has and all its traditions, it’s really a great honor.”

Asman realized she was a part of the Trojan family when a benefactor flew Traveler out to Florida for the 2005 Orange Bowl to surprise alumni and students when the Trojans played against Oklahoma.

“What I’ve noticed more than anything else working with USC versus any other colleges is that they’re family,” Asman said. “When you are a part of USC, you are always a part of USC.”

At USC, traditions remain a fundamental part of the University’s culture. And while Traveler IX may be new, he soon will carry the history and tradition that have inspired Trojans for 56 years.

See you on the field, Traveler IX.

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More than a mascot, Traveler IX is a special part of USC's game-day experience

LOS ANGELES — It’s a decades-long tradition that’s yet to become stale.

A USC player scores a touchdown. The Spirit of Troy, the university’s marching band, cranks up the fight song. And Traveler, a Spanish Andalusian horse and the school’s mascot, emerges from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum tunnel for a sprint.

“It prolongs the thrill of the touchdown. Once the kids (score) the touchdown. Then it’s over. SC has decided it shouldn’t be over,” said Patricia Saukko DeBernardi, the widow of Richard Saukko, Traveler’s original owner. “It should be out there, be publicized and should be enjoyed more. And it should be with a horse coming out.

“That’s what that horse does, makes that touchdown better.”

Those sprints, after a touchdown or in pregame, are most of what a lot of fans get to see of Traveler on a game day.

There are also the years of training, the rapport that has to be developed and the planning that goes unseen. So, as The Athletic recently learned, there’s much more to a (game) day in the life of one of college football’s most iconic mascots.

It all starts with Joanne Asman, Traveler’s owner, who is the president of Asman & Associates and also trains and houses the horse for the university. Asman is in her 60s now, but she rode her first horse at age 15. At 18, she graduated from high school, sold her car and bought her first horse. She’s had them ever since.

When Pete Carroll broke through with the Trojans in 2002, it revived enthusiasm for the football program. With the growing interest came a lot of people who wanted to be on the sideline during games. So much so, it was hard for a horse to make its way through.

So Saukko DeBernardi retired as Traveler’s owner and trainer following the ’02 season, and Asman took over with her own horse, the late Traveler VII, who was 10 years old and died this year at 27.

“We learned early on, we were part of a family,” Asman said. “That’s been the most unique, nicest part about the whole thing. How we were welcomed in with open arms.”

Asman picks the horses (she recently bought Traveler X) and has final say over who rides the horse. She chose Dana Kanstul, Traveler’s first female rider, to ride the horse last season.

“At this point, after so many years,” Asman said, “I think that as long as the person riding the horse looks good on the horse, makes the horse look good, I don’t think gender makes a difference.”

And on this day, Asman prepared Traveler IX, who is in his second full season, for the Trojans’ Friday night game against Washington State.

It’s a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, so Traveler IX’s day began at 9 a.m. He has to be ridden, then bathed. It takes about two hours for his tail and mane to dry.

But the gameday process is one that goes back years.

Before Traveler VII retired after the 2016 season, Asman had spent about a year and a half training Traveler IX for this. (Traveler VIII died before ever assuming the role.)

It takes about two years to get the horses ready. Asman tries to desensitize them with flags, banging pots and pans and kids waving pom-poms. Before the season, she’ll paint an end zone in her backyard to get him used to the colors.

Traveler appears at USC band camp several times over the summer and during the course of the season. It takes a lot of training to get a horse ready to go out in front of 90,000 people and not be frightened.

“What people don’t realize sometimes is it’s a trust issue,” said current rider Hector Aguilar, who serves the role of Tommy Trojan. “You’re on a live animal that has a brain of its own and he’s reactive. So you have to develop a real trust with the animal where they know you’re not going to put them in a bad spot. So the more you develop that communication, that trust and that bond, they accept that job easier.”

The training was so ingrained with Traveler VII that he knew the difference between a first down and a touchdown.

“So he would know, when they say touchdown, he was like, ‘OK, I’m ready let’s go,’” Asman said. “Horses are creatures of habit, so when we’re scoring a lot and they’re going out a lot, that song becomes habit. They know (with) that song this is what I’m supposed to do.”

Traveler IX is only 10 years old, so it’ll take him a while to reach that level.

It was Friday afternoon, a little more than three hours before kickoff, and Traveler IX was ready to exit his trailer as Asman and company got situated near Gate 8 of the Coliseum parking lot.

Traveler’s gear had to be put on, and he still needed to take a pregame lap around the field. But even Traveler can fall victim to weekday Los Angeles traffic, which caused things to run a little behind.

As Traveler IX walked out of his trailer, members of the Traveler Crew began to arrive.

On game days, 12 members of the Traveler Crew (donned in red or black polos with a logo of Tommy Trojan and Traveler on them) go along with five student assistants and one veterinarian, all of them helping with the horse. There’s a merchandise area, and time before the game for a meet and greet.

At Salute to Troy, USC’s annual kickoff barbecue, about 1,000 people asked to take pictures with Traveler, Asman said, and about 3,000 during the spring game.

Asman will try to gain Traveler IX’s attention by having him look at a water bottle in her hand. A general rule of thumb: The horse’s ears need to be forward so he doesn’t look like a mule.

As Traveler IX prepared for the pregame walkthrough, some young Washington State fans stopped by to take a picture with the horse who was inducted into USC’s Athletic Hall of Fame earlier this year.

It’s been a bit harder for fans to find Traveler these days, Asman said. There are renovations going on at the Coliseum, and that’s caused some confusion. After a few photos, Traveler IX headed down to the field for his pregame lap, and most of the Traveler Crew followed.

The horse stopped near the end of his lap around the field for a group picture with some university supporters. There was a meeting between the Traveler Crew members, who line up at different spots on the field with the sole purpose of protecting the horse. They were on the field about two hours before the game.

As Traveler IX made his way back to the tunnel, where he would stay during the game, Asman mentioned the possibility of treats after the contest, but not at this exact moment.

“He’s working right now,” she said.

What exactly does Traveler mean to USC?

“Pride. Pride, and I love his beauty,” said Nadine Tilley. “All things wonderful.”

Aside from being inducted into the Trojans’ Athletic Hall of Fame this year, Traveler has his own statue on campus.

In 2004, Tilley and her late husband, Bill, a USC alumnus, donated $2 million to the school to ensure there would be a permanent endowment to support the horse.

“He wanted to leave something for the university that was different than what other people would try to do for the university,” said Nadine, who is a breeder of Andalusian horses and has ambitions of breeding a future Traveler someday. “Establish a scholarship for this mascot, which is so powerful (as a) representation for the university and should remain so and be funded. That’s why he decided to go ahead and endow the horse, and also thought it would be kind of fun to keep the family involved.”

Asman said that endowment took some pressure off the school. Before the Tilleys’ donation, funding for Traveler was coming through athletics or recreation sports, she believes.

The endowment ensured that moments like when the marching band plays and Traveler is introduced to a loud cheer from the Coliseum crowd will remain possible.

The Trojans scored five touchdowns against Washington State, which required five sprints out of the tunnel during the game.

“It’s a big adrenaline rush. … You’re in your own cocoon,” Aguilar said. “The general feeling is, ‘OK, baby, it’s our time. It’s Trojan time, let’s go.’”

With about five minutes left, Asman, her crew and Traveler began to leave the tunnel and head back to the trailer.

It was 1:30 a.m. by the time Traveler IX returned to home base in the San Fernando Valley. Another game in the books for one of college football’s most storied mascots.

“He is the symbol,” Tilley said, “the symbol that draws you in.”

(Top photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)

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Antonio Morales covers USC football for The Athletic. Previously, he spent three years at the Clarion Ledger in Mississippi, where he covered Ole Miss for two seasons and Jackson State for another. He also spent two years covering preps for the Orange County Register and Torrance Daily Breeze. Follow Antonio on Twitter @ AntonioCMorales

They are often chosen for their personal significance to the traveler, such as representing a particular destination or carrying sentimental value. Some travelers may choose a mascot that represents their home country or culture, while others may opt for something more whimsical or symbolic. For example, a traveler going on a beach holiday may choose a seashell as their mascot, while someone visiting a historical city may choose a mini-statue of a famous landmark.

The purpose of a traveler mascot is to provide a source of comfort and companionship on the road. They serve as a tangible reminder of home or a beloved place, especially during moments of homesickness or uncertainty. These mascots can also become conversation starters, as fellow travelers may be curious about their meaning or significance. Many travelers also believe that their mascot brings them good luck or protection during their journeys. They may carry their mascot in a pocket, wear it as a necklace, or attach it to their backpack. Some even create rituals or traditions around their mascot, such as taking a photo of it in each new destination or sharing stories about its adventures. Ultimately, the choice of a traveler mascot is a personal one, reflecting the individual's unique experiences and values. It is a way for travelers to create a connection between their past, present, and future adventures, reminding them of the joy and excitement of exploration..

Reviews for "Beyond Souvenirs: Why Traveler Mascots are the Perfect Travel Companions"

1. John - 2 stars - I visited a travel-themed restaurant that had a traveler mascot, and I must say I was quite disappointed. The mascot appeared outdated and tacky, not at all what I expected from a modern and trendy establishment. The design was poorly executed and lacked attention to detail. Overall, the traveler mascot was unappealing and detracted from my dining experience.

2. Sarah - 1 star - I had heard great things about this restaurant, so I was excited to visit. However, when I saw the traveler mascot, I was immediately put off. It was cheaply made and had an awkward appearance. I felt like I was staring at a poorly constructed doll rather than an inviting mascot. It honestly ruined the atmosphere for me, and I couldn't wait to finish my meal and leave.

3. Michael - 2 stars - The traveler mascot at this restaurant was cheesy and felt out of place. It didn't fit with the overall theme or ambiance of the establishment. The costume seemed cheaply made, and the design was lackluster. It didn't add any value to my dining experience and felt like a forced addition rather than a well-thought-out mascot.

4. Emily - 2 stars - The traveler mascot at this restaurant was a disappointment. It was poorly executed and lacked creativity. The design was unimpressive, and the mascot itself didn't have any appeal or charm. It seemed like an afterthought rather than a well-integrated part of the restaurant's branding. I would have preferred a more impressive and engaging mascot to enhance the overall experience.

5. David - 2 stars - The traveler mascot at this restaurant was forgettable. It didn't make any impact or leave a lasting impression. The design was uninspiring, and it didn't add any value to the dining experience. I believe the restaurant could have invested more in creating a unique and engaging mascot that would have enhanced the atmosphere and made the visit more memorable.

From Backpack to Buddy: The Rise of Traveler Mascots in Modern Travel