USC Mascot

“In 2004 my husband Bill and I had the fabulous opportunity to put the Andalusian and Lusitano breed in the public eye indefinitely.  We provided a permanent endowment for the University of Southern California’s famous mascot, Traveler.  Now, as long as there is a “Traveler”, he will be an Iberian Warmblood. 

Our beautiful farm is now known as “The Home of Traveler” and I hope to be breeding future USC Mascots at our facility.  Unfortunately, my husband, Bill, passed in January of 2013.  I will honor him by the continuation of breeding these noble horses for another “Traveler”.  USC is a very important part of his legacy and our family.”

~ Nadine Tilley

Vertical Divider

---

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM AN ARTICLE BY MEAGHAN AGNEW, PUBLISHED IN THE USC NEWS:

“Supporting a Trojan tradition as entrenched as a “Fight on!” refrain USC alumnus Bill Tilley and his wife, Nadine, have given $2 million to the Traveler Mascot Program to assure the future of the university’s equine icon.

The Tilleys – longtime devotees of the USC football program who have attended most home games since marrying in 1975 – hold a special affection for the team’s mascot.

Nadine Tilley breeds and trains champion Spanish Andalusian Horses, the same breed as Traveler.

It was she who inspired the late Richard Saukko, Traveler’s original rider, to change the breed of future Travelers after he spotted her atop a majestic Andalusian in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. 

The couple saw their gift as a way to “assure Traveler’s immortality”.

---

January 1, 2015
USC’s Traveler is led riderless in honor of Rose Parade grand marshal, Louis Zamperini, who passed away last year.  Read the full article…

---

If you are interested in booking Traveler for your special event, please contact Joanne Asman at: 818.842.8444, or email: jsa@asmanj.com.

---

---

May 19, 2018- INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME

“Traveler, the noble white horse that appears at all USC home football games with a regal Trojan warrior astride, is one of the most iconic collegiate mascots.  Traveler first appeared at a USC football game in 1961 and, ever since, whenever USC scores, the band plays “Conquest” and Traveler gallops around the Coliseum.

Traveler also has appeared at some away football games (the 2005 Orange Bowl in Miami is the farthest), as well as at other Trojan events, and at grade high schools, at charity functions, in parades (including nearly 50 Rose Parades), on screen and stage, in commercials and at personal appearances with many celebrities.”