The Thunderbird is a dominant icon in Native American Indian culture and art, both highly respected and feared because these magical creatures could be a force for both good and evil. Their flapping wings brought rain and storms, which were good for crops, but the lightning shooting from their eyes could also cause destructive winds, flooding and fires. Throughout history, depictions of the Thunderbird have appeared on totem poles, pictographs, jewelry, carvings…and now, on a Painted Pony.