The Best Horses in the World
Kodachrome (Kody)
Kody’s Story
Some horses are unforgettable. Kody—once known as Kodachrome in the Warmblood world—is one of them.
His story began in Virginia in 1992, where he was born with striking pinto markings, perfect conformation, and the pedigree of a champion. With Art Deco as his sire, expectations were high, and Kody lived up to every single one. Selected early on as a foundation stallion for an elite Warmblood breeding program, he spent twelve years in Canada, producing offspring who would go on to compete in high-level equestrian sports. But Kody wasn’t just passing on his talent—he was proving it himself.
In his prime, Kody competed as a Grand Prix show jumper, even making it to Spruce Meadows, one of the most prestigious jumping venues in the world. He was a true athlete, excelling in the hunter/jumper circuit and standing proudly among the best. But as with many elite competitors, time and wear caught up to him. In his late teens, a strain in his back leg made it clear that his jumping days were coming to an end. It was time for a new chapter.
That chapter began with his next mom. She wasn’t looking for a competition horse—she was looking for a partner. And from the moment they met, Kody knew he had found something different. She was older, full of love, and ready to listen. Kody, in turn, taught her how to trust. He left the show world behind and moved to a quiet little farm on Bainbridge Island, where he spent the next decade surrounded by love, friends, and a family who adored him.
Life on Bainbridge suited Kody perfectly. He had a best friend, Buddy the Quarter Horse, and a neighborhood full of friendly faces—people who patted him over the fence, children who learned to care for horses under his gentle guidance, and even his "dad," whom Kody patiently taught to ride. Over the years, he helped many who were nervous around horses find confidence simply by standing near him. Kody gave so much of himself to those who needed him, always kind, always steady.
But now, Kody needs a home. His family has moved out of the country, and his mom, who loves him dearly, is no longer able to care for him. She wants nothing more than to know he is safe, loved, and still surrounded by people who will cherish him. That’s where The Whole Horse Place comes in.
At 33, Kody is still breathtaking, still full of life, and still searching for purpose. He is a horse who needs people, who thrives on connection, and who will, without a doubt, make an impact on everyone who meets him. If we can find the funding to bring him here in April, he will spend his days offering quiet companionship to those who need a moment of peace, a boost of confidence, or just the joy of being near a horse who understands.
Kody’s mom will always be checking on him—he’ll forever have her heart. And here, if we can make it happen, he’ll have a new home, new friends, and a place where he can keep doing what he does best: making the world a little brighter, one person at a time.
Bordeaux (Buddy)
Buddy’s Story
Some horses are natural leaders—steady, wise, and always looking out for others. That’s Buddy.
Buddy, or Bordeaux, is a classic all-American Quarter Horse. He was born in 2001 and spent most of his life in Monroe, patiently teaching children how to ride. Nothing ever fazed him—he could jump poles, weave through cones, run barrels, and confidently lead groups of horses through forests. He even played games like Follow the Leader and Simon Says, listening so well that beginners felt like pros in the saddle. He has always been the kind of horse you can trust—gentle, smart, and full of heart.
In 2019, Buddy moved to Bainbridge Island for a very special reason—Kodachrome needed a buddy. The two had to work out their roles at first, but it didn’t take long for Kody to decide that Buddy was in charge. Since then, Buddy has been the one who keeps everything in order. He sets the barn routine, notices when things are out of place, and makes sure everyone is taken care of. If a water bucket is empty, he’ll dip his nose in it and stare at you until you fix it. If a guest arrives, he’s the first to announce it. He’s a horse who likes things just so, and he makes sure his home runs smoothly.
A natural leader on the trails, Buddy is fearless. His only request? Trust me. Give him a long rein, communicate with your seat, and he’ll take care of the rest. He knows what he’s doing, and he loves being out on an adventure with his person.
But now, Buddy needs a new home. His family has moved out of the country, and his mom, who loves him deeply, can no longer care for him. She will always check in on him, but she wants to know he is safe, happy, and still surrounded by people who will cherish him.
At The Whole Horse Place, Buddy will continue to do what he does best—help people feel confident, safe, and cared for. He will be a steady presence for those who need a calm horse to trust, a friend who listens, and a partner who always does his best.
But we need help to bring him home. Buddy has given so much to others—now it’s our turn to give back to him. If you feel moved by his story, please consider supporting his retirement so he can spend his golden years doing what he loves most: being someone’s rock, someone’s teacher, and always, someone’s Buddy.
Huey
Huey’s Story
Huey officially became part of our family during the Covid shutdown when his owner, a dedicated teenager who had been with us since childhood, could no longer afford his care. Over the years, Huey had often been a special guest at the barn, helping out when we needed an extra horse. When it became clear that his owner wanted to ensure he had a safe and loving forever home, we agreed to take him in permanently. In return, she continued to be part of his life, volunteering her time to help care for him and our other horses.
Like many horses, Huey has struggled with ulcers, a condition that requires careful management. The cost of ulcer medication alone is $1,400 a month, and preventive supplements are essential to keeping him comfortable. On top of that, he wears special shoes to support his hooves, which grow unevenly due to his unique conformation. But despite these challenges, Huey has been worth every bit of effort—his kind and gentle nature makes him a favorite among everyone who meets him.
As Huey aged, we learned that his body needed more consistent movement to stay strong. With his naturally weaker hindquarters, taking it easy for too long caused his muscles to lose some of their strength. When he started showing signs of discomfort, we knew something was wrong. After careful evaluation, the vet confirmed he had torn a ligament in his hind leg.
Determined to help him heal, we adjusted his environment to provide a safe, flat pasture, and his person followed the vet’s rehabilitation plan to the letter. Huey was making great progress, growing stronger every day. But sometimes, despite the best care and effort, life has its own plans. He re-injured his leg, and together, his owner and the vet made the difficult but loving decision to retire him.
For Huey, retirement doesn’t mean being put out to pasture and forgotten. It means settling into a life of comfort and companionship, with a pasture big enough to roam but without the risk of overdoing it. It means having a daily routine, a watchful eye on his care, and the love of his person nearby. We made arrangements for him to stay in a wonderful pasture where he will be safe, cared for, and surrounded by the companionship of other horses—just on the other side of the fence to keep him from playing too hard.
Huey has given so much to so many, and now, he gets to enjoy the happy, peaceful life he deserves. A true happy ending.
Bart
Bart
Bart’s Story
Bart’s story is one of resilience and second chances. He was one of a group of about five horses belonging to a family whose kids were heavily involved in horse activities—4-H, family rides, and more. But as the kids grew up and moved away, the horses were left behind. Eventually, they were turned out with the cows and left to fend for themselves.
Without proper care or hay, their situation became dire. Concerned neighbors noticed the animals’ plight, and a local horse rescue group—including a vet and farrier—stepped in to help. They found the horses in critical condition, all severely underweight and suffering from malnutrition. To make matters worse, their teeth were damaged, with the front central incisors worn down in an unusual pattern. The rescue team theorized that, in desperation, the horses had resorted to stripping scotch broom plants by pulling them through their teeth.
Bart’s condition was the worst of them all. Estimated to be in his 30s, he was frail and near death when the team first saw him. They initially thought he would have to be put down. However, their determination and positive outlook drove them to give Bart one last chance—and against all odds, he began to recover.
Bart’s road to health was long and arduous, but he made incredible progress. When he finally gained enough weight, and strength, to consider riding him, the team was thrilled to discover that he was calm, confident, and enjoyed walking out on trails.
That’s when Gayle, who had been searching for a steady, safe trail horse, heard about him through her farrier. Bart came to her place on a trial basis—and it was a mutually happy match! Bart immediately thrived in his new home. He relished the privacy of his own stall and pasture, with a friendly horse companion over the fence. He especially enjoyed lingering over his mash and basking in the attention he received—belly scratches being a particular favorite.
Bart’s unflappable demeanor made him a family favorite. The commotion of kids, dogs, chickens, and even a swirling flock of guinea fowl never fazed him. Gayle’s six-year-old grandkids could confidently lead him, tie him to the trailer, and even climb on his back to groom him.
Then, tragedy struck. Gayle’s daughter passed away, leaving her grandchildren reeling from an unimaginable loss. In the midst of their grief, Bart became more than just a horse—he became a source of comfort, a steady presence when everything else had changed. The children leaned on him in ways only a horse could understand, finding peace in his quiet strength. Through their rides, their grooming sessions, and simply sitting with him in the barn, Bart helped them process their sorrow, offering a kind of healing that words couldn’t provide.
Years passed, and life continued to shift. When Gayle’s grandchildren moved out of state, she was faced with an impossible decision—stay near Bart or follow her family. At his age, Bart had no other options. A mutual friend reached out to us, knowing that Gayle had already endured so much heartbreak and that Bart needed a safe and loving home. Of course, we said yes. But honestly, we got the better end of the deal.
Bart is one of the sweetest souls we’ve ever met. His gentle spirit, steady nature, and big personality bring us endless joy every day. While he does have some health issues that we monitor closely, as long as he is happy, he has a home here. We feel so lucky to have him as part of our family. He’s truly one of a kind.
Cracker Jack
Cracker Jack’s Story
Cracker Jack is more than just a pony—he is a legend.
A senior Shetland pony with the heart of a warrior and the soul of a gentleman, Cracker Jack has seen it all. The vet jokes that he’s old enough to have voted for Kennedy, and given his life experiences, that might not be far from the truth. But through it all, nothing has ever truly fazed him. He has taken life’s hardships in stride, proving time and again that a kind heart and a strong spirit can outlast anything.
We found him living in a makeshift tractor-turned-chicken-coop in Seattle, with a well-meaning family who had purchased him on impulse for a cowboy-themed birthday party. They were told they could "easily sell him the next day." But Cracker Jack wasn’t just a party prop—he was a survivor. By the time we met him, he was in rough shape. His jaw had been shattered at some point in his past and had healed improperly, leaving his teeth in jagged shards that cut into his mouth with every bite. Two trips to a dental specialist later, he could finally eat without pain.
The scars on his shoulders told another story—one of neglect and hardship. The saddle he came with had nails poking into his skin, and the seatbelt attached to it revealed his past life as a carousel pony at county fairs. Carousel ponies, who are ususally changed out every hour, learn their schedules well, and Cracker Jack was no exception. When he first arrived, he would plant his feet at exactly 58 minutes and refuse to move until the child was taken off his back. Over time, he renegotiated that contract to a more comfortable five minutes—a rule he still enforces to this day.
And then there was the scar across his entire face, a painful reminder of a halter left on too long, growing into his skin as he grew bigger. The physical evidence has faded over time, but the past he endured will never be forgotten.
We originally brought Cracker Jack home twelve years ago for birthday parties and pony rides. But while our mission evolved, his role never changed. He became our ambassador—the first to welcome every new horse, settling them in with quiet reassurance, sharing his hay, and letting them know this is a safe place. He does the same for people, too, especially those who are nervous, unsure, or just need a friend. No matter their age or size, he stands patiently, teaching them how to give just the right amount of treats (as much as their pockets can hold, of course), showing them that kindness is met with trust.
Cracker Jack has earned the right to decide how much work he wants to do. And what he chooses is this: to be loved, brushed, and adored, to play dress-up when the occasion calls for it, and to remind everyone who meets him that sometimes, the smallest ones have the biggest hearts.
He is our little trooper. Our wise old man. Our forever ambassador.
And we wouldn’t trade him for the world.
Tarsin
Tarsin’s Story
When we first met Tarsin, we weren’t really looking for him—we were looking for Kenya. But as it turned out, the two were a package deal, and not by anyone’s decision except theirs. Kenya, at 26, relied on Tarsin, and there was no way we could separate them. So, we brought them both home, knowing that Tarsin wasn’t exactly a kid-friendly horse, but trusting that he had a place here.
Around that same time, our neighbor, Tracey, had just lost her own beloved horse. She came by to donate some of his things, still grieving, still feeling the emptiness that comes with losing a partner like that. It was then that she met Tarsin for the first time—at a moment when he needed her most. The day after arriving, he was colicking—something that can be fatal in horses. Without hesitation, Tracey jumped in, massaging his stomach for two and a half hours, refusing to leave his side. We are certain that she saved his life that day.
And Tarsin must have thought so too—because from that moment on, he chose her.
Tarsin had spent his entire life with Kenya, and when Kenya passed, he felt the loss just as deeply as we did. He was 29 at the time, full of energy but with no clear role, just waiting.
Tracey became his person, and the bond between them is undeniable. At 32, Tarsin is still the fastest horse in the barn, but now, he has a purpose again. No one here could ride him, but with Tracey, he’s out on the trails for hours, moving like a horse half his age.
We may have brought Tarsin here for Kenya, but now, he’s here for Tracey. And she is here for him too. They saved each other.
Yogi
Yogi’s Story
When we first met Yogi, he wasn’t really there. His body stood in front of us, but his spirit was gone. His eyes were empty, his posture defeated. He had given up.
Yogi had spent years at a busy trail riding and lesson facility, doing his best to be the steady, dependable horse so many people needed. It was a demanding job—standing saddled and tied for hours each day, waiting for a rider, carrying people of all experience levels. Over time, it took its toll. His joints ached, his feet hurt, and eventually, he just checked out.
The facility saw this. They knew he wasn’t thriving, and when they decided to downsize, they made sure he would only go to a semi-retired home where he could get the care he needed. They also gave us a generous discount, knowing his veterinary costs would be significant. They wanted him to have a better life.
When people came to look at him, they walked away. No one wanted him. He didn’t have that bright, eager look that draws people in. There was no spark, no interest, no recognition of what was happening around him. Just dullness. Defeat.
But we saw him. Really saw him. And we couldn’t leave him behind.
Yogi arrived with severe arthritis in his hocks, worsened by years of carrying heavy riders. His feet were distorted from shoes that were too small—a cost-saving measure common in large facilities where shoeing schedules are stretched to make ends meet. His teeth were so neglected that every bite was painful. His body was rigid, tight, and sore—so much so that when he got his first massage, the therapist said she had never felt anything like it. But Yogi loved that massage.
And slowly, Yogi started to feel again.
He realized that saddles don’t go on unless he’s ready. That no one is going to tie him up for hours on end. That if he feels sore, someone notices and helps. He started making choices, seeking attention, asking for love. The dull, lifeless horse we brought home? He’s gone. In his place is a horse who knows he is safe. A horse who wants to be part of things again.
Now, when people see Yogi, they don’t see a horse who has given up. They see a horse who has found himself again. And we are so lucky to be part of his story.
Chico
Chico’s Story
Chico didn’t understand why his world kept changing.
When we met him, he had just lost the person he thought would be his forever home. A newly retired gentleman, Randy, had rescued Chico from a less-than-ideal situation, hoping for a lifelong companion. They spent every day together, forming a deep bond. But then, unexpected financial struggles forced Randy to make an incredibly painful decision—to give Chico up after only three months.
Chico was devastated. When he arrived here, you could see the confusion in his eyes. He wasn’t just another horse looking for a home—he was a horse who had tried his hardest and still lost everything. He didn’t know what he had done wrong.
But sometimes, life happens in ways we don’t understand. Chico knows that feeling all too well.
On top of his heartbreak, Chico was slightly lame. At first, we thought it was arthritis, but it turned out to be a painful navicular bone issue. The condition meant his heel was deteriorating, making every step difficult. But with the right care—corrective shoeing, veterinary treatments, massage therapy, chiropractic work, and a whole lot of medicine and supplements—Chico started to heal. Today, he moves like a new horse, pain-free and full of life.
Even so, his ongoing veterinary care comes at a cost far beyond what we can manage alone. We weren’t sure how we could keep him, but then, as often happens here, the right person stepped up at the right time. Josh, a Desert Storm veteran, and dedicated volunteer who connected deeply with Chico, refused to let him go. He stepped in to help cover Chico’s expenses, and now, they share something special. Chico helps Josh through his own personal struggles, and in return, Josh makes sure Chico stays right where he belongs.
Chico is safe now. He is loved, cared for, and will always have a home here. But we still need help to continue giving him the care he deserves. If his story speaks to you, please consider supporting his journey—because sometimes, even the most loyal hearts need a little extra help.
Poppy
Poppy’s Story
Poppy is one of those horses who makes you believe in second chances. When we found her, she had already been through so much—passed from owner to owner, ending up in a situation where she was bound for slaughter.
We didn't know her full story at first, only that she was sweet, patient, and kind. She moved stiffly, but nothing about her screamed "unrideable." We saw something special in her, and despite a price hike mid-trip, we made the five-hour drive to bring her home.
Once here, it became clear that Poppy had an old injury—bowed tendons that hadn't fully healed. After two careful, short trail rides, her leg gave out. A veterinary ultrasound confirmed what we feared: she needed long-term rehabilitation. That meant nine months of stall rest, laser treatments, and time—lots of time. But if there was one thing Poppy was good at, it was standing still for hours, basking in attention and love. She became the ultimate “smoochie pig,” leaning into every brush stroke and soaking up every moment of care.
During her recovery, someone asked if Poppy could go to their barn to help an elderly family member with dementia and Parkinson’s disease—someone who had spent their life running a barn and still wanted to feel involved. It seemed perfect. They needed a horse who would stand quietly for hours, be groomed, forgotten for a bit, and then fussed over again. That was exactly what Poppy had been doing here every day.
Poppy, however, did not agree.
She made it very clear, in no uncertain terms, that this was not her home. She transformed from the most patient, loving horse into a fire-breathing dragon. She was furious. She wanted to come back. Two days later, they called and asked us to pick her up. The moment she stepped off the trailer, she let out a big sigh, flicked an ear in our direction, and returned to her usual self. She forgave us for the mistake, as long as we promised never to make it again.
Today, Poppy is fully rehabbed and rules the barn as a princess—practical, down-to-earth, and absolutely adored. She’s everything a person could want in a horse: kind, steady, and full of heart. She was meant to be here, and she knows it. We love her.
Nana
Nana’s registered name is "Flirty Ryon." She started her career as a barrel racer until she was 9 years old. After that, because of her exceptional lineage, she became a brood mare for 10 years, helping to improve a breeding program.
Later, she was sold to a 4H family for their beginner riders. She was deeply loved and cared for but eventually replaced by a show horse better suited for 4H competitions. Although they reluctantly sold her, it worked out perfectly for us.
We needed a horse that was ready to ride and comfortable around kids right away—our summer program was starting in just three days! Nana has lived up to her name and has been everything we could have hoped for in a kid-friendly horse.
We are so grateful for her!
Cats!
Harriet on the parallel bars!
