Categories: ArtCharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Monument Honors Cody Dorman and His Bond with Cody’s Wish

Monument symbolizing the bond between a boy and a horse in a park.

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News Summary

A new monument titled ‘The Bond: Two Hearts-One Spirit’ is set to be unveiled at the Kentucky Horse Park in October 2025, honoring the life of Cody Dorman and his unique relationship with the racehorse Cody’s Wish. Cody, who lived with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, passed away in November 2023, shortly after the horse’s win at the Breeders’ Cup. Sculptor Jocelyn Russell aims to create an accessible tribute that encapsulates their powerful connection, fostering inclusivity within public art. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to support the monument’s construction.

Lexington, Kentucky – A monument titled The Bond: Two Hearts-One Spirit is underway at the Kentucky Horse Park, designed to honor the life and lasting impact of Madison County teenager Cody Dorman and his special bond with the racehorse Cody’s Wish. This heartfelt tribute is set to be unveiled in October 2025 and aims to celebrate the unique connection between humans and horses.

Cody Dorman, who lived with a rare condition known as Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, passed away in November 2023, just days following Cody’s Wish’s triumphant victory at the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile race. This young boy was nonverbal and relied on a wheelchair for mobility, yet he developed an extraordinary friendship with the thoroughbred, whose name poignantly mirrors his own.

The creation of the monument is spearheaded by sculptor Jocelyn Russell, known for her previous work including the Secretariat statue in downtown Paris, Kentucky. Russell’s design intends to encapsulate the intimate relationship shared between Cody and Cody’s Wish. The monument will feature an inviting aspect for visitors, allowing wheelchair users to roll up to the statue and touch the bronze horse’s nose, engaging with the art in a meaningful way.

Located near the Hall of Champions along a main thoroughfare at the Horse Park, the monument is envisioned to encourage interaction among guests and promote deep engagement with the narrative of the horse-human bond. An accompanying memorial wall will display a beloved photograph of Cody Dorman alongside Cody’s Wish, further enriching the emotional context of the installation.

To bring this project to fruition, Robin Hutton, representing the nonprofit organization Angels Without Wings, is leading fundraising efforts with a target of $275,000. The aim is to ensure the monument not only stands as a tribute but also serves as a point of connection for those who come to visit the Horse Park.

The bond illustrated by this monument transcends a mere friendship; it embodies a significant chapter in horse racing history and showcases the powerful influence that racehorses can have on individuals facing adversities. According to Russell, her goal is to make such impactful art accessible, emphasizing the importance of creating installations that are friendly to all, including individuals with disabilities.

This upcoming installation aligns with a growing trend to promote inclusivity within public art, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the stories and emotions that these monuments encapsulate. The creation of such a monument not only honors the legacy of Cody Dorman but also reminds visitors of the healing power of companionship and the unique bonds that can exist between humans and animals.

As the Kentucky Horse Park prepares for the monument’s arrival, it promises to become a cherished landmark, nurturing the memory of Cody Dorman and the special relationship he formed with Cody’s Wish. This installation hopes to inspire future generations to appreciate the profound narratives interwoven in the world of horse racing and the incredible stories that bring them to life.