The Bond: Two Hearts — One Spirit

By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos By Kathryn Harrington 

A new monument now stands at the Kentucky Horse Park, a bronze statue called “The Bond: Two Hearts — One Spirit.” It honors the remarkable friendship between Cody Dorman and the racehorse named in his honor, Cody’s Wish. The sculpture is a heartfelt commemoration of compassion and the power of connection. 

The monument, created by artist Jocelyn Russell, shows Cody’s Wish lowering his head with gentle eyes, as if inviting visitors to come close. Surrounding the statue are stone walls with photos and stories celebrating the bond between boy and horse. What makes this tribute especially moving is the space left open where Cody would have been in his wheelchair. That space is intentional; it allows children who use wheelchairs to roll up and connect directly with the horse, just as Cody once did. It’s a thoughtful design that reflects Cody’s giving spirit and his lifelong desire to make others feel included. 

Their story began through a Make-A-Wish visit to Keeneland when Cody met a young foal who rested his head in Cody’s lap. That foal would later become the racehorse Cody’s Wish, a horse that went on to win major races while carrying the heart of the young man who inspired his name. Though Cody was unable to speak and used a wheelchair, he and the horse shared an unspoken understanding that captured hearts across the country.

Cody passed away in 2023, the morning after watching Cody’s Wish run one of his final races. Now, this monument ensures that their story continues to inspire everyone who visits. Located near the Hall of Champions, the statue welcomes people from all over the world to experience the kind of bond that goes beyond words. 

At the unveiling ceremony seven years to the day that Cody and Cody’s Wish met, friends, family, and fans gathered to celebrate Cody’s life and the legacy of the horse who helped tell his story. There were tears, smiles, and moments of reflection as people took in the scene: the bronze horse, the open space beside him, and the sense of peace that filled the air. Cody’s father, Kelly Dorman, called the monument “absolutely perfect in every way,” and it’s clear that the sculpture captures both the strength and tenderness that defined Cody’s journey. 

The Cody’s Wish Monument is a symbol of empathy, hope, and belonging. It reminds visitors that the deepest connections often don’t require words at all, only kindness, patience, and love. As people pause beside the horse, reaching out to touch the bronze or simply reflect, they are reminded that true bonds never fade. The spirit of Cody and Cody’s Wish lives on, a lasting reminder that love and understanding can bridge any distance. 

There’s still time to get your name on the final donor plaque.

Go to CodysWishMonument.com to learn more.