‘Healing Horse’ Needs Warm Stable for the Winter

DETROIT, MI – Cody, a high-stepping 22-year-old Arabian horse known as a “healing horse,” could get left out in the cold this winter if organizers of a fund drive can’t raise enough money to shelter him somewhere warm.

The horse has helped countless people in need of rehabilitation, both children and adults who need to have their muscles strengthened, their spirits lifted and their self-esteem boosted. For that reason, Cody is sometimes referred to as “The Angel of Hope Horse.”

But without an influx of cash to pay for warm stables, Cody could be shivering.

Cody’s owner, Glenn Martin, keeps the horse in Highland Park in warm weather months, but “could use a bit of help this year with paying for stable board to keep Cody warm though the coming winter months,” Wanda Simmons, of Farmington, wrote on a GoFundMe Page.

Simmons knows a bit about what Cody can do. Her cousin, Prema Greenwood, 59, of Detroit, has multiple sclerosis and free weekly sessions with Martin and Cody became part of her physical therapy. As a result, her leg muscles have strengthened and her balance has been restored.

Greenwood was initially reluctant to climb on top of the 1,000 pound horse, but his calm demeanor put her at ease and vanquished her fears.

“He has increased the quality of my life,” Greenwood told The Detroit News. “It just has opened up the possibilities for my life. So now I’m trying other things because he has really helped me believe that everything is possible, that I can do it. … I really feel like there’s so much more I can do. Cody really helped me dream again.”

The improvements in Greenwood’s quality of life motivated Simmons to create the $3,000 fund-raising campaign. At mid-day Sunday, about $1,285 had been raised.

“It will be a blessing,” Simmons told The Detroit News. “Glenn’s a great guy but he honestly doesn’t have the money to board Cody.”

Martin, of Detroit, said he enjoys seeing how Cody can help others. He can’t count “how many people with disabilities have been on his back.”

“All I’m trying to do is offer myself to help folks much as I can,” he told the newspaper. “When they have a million-dollar smile on their face, it gives me glory. It fills my heart with joy.”

To donate, go to GoFundMe.

Photo via GoFundMe