A heartwarming tale of a man and his horse, a story that will leave you in awe of the power of memories. The journey of Norm Dunstan and his beloved Lexus Kody is an inspiring one, showcasing the beauty of a life well-lived and the impact of a single moment.
Norm, now 84, has faced health challenges and a fading memory, but when it comes to Lexus Kody, his voice lights up with passion. This remarkable horse, bred by Norm himself, achieved an incredible feat in September, winning the Yonkers International Trot, a race with a 45-year history. Lexus Kody became the first Ontario-sired horse to claim this victory, following in the hooves of Armbro Flight, the only other Ontario-bred winner, back in 1966.
For Norm, this moment was life-changing. He shared, "It was the highlight of my life. That meant a lot to me." And the accolades kept coming; in 2025, Lexus Kody led all North American horses in earnings, a staggering $1,827,523.
But here's where it gets controversial... Lexus Kody's success wasn't just about the money. It was about the journey and the impact it had on Norm's life. In a span of just 11 weeks, Lexus Kody won five major stakes races, traveling over 3,428 kilometers across five different tracks. This incredible run included victories in the Maple Leaf Trot, the International, the Caesars Trotting Classic, the Dayton Trotting Derby, and the FanDuel Open Trot. Lexus Kody's performance earned him the U.S. Dan Patch Award as the Older Trotter of the Year, and he's still in the running for the Trotter of the Year and Horse of the Year awards.
When asked about the significance of these awards, Norm's response was emotional: "Oh, the world. It would be the world." His wife, Helen, added, "It would be a good way to end this chapter."
And this is the part most people miss... the impact of Lexus Kody on Norm's life goes beyond the track. In November, shortly after Lexus Kody's final win, Norm and Helen sold their beautiful farm in Caledon, a place Norm had tended to himself for over two decades. The sale was difficult, especially as Norm had also lost Lexus Helios, the mare who gave birth to Lexus Kody, in 2022.
Shannon Henry, who trained Lexus Kody for Norm, understands the depth of Norm's connection. She said, "For Norm's sake, I'm glad Lexus Kody had such an incredible year. The big picture is we're still very close with Norm. We're just so happy he's getting some attention. His health is declining, and he's out of the business now, but he always talked about this horse, even before he became what he is now. It's almost like he knew he had something special."
Lexus Kody, the second foal of Lexus Helios, was a horse with a unique spirit. He had a tough start, tearing the skin off his legs as a two-year-old, but his caretakers were lucky he didn't injure his tendons. Despite his challenges, Lexus Kody showed promise, but he wasn't an easy horse to train. He had a habit of throwing a leg, and his caretakers had to work hard to keep him calm.
As a sophomore, Lexus Kody faced tough competition in Fashion Frenzie and Logan Park, but he still managed to finish third in the Super Final. Shannon described him as "a little off his rocker" back then, but his potential was undeniable.
In his fourth year, Lexus Kody was sold privately to his current owners, and he was transferred to the Ron Burke Stable in the U.S. This move proved to be a turning point, as Lexus Kody's outstanding 2025 season followed.
Shannon shared, "We're so happy for the current owners. They're a wonderful bunch, and they've been so good to Norm."
In October, when Lexus Kody returned to Ontario for the Breeders Crown, his caretaker, Joseph "Jo Jo" Tosies, invited Norm and Helen to visit. Norm jumped at the chance, and he spent a memorable day with Lexus Kody. This moment, captured in a beautiful photo, is one of the few bright spots in Norm's memory these days.
"He is a gem of a man," Norm said of Tosies. "He was so gentle with the horses."
Lexus Kody's impact on Norm's life is undeniable. As Norm puts it, "He was the best horse I ever had."
This story is a reminder that sometimes, it's the sweet memories that keep us going, and the impact of a single horse can be truly life-changing.
What do you think? Do you have a similar story of a beloved animal companion? Share your thoughts and let's celebrate the power of these special bonds!
