Meet the Horse, Pony, and Dog Who Look Identical — and Are the Best of Friends

Sometimes, nature writes a story so perfect it feels like a fairytale. In the Dutch village of Kootwijkerbroek, horse trainer Greetje Arends-Hakvoort has three pets that don’t just share her heart — they share each other’s spots.

Her Appaloosa stallion Nevada (10), Shetland pony Napoleon (6), and Dalmatian Jack Sparrow (2) all have stunning black-and-white markings that make them look like a matching set, even though they’re not the same species.

But what’s even more magical is their bond. Despite their size differences, the trio love running, playing, and even training together. Jack often acts just like one of the horses, keeping up with his larger friends as if he were born in the stable.

“They’re the best of friends,” says Greetje. “People always smile when they see them together. Many even compare them to 101 Dalmatians, which brings back happy childhood memories.”

The family bond doesn’t stop there. Greetje’s 7-year-old daughter Jolie has grown up alongside Napoleon, who was born around the same time as her. Today, the two are inseparable, often spotted riding together and amazing passersby with their spotted companions trotting alongside.

For Greetje, this unique friendship is built on one simple foundation: trust. “Horses thrive when trust exists,” she explains. “Jack fits in perfectly because he gives them exactly that. There’s a lot of horse and dog love here.”

And the spotted family keeps growing — Greetje has three more horses now, each part of her lifelong passion for training. But Nevada, Napoleon, and Jack remain the show-stealers: three different animals, one extraordinary friendship, and a reminder that love knows no species.