At first glance, they seem an unlikely trio - a towering horse, a stocky pony, and an eager dog, each bearing the same distinctive black spots on their hides. Yet on Arends-Hakvoort's farm, these three creatures dwell in harmony as the closest of companions. They race together across green fields, the pony valiantly keeping pace with its far larger equine friend. They rest together in dappled shade, the dog nestled trustingly between the hooves of the gentle giants. Though disparate in size and species, through some alchemy of the soul, these three kindred spirits have forged a bond transcending such earthly differences. To see them play together is to believe that friendship knows no bounds.
Meet the horse, dog and pony who are all the best of friends and look identical – despite them not even being the same species
Horse trainer Greetje Arends-Hakvoort (left) has three identical looking pets – one Appaloosa stallion, one Shetland pony and one Dalmatian dog – all of which showcase their stunning black spots
Mother-of-one Greetje, 35, adores taking the animals out with her seven-year-old daughter Jolie Lune Arends (pictured), who loves riding the Shetland pony – to the amazement of passers by.
Despite their size differences, the three animals love to play together, with owner Greetje regularly catching them running, training, and having fun together
Dalmation Jack Sparrow, two, and Appaloosa stallion Nevada play together in the sunshine
Mother-of-one Greetje, 35, adores taking the animals out with her seven-year-old daughter Jolie Lune Arends, who loves riding the Shetland pony – to the amazement of passers by.
Appaloosa stallion Nevada, 10, Shetland pony Napoleon, six, and Dalmatian Jack Sparrow, two, are the best of friends and love wowing strangers with their unique matching spots.
Greetje, from Kootwijkerbroek, The Netherlands, said: ‘I have always wanted a Dalmatian dog and I love spotted horses so two of my wishes came together in a special way.
Appaloosa stallion Nevada, 10, Shetland pony Napoleon, six, and Dalmatian Jack Sparrow, two, are the best of friends and love wowing strangers with their unique matching spots
Greetje said: ‘People always smile when they see the three together; often people refer to the 101 Dalmatians film and it brings up nice childhood memories for them.’
Mother Greetje and daughter Jolie go riding with their identical looking stallion, pony and dalmation
Daughter Jolie pictured stroking her Shetland pony, who was born at the same time as her
‘Napoleon was actually born at the same time as Jolie so they grew up together and now they are the best of friends.
‘People always smile when they see the three together; often people refer to the 101 Dalmatians film and it brings up nice childhood memories for them.
‘When Jack was younger, he saw himself as one of the horses and he fits in perfectly.
‘Trust is the key word here; horses thrive when trust exists and they need to feel comfortable and self assured and Jack does exactly that.
‘There’s a lot of horse and dog love there between them.
‘We have even more spots here now as the family is growing! We have three other horses and training them is my passion.’
