Big Papa Joe

Gone, but NEVER forgotten…

Blonde Belgian Gelding

17.2H, 1850#  

DOB:  5/20/1995

Joe was born in 1995 as a special member of 30+ Belgian Draft Horses at Mader’s Organic Farm in Halfway, Oregon.  Within one year, he began his journey up the Alcan highway to Kodiak, Alaska where he joined a family of horses who were Reiny River Stables.  Joe provided therapeutic experiences on a regular basis to people on the island and was a delight to everyone who met him… but especially to his person, Wendy.  Later, Wendy, Joe and a few Fjord horses relocated to what would soon be known as Sunnyside Farms in Montana.  

Over the years, Joe taught countless individuals of all ages to ride.  He taught people of all skill levels to drive.  He was the sole force behind the initiation of Eagle Mount’s driving program in Bozeman, Montana, fed cows for the Nollmeyers in Sedan, and was a fixture to endless therapy sessions at Sunnyside Farms.  Joe was the foundation to every foal’s education born at Sunnyside Farm.  And most of all, Joe was the heart horse for Wendy and her rock every single day.  If you know Wendy, you know Big Papa Joe.

Since the moment that Wendy and Joe met in Oregon, for 31 years they never left one-another’s side.  Every day began and ended with Joe, he was the spark that lit her world.  But Wendy isn’t the only one whose life was touched by Joe.  

If you met Joe, you know.

The number of lives that he touched was immense.  Whether human or horse, dog or cat, Joe left an incredible impression on their lives, forever.  He turned heads everywhere he went and never left a memory untouched. 

His colossal heart was bigger than life and he graced us gently with his presence.  We was loved, fiercely, for three decades.  It’s amazing to be so fortunate to be blessed by such a soul, for so long.  

Joe crossed the rainbow bridge peacefully on Memorial Day 2026 at the Rocking G pasture where he had lived for 23 years in bliss with babies, grass, grain and fierce love every single day.  They say that all good things must come to an end.  Some things are better than good, they’re great.  This soul was great.  Processing his loss is going to take some time.  He was far from “just a horse”, he was a giant, a soul beyond that of any other.

Our hearts ache for the tremendous absence and loss that he leaves in our hearts. If you were fortunate to know Joe, you were fortunate enough.

For 31 years Joe was the cornerstone to life… but only if we could have just one more day…

You’ll be missed beyond compare, Big Joe.  I’m not sure how our hearts will ever heal.  We’re thinking of you, resting peacefully, keeping a steady eye on foals who are fortunate to call you Papa.  Thank you for letting us  love you.  We’ve been so blessed.

See Joe in Action!