Alan "Woody" Woodbury, the esteemed longtime owner and operator of Woody’s Feed & Grain in Dickinson, North Dakota, a leading figure whose influence spanned from the foundational science of equine nutrition to the strategic artistry of horse breeding, passed away on June 6 at the age of 81. His passing marks the end of an era for countless individuals and institutions within the horse industry, leaving behind an indelible legacy of innovation, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to equine excellence. Woodbury’s multifaceted contributions to the equestrian world were profound, shaping the careers of champions across various disciplines and fostering a community united by a shared passion for horses.

Early Life and the Foundation of a Legacy: Woody’s Feed & Grain

Born into a family with deep roots in agriculture, Alan Woodbury’s journey began in Dickinson, North Dakota, where he established Woody’s Feed & Grain. What started as a local feed business evolved into a nationally recognized enterprise, becoming a cornerstone of the equine community. His discerning approach to feed formulation quickly earned a reputation for quality and efficacy. Woodbury was not merely selling feed; he was meticulously engineering diets designed for peak performance. This dedication saw his proprietary feed blends power horses to some of the highest echelons of equestrian sport, including the prestigious Kentucky Derby – a testament to the scientific rigor and practical understanding he brought to equine nutrition. Beyond the race track, his feeds fueled National Finals Rodeo (NFR) champions, the pinnacle of professional rodeo, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness across diverse, demanding disciplines. Woody’s Feed & Grain was more than a business; it was a hub of knowledge, a place where horse owners and trainers sought advice and found solutions tailored to their animals’ needs, reflecting Woodbury’s deep commitment to the health and performance of horses.

A Visionary in Equine Breeding: The "Mad Horse Scientist"

While his feed business laid a robust foundation, it was Woodbury’s venture into horse breeding that truly set him apart as a visionary. His breeding program, characterized by an almost scientific precision, aimed not just to produce horses, but to craft equine athletes destined for greatness. By December 31, 2025, horses bred in his name had amassed over $2.233 million in barrel racing earnings alone, positioning him as EquiStat’s No. 13 Leading Breeder of All-Time. This remarkable achievement underscores his profound impact on the genetic landscape of performance horses.

In the early 2000s, Woodbury strategically acquired two mares that would become the foundational pillars of his breeding empire: Dash Ta Vanila and Tell Em Belle. Dash Ta Vanila, affectionately known as “Nila,” was a daughter of the legendary sire Dash Ta Fame, a stallion whose progeny have collectively earned tens of millions across various disciplines, particularly barrel racing. Woodbury’s acquisition of Nila as an embryo from Carisa Shearer was a forward-thinking move, capitalizing on the proven genetics of her dam, SX Frenchmans Vanila, a five-time futurity champion and the 2001 EquiStat Leading Futurity Horse. This strategic choice highlighted Woodbury’s foresight in identifying elite bloodlines.

Tell Em Belle, a 2005 daughter of Tres Seis out of Teller Corona by Corona Cartel, was another critical acquisition in 2009. Tres Seis, known for his speed and athleticism, combined with the powerful Corona Cartel lineage, provided a potent genetic cocktail. Belle herself had a respectable career on the track, lighting the board six times in seven starts with two wins, before transitioning seamlessly into a successful barrel racing career. These two mares, Nila and Belle, would become the cornerstones upon which Woodbury meticulously built his breeding program.

His approach to breeding was famously described by industry associates as "depth of pedigree" philosophy. This involved an exhaustive analysis of three-to-five generational histories of successful pairings within a pedigree. Woodbury would then meticulously attempt to duplicate these successful genetic combinations, aiming to amplify the most desirable traits – speed, agility, intelligence, and a strong work ethic – in his offspring. Lisa Lockhart, a three-time NFR Champion and a close friend, remarked, "Alan impacted the horse industry with a very wide path – an exceptional breeding program… no matter what adventure he was involved with, he wanted to make it the best it could be." His daughter, Bobby Maher, fondly remembered his "colorful mind and personality," and how he "lived and breathed horses his entire life." This dedication earned him the moniker "the mad horse scientist" from some within the industry, reflecting his rigorous, almost academic, approach to genetics and performance. Even in his final days, Woodbury’s passion for breeding remained undimmed; his family discovered he had approved several new pairings just days before his passing, underscoring his lifelong dedication.

Champions Forged: From Barrel Racing to Steer Wrestling

The success of Woodbury’s breeding program was evident in the champions it produced across multiple rodeo disciplines. In 2012, both Nila and Belle carried Nikki (Steffes) Hansen to the National Finals Rodeo, a rare achievement for two mares from the same breeding program in the same year. Belle further demonstrated her versatility, carrying Bobbi (Grann) Olson to the 2014 Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo Championship before becoming the primary mount for Woodbury’s granddaughter, Sydney Maher. Maher recounted her success with Belle, stating, "I won a lot on her, from the time I was 16 up until we retired her when I was in college. She won everything I took her to at all different levels." Sydney Maher also rode other Woodbury-bred horses, Pure Vanila and Wicked Felina CL, Rosa’s full sister, continuing the family’s legacy with his exceptional stock.

Dash Ta Vanila solidified her status as one of the all-time leading broodmares, with offspring earnings approaching $900,000. Her most celebrated progeny was Rosas Cantina CC, or "Rosa," by Corona Cartel. Rosa, a prominent figure in Woodbury’s breeding program until her sale in December 2025 to Tyson and Del Bieleny’s Mill Iron Livestock, became a consistent NFR qualifier under the expert guidance of Lisa Lockhart. Rosa’s own offspring have continued this legacy, including the futurity champion and emerging sire Monsterr (by Tres Seis); Bucky Wonder Horse (by First Down Dash), who helped Shelley Morgan qualify for the 2024 NFR; Britta Strain’s 2025 Breeders Challenge Finale Open 1D Champion Golden Cloud (by Dash Ta Fame); and the rising leading sire Lucky Wonder Horse (by First Down Dash).

While Nila produced remarkable barrel racing champions, Tell Em Belle, whom the family affectionately considered Woodbury’s favorite, produced the most offspring. Many of Belle’s babies initially went to the track, demonstrating Woodbury’s strategic integration of track performance into his breeding decisions. One of her most notable offspring was Telle Em PYC, known as "Banker," by PYC Paint Your Wagon. Despite earning less than $1,000 on the track, Banker pivoted to an extraordinary career as a steer wrestling horse, crossing the $1 million mark in earnings. Now owned by Justin Schaffer, Banker was crowned the 2025 American Quarter Horse Association/PRCA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year and carried Tucker Allen to the 2025 Steer Wrestling World Championship.

In a testament to his breeding program’s unparalleled versatility, 2025 saw Megan McLeod-Sprague qualify for the NFR on Seis Corona, or "Jag," Tell Em Belle’s gelding by Dash Ta Fame. This meant Woodbury achieved the rare feat of raising multiple NFR horses from the same mare in the same year, excelling in different rodeo events – barrel racing with Jag and steer wrestling with Banker. This accomplishment highlighted Woodbury’s unique ability to identify and cultivate genetic potential for diverse athletic endeavors within the demanding world of professional rodeo.

Innovation Beyond Breeding: The Electronic Timer

Woodbury’s innovative spirit extended beyond feed and breeding. Recognizing the need for precision and fairness in timed events, he applied his engineering mindset to developing an electronic timer specifically designed for barrel racing. Drawing upon his understanding of timing mechanisms from race tracks, he created a device that offered unparalleled accuracy. This innovation addressed a critical need in a sport where hundredths, or even thousandths, of a second can determine victory. His timer became a widely adopted tool, improving the integrity and professionalization of barrel racing competitions across the country. This invention underscored his commitment to enhancing every facet of the equestrian experience, from the ground up.

A Legacy of Generosity and Community Impact

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alan Woodbury was deeply admired for his boundless generosity. This was not merely financial giving, but a profound willingness to share his vast knowledge, mentor aspiring equestrians, and tirelessly work to "make it all better" for the sport he loved. WPRA President Heidi Schmidt, a lifelong friend, captured this sentiment with a chuckle, "He was a great guy, especially if he liked you… He loved rodeo. He loved barrel racing, he loved horses and anything he could do to make it all better."

His philanthropic spirit was formally recognized in 2023 when he was awarded the WPRA Outstanding Service Award. This prestigious honor, presented by industry luminaries like Joe Beaver and then-WPRA President Jimmie Munroe, acknowledged his profound and lasting contributions to the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association and the sport of barrel racing as a whole. Woodbury’s impact extended to high school rodeo athletes, professional rodeo cowboys, and women’s professional rodeo association champions, making dreams come true for countless individuals through his horses and support. His dedication to fostering the next generation of equestrians, coupled with his tireless efforts to elevate the sport, cemented his status not just as a successful businessman and breeder, but as a true benefactor.

Tributes and Enduring Influence

The equestrian community mourns the loss of a titan, but also celebrates the enduring legacy Alan Woodbury leaves behind. Megan McLeod-Sprague likened conversations with Woodbury to being "a kid in a candy store," emphasizing his immense knowledge. "There aren’t many people that you can just incessantly talk about horses with and not get tired of it," she said. "He just had so much knowledge between the breeding and feed and how you bring them up and finish them. He knew so much about everything." She concluded, "He’s kind of like Scamper. He’s a legend. There will be more great horseman, but there will never be another Alan."

His meticulous notes on breeding, found even after his passing, and the continued operation of his breeding agreements, illustrate a man whose passion transcended life itself. The horses he cultivated, imbued with the genetics he painstakingly researched and developed, will continue to influence the rodeo world for decades to come. His innovations in feed and timing technology have permanently improved the standards of equine care and competition. Alan Woodbury will be remembered as a rare individual whose intellect, drive, and generosity shaped an entire industry, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of horses and humans alike.

Further insights into Alan Woodbury’s extraordinary life and career will be featured in the August 2026 issue of Barrel Horse News.