Woody Arabian

Set in the undulating Italian countryside, you can find a little slice of heaven. For among the flowing waters and rich forests is Woody Arabians, founded by Giampaolo 'Woody' Gubbioti and run with his partner, Noëmie Zeller. It was in 1990 that the first Arabian horses stepped foot at this farm, found in Galeata in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, around 70 kilometres southeast of Bologna. And it is here where Woody's dreams have come true. The Arabian Horse Magazine crew have been visiting Woody Arabians for many years now. In 2020, a special and unexpected visit was made on the way back from the Ströhen Show in Germany. After travelling 13 hours, where else can one choose to get proper rest if not the picturesque Romagna hills surrounding Galeata? Not only is this the home of Woody Arabians, it is also where his partner, Noëmie Zeller, one of the magazine's best contributors, lives. As well as Gianluca Martino, the group also included Paola Drera, a well-known photographer from Milan who we have been collaborating with for many years. Woody had organised a perfect welcoming party in a farmhouse typical of the area, including a wonderful swimming pool where we went for a dip before going to our rooms, a necessity dictated by the summer heat. In the evening, we had dinner with typical dishes from Romagna, good wine, and excellent music. We really began thinking that this is not only a place to admire beautiful examples of Arabian horses, but truly an oasis of well-being and regeneration where everyone can enjoy a beautiful holiday. Surprisingly, we spent the night talking about a variety of things, with absolutely no reference to Arabian horses. We learned that Galeata is a tourist and spa area with much to offers visitors. Not only is there good food, but also great hospitality as well as the Thermal Baths of Romagna and Castrocaro, dating back to the Gothic-Byzantine period. The next day, we woke at dawn and had a delicious, hearty breakfast before setting out for the farm tour. As the sun was coming up, the landscape was swathed with amazing colours. Paola was simply entranced by the natural beauty of the place. The wall at the main entrance to Woody Arabians has been built in historic style, with the welcome lobby built using traditional hand-made stones. The farm is crossed by the bright blue waters of the Bidente River, which was sparkling with the first rays of sun. Along the river we saw some beautiful birds, grey herons that, as Woody explained, have become rare in this area. The farm offers a peaceful and inspiring place where horses spend most of their time outdoors, with shelter offered - something that, as Woody points out, is the best anti-stress solution. Everything here was organised with meticulous attention to detail, all in order to offer maximum comfort to Woody and Noëmie's four-legged friends. After visiting the breeding farm, we moved to their summer residence with a group of Saluki dogs, the typical desert greyhounds that the couple also breed. Around the property stretches a wonderful garden dotted with palm trees and flowers of a thousand colours, where in the middle stands a building looking much like a mid-19th century castle, fully refurbished in line with tradition. At Woody Arabians, one can relive the intense atmosphere of the past. This is a place where it really feels as though time has stood still… "From a young age, I have loved all animals," smiles Woody. "I especially loved horses and dogs and I began breeding them. The first horses were Anglo Arabians, but that quickly evolved to purebred Arabians and Saluki dogs. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the arrival of a foal into the world and watching them grow into the vision I had in mind when I bred them. That feeling has never left me, and each breeding season is truly magical." The first purebred mare to arrive at Woody Arabians was Matiola, a beautiful grey who danced on to the farm in 1990. This was the beginning of a remarkable life with Arabian horses and since that day, Woody has established himself as a successful breeder of world-class Arabian horses, as well as that of a marketer and respected horseman. "The horses I bred have the suffix 'El Aziz', chosen by my father Fernando," explains Woody. "These early horses became the cornerstone of Woody Arabians, and their lines live on today. "The bloodlines at Woody Arabians are predominantly Russian with sprinklings of Spanish and Polish blood, as well as a few modern day lines. I love to blend the old and the new and create a contemporary Arabian horse that is a perfect combination of classic and modern, one that can perform in any sphere." Alongside Woody since 2012, and integral to both Woody's happiness and the success of Woody Arabians, is Noëmie Zeller. Editor of Arabian Horse Magazine, Noëmie shares Woody's deep love for the Arabian horse, having owned and bred them for many years. While her foundations were Crabbet Arabians, she has a love for all bloodlines and with Woody, they have bred some incredible Arabian horses. "Noëmie is my friend, my lover, my confidant and ultimately, my better half," smiles Woody. Of their relationship, Noëmie says: "Our connection is everything; we are lovers and friends. We give each other a home and help during bad moments. The relationship we have makes the world we live a better place for both of us and it all starts with the deep passion and love for the Arabian horse." The broodmares of Woody Arabians Looking at the horses that form part of Woody Arabians today, the broodmare band is impressive. "These mares are all so special to me," says Woody. "They are my rare gems that radiate quality, sublime Arabian beauty, and substance." At the heart of Woody Arabians and holding pride of place as the Queen of the farm is the 16-year old mare M Eos, one of two WH Justice (Magnum Psyche x Vona Sher-Renea by El Sher-Mann) daughters at the farm. Bred in Italy by Benedetti Mauro, M Eos is out of Elgiria (Grandorr x Elma by Probat), combining those Russian sire-lines with the Polish, while her sire brings the modernity that Woody loves to breed. "M Eos is truly her father's daughter," smiles Woody. "She oozes that famous Justice type while her Polish damline has gifted her with a compact body and powerful movement. She was Gold Champion Mare at the Marina di Pietrasanta Show, but more importantly, she has blessed us with five fillies - Princess El Aziz (by Royal Colours by True Colours out of Xtreme Wonder), foaled in 2011; Emilia El Aziz (by QR Marc by Marwan al Shaqab out of Swete Dreams), foaled in 2013; Esmerelda El Aziz (by FS Eternal Flame by Kubinec out of Temptress MSC), foaled in 2014; and the full sisters, the 2017 Eos Rose El Aziz and the 2018 Eos Mea El Aziz, both sired by FA El Rasheem (FA El Shawan x Virtuosa MLR by Versace)." Of these daughters, Emilia El Aziz was sold to Iran where she was named Silver Champion Filly at the Iran Nationals. Esmeralda El Aziz has been retained by Woody Arabians - more on her later - while Eos Rose El Aziz is a pretty bay princess who will definitely be one to look out for in the near future. "Eos Mea El Aziz has just started to bloom, and it will be exciting to see what they both produce," says Noëmie. Meanwhile, their dam M Eos is in foal to the young Al Shira'aa owned colt AJ Sanad (AJ Mardan x AJ Sultana by Marwan al Shaqab) for 2021. The second WH Justice daughter at the farm is the 2005 mare DA Alima, bred by Darius Arabians in Germany and using some of the best Russian bloodlines. DA Alima is out of Apilkala by Karnaval (Naftalin x Karinka by Aswan) and out of Amplituda (Pesniar x Monogramma by Knippel), a mare with the incredible Monogramma in her pedigree. A US National Reserve Champion, Monogramma was a hugely influential broodmare at the Tersk Stud in Russia, producing none other than Monogramm (by Negatraz by Bask out of Negotka), one of the most important Russian sirelines in the 1990s. Of DA Alima's progeny, the 2019 filly Anthaliah El Aziz (by Kahil al Shaqab by Marwan al Shaqab out of OFW Mishaahl), is especially noteworthy. More on this very promising grey beauty later. Also calling Woody Arabians home is another Darius-bred mare, this time the 12-year old fleabitten beauty DA Najah bint Massai (Massai ibn Marenga x DA Nigeria by DA Energetic). Found within her pedigree an amazing eight crosses to the extraordinary mare, Mammona (Ofir x Krucica by Farys II), bred in Poland and who survived the long march to Tersk Stud in Russia while a foal. This amazing mare would go on to become the Queen of Tersk, and granddam of Monogramma, and she remains a true legend. Through DA Alima and DA Najah bint Massai, there are 11 crosses to Mammona, which is extraordinary and certainly brings that extra something to the Woody Arabians foals born from these mares. Continuing with the WH Justice family at the farm is the ethereal 11-year old grey mare, Iman by Ajman, by Ajman Moniscione (WH Justice x Anthea Moniscione by Padrons Ghibli) and out of Nagiba AB (Nagib el Zaid x Aisha TS by Dorian), a mare who was also part of the Woody Arabians breeding program many years previously, thus making Iman by Ajman doubly precious for all at the farm. Ajman Moniscione is renowned around the world for his extreme type and success as a sire, and Iman by Ajman certainly underlines the quality that he produces. Add in the undeniable El Shaklan (Shaker el Masri x Estopa by Tabal) influence through her dam, along with the cross of the Polish, Russian and Egyptian lines, and Iman by Ajman is a very special mare indeed. She has already proven herself as a great producer through her daughters: the 2016 India El Aziz (by FS Eternal Flame), now owned by Zamora Arabians in Switzerland; the spectacular 2017 Isharaa El Aziz (by FA El Rasheem), a filly set to turn heads in the future and who is being retained by Woody Arabians; and the 2018 Iylah El Aziz (by Excalibur EA by Shanghai EA out of Essence of Marwan EA). "Her name means 'the bright one' or 'the shining one'," explains Woody. "Her name is fitting, and we cannot wait to see her truly shine." Away from these beautiful grey mares are four bay bombshells that are part of the core broodmare band at Woody Arabians. The first of these is 16-year old Psyntia (Psytadel x Taiga by Kubinec), bred by Karl-Heinz Stöckle of Osterhof Stud in Germany. "It was love at first sight with Psyntia," says Woody. "She was undeniably beautiful, but she also has a kind soul that just captured my heart! She, too, traces to Mammona, a mare I admire hugely and love to have in my program for the strength that this line brings. And Psyntia has the most beautiful ears on the farm - essential for breeding!" Psyntia has had fillies by Marajj (Marwan al Shaqab x RGA Kouress by Kouvay Bey), MPA Giovanni (Da Vinci FM x Glitzy by FS Ritz) Monther Al Nasser (Ansata Hejazi x Aliah al Nasser by Imperial Mahzeer), and Fa El Rasheem. "We are waiting with passion for her 2021 baby by SQ Ageeb (Fa El Rasheem x CS Amay by Royal Colours)," says Noëmie. "We think that this will be a very special foal indeed." Then there is the elegant 11-year old mare VD Royal Extreema (Royal Colors x Abaja by Windsprees Mirage), bred by VD Arabians in Italy, and one of the most accomplished show horses at the farm. In 2011, she was awarded Gold Champion Filly at the Porto San Ellipsoid, Città di Castello and Montefalco Shows as well as the Silver Champion Filly at the Salerno Show. As a dam, she has been exemplary, producing the chestnut and flaxen 2017 mare Escada El Aziz by Montasser Al Zobair (Khidar x Falha Al Shaqab by Gazal Al Shaqab) as well as colts by Kahil Al Shaqab and Kanz Albidayer (Ajman Moniscione x DL Marielle by Marwan Al Shaqab), including Eraos, bred and owned by Zamora Arabians and winner of the Silver Junior Championship at the International B Show in Bergamo last year. VD Royal Extreema is in foal to Dominic M (Da Vinci FM x Rosa la Valentina by DA Valentino) for 2021. The next bay beauty is the seven-year old mare, the aforementioned Esmeralda El Aziz. "She is the last daughter of her beloved sire, FS Eternal Flame (Kubinec x Temptress MSC by Traditio)," says Woody. "Born in 1996, this chestnut stallion was bred by Frank Spönle and for me, he was the most handsome stallion you can imagine. He was successful in the show-ring, being a real moving machine with a very nice long neck, refined head and big black eyes. But for me, what stands out the most, is his sweet character. Eternal Flame took care of the babies when they were separated from their mother in the most gentle of ways. For us, the old horses are the heart of the farm and Eternal Flame will always be the one and only king of Woody Arabians. He passed away peacefully in 2018 and he is greatly missed by the whole family." Esmerelda El Aziz herself is a gorgeous young mare with a gentle expression, and she will be retained at Woody Arabians to continue her sire's legacy. At the International B Show in Salerno, she was Silver Champion Futurity Filly, and she is now firmly a part of the breeding program. Her first foal was the filly Eternity's Hope El Aziz (by ES Harir by AJ Dinar out of TF Magnum's Magic), foaled the year that her sire was born. In 2020, Esmeralda El Aziz produced another beautiful filly, Eisha El Aziz (by Kanz Albidayer) and she is in foal to Dominic M for a 2021 foal. The last of the bay beauties is the 13-year old mare Danka El Aziz, out of the Platinum World Champion, the straight Egyptian stallion Royal Colours, and is out of one of the breeding cornerstones at Woody Arabians, Diamantha (Nagadir x Dalia II by Narav Ibn Aswan). Again, Danka El Aziz has been successful both as a show horse and a broodmare. As a filly, she was unanimous Champion at the Italian Nationals, the Travagliato and the Città di Catsello Shows. "She is the farm's most successful homebred filly to date," explains Woody. "Danka El Aziz moved from being a show horse to a broodmare with ease, and she has consistently bred beautiful foals of great quality. Her 2012 daughter by HDB Shir Ibn Massai (Massai Ibn Marenga x Mayana by BJ Thee Mustafa), Danubia El Aziz, was sold to Italy while her 2016 daughter filly by Libano MPE (Marwan Al Shaqab x Thee Rahiba by BJ Thee Mustafa), Deauville El Aziz, remains at the farm." Danka El Aziz's striking three-year old son Ducan El Aziz (by ZT Marwetyn by Marwan Al Shaqab x ZT Ludjteyna by Ludjin El Jamaal) won Gold, Silver and Bronze titles across Italy as a yearling, while her two-year old daughter Darjana El Aziz (by Excalibur EA), was Supreme Overall Champion at the International C Show in Verona while still a foal. The final group of broodmares at Woody Arabians are the burnished golden goddesses and while they make up the smallest group, their impact at the stud is just as important. The first of these is the 16-year old mare Diamantha, who is three-quarter Russian - again with the Mammona influence - as well as a tail-female Polish line. She is one of the top producers at Woody Arabians, blessing the stud with two fillies and three colts. As well as Danka El Aziz, Diamantha also produced the double Iranian National Gold Champion Filly Dakota El Aziz (by Aja Angelo by WH Justice out of Aja Aaisha) and Dilhan El Aziz by the Dubai Stud owned stallion, SG Labib (WH Justice x DF Halifa by Al Lahab). "Daliaa El Aziz, Diamantha's filly from 2020 by Kanz Albidayer looks promising," says Noëmie. "We are waiting for spring to see her progress." Finally, there is the grand dame of Woody Arabians, AP Indirah. Foaled in 1999, this fleabitten grey's sire is the Russian giant Nevan (Neman x Nevodka by Kilimandscharo) while she is out of the straight Egyptian mare Imdella (Imperial Imdal x Beat Street by Back Street), a mare with rich, old bloodlines. AP Indirah was Gold Champion at the Swiss Mountain Cup as a youngster and also placed third at the prestigious World Championships in Paris. Bred by Cutrona Pietro, AP Indirah has produced stunning foals for Woody Arabians. Her 2009 daughter Indonesia El Aziz (by Massai Ibn Marenga) was sold to Iran while her 2014 son, Idris El Aziz by Hannibal by Gioia (SDP Taylor x Gioia APS by Ansata Sinan) is a promising prospect to take on the role of sire. "Now 22 years old, we all love AP Indirah," smiles Woody. "She is a lovely mare to be around." New blood As all breeders know, it is important to bring in new bloodlines to the farm, and Woody and Noëmie are very excited for four new mares that have joined the stud. The first of these is the nine-year old chestnut mare, TF Malaga (ex Dulcia by Nagadir x Dulceineia) bred by Tripodi Arabians in Italy. "This mare will be a great asset in our breeding farm," says Noëmie. "She is a granddaughter of our beloved DA Alima through her sire, TF Romeo (by Royal Colours). TF Malaga could easily have been a mare bred by us, with the straight Egyptian sireline of Royal Colours and her straight Russian damline that goes back to Nagadir. She is a very compact mare with that classical look that we love." TF Malaga's first foal for Woody Arabians was the very special filly Mancy El Aziz (by Kanz Albidayer) and the couple are eagerly awaiting her 2021 foal sired by the Ajman Stud-owned Antaris OS (RFI Farid x Justina by WH Justice). The next mare to join the progamme has bloodlines that Woody and Noëmie have not used before in their breeding. This is the five-year old dark grey Ivana Versace. "Her sire is the well-known Vivegas, a double Versace (Fame VF x Precious as Gold by El Shaklan) son by Vervaldee (ex Giavanna by NV Beau Bey out of Precious as Gold) and out of the ever- beautiful La Dolce Vita (ex Bint Bint Mierka by Crystaladdainn out of Bint Mierka)" says Woody. "Her damline traces back to Aryes El Ludjin (Ludjin El Jamaal x Arianna Shah by Shallenger), as she is out of Indyah El Ayres J (ex Imeleena by Jazzmeen out of Illyria El Jamaal), bred by the late Justine Bassingdale. Ivana Versace is in foal to Barjass Al Zobair (SMA Magic One x FM Gloriaa by WH Justice) for a very special 2021 foal, her first one. This mare has a wonderful arched neck, short ears and a very dished head, and she is so feminine. We are very excited to see what she will bring to our breeding program." The five-year old grey mare Alouette KA has also joined Woody Arabians. Bred by Knocke Arabians in Belgium, this lovely mare is sired by QR Marc and is out of Anartia KA, by QR Marc and out of Altona, a Polish-bred mare by the legendary stallion Eukaliptus (Bandos x Eunice by Comet) and out of the treasured mare, Albigowa (Fawor x Algeria by Celebes). With her wonderful Polish movement and large eye, Alouette KA is a wonderful addition to Woody Arabians. Last year, she produced a charming colt, Amoon El Aziz (by WH Justice), and Woody and Noëmie are making their decisions as to who to breed this mare to next. The final new arrival is the four-year old bay beauty Eos La Perla, bred by EOS Arabians in Germany. "We fell in love with her immediately," smiles Noëmie. "She is the sweetest mare and an amazing mover with a great body and neck topped with a very pretty, classic face. She has a pedigree that we adore, being by Fa El Rasheem while her Polish-bred dam is Lenka (Piaff x Ludmilla by Pesal). She was shown as a yearling but we just want to keep her here at home with us and have time to mature. Our plan is to back her and give her some experience under saddle before she enters our breeding program. Eos La Perla really is very special, and we are excited for her future!" The future of Woody Arabians Woody and Noëmie have an exciting collection of young horses bred at their farm and who represent the future of Woody Arabians. The first of these is their future broodmare, Eos Rose El Aziz. "She was the first FA El Rasheem daughter born in our farm," says Noëmie. "I still remember the day when she arrived. I had been anticipating her arrival so keenly. We were with M Eos as she prepared for delivery, I took a deep breath, and then there in the straw was this beautiful, tiny, strong filly. I loved her from that first moment and to this day, she remains my soul horse. At our first show, a regional show in Ravenna, she took the Supreme Title and Best in Show, underlining my belief in her. 'Rose' has now been backed and will have her first outing under saddle in 2021. She has a good size, a strong body, and that classic Rasheem look with the small ears, the big eye sockets, and the refined head. As with all our Rasheem progeny, Rose has a wonderful character and a willingness to please, something I appreciate very much." Meanwhile, her full sister, Eos Mea El Aziz, is completely in the style of their dam but in dark bay. "She is a very solid filly with a strong body and a lot of character, and we are just letting her take her time to mature before she joins the broodmare herd." Also among the Fa El Rasheem daughters is the beautiful grey Isharaa El Aziz, whom the couple describe as a very sensitive filly, also willing to please but less sure about herself. Her first show was in 2020 when, up against the best fillies in Italy, she took third place and Top Five at the all-important Italian National Show. "Isharaa is a very elegant young lady, with a very good shoulder and well-shaped neck," says Woody. "She has a very fine throat and that wonderful, classic face passed on from her dam. We will breed her in 2021, and also back her. It is very important for us to make our Arabian horses used to many different situations and to keep them as flexible as possible." "We don't like to show our horses too much, but it is always good to get your horses to the show to see how they compare against others. So, in 2019, we decided to show three of our homebreds, two fillies and a colt." The first of these was Anthalia El Aziz, a pretty grey with some amazing bloodlines. Her debut was at the National Show in Catagnia, Sicily, where she not only won her class, but was awarded Gold Champion Filly. She followed this up with second place and Bronze Champion Yearling Filly at the Vesuvio European Show, before going to the Fiera di Verona, where she also placed second, but this time named Silver Champion Filly at the Italian Show Tour. Woody and Noëmie are excited to breed this showy three-year old in the future and create the next generation in this valuable line. Also shown in 2019 was the filly that the couple considers to perhaps be one of the most beautiful horses ever born at the farm. "Iylah El Aziz was foaled late in 2018 and she has been a powerhouse from that very first moment," says Woody. "Her sire, the Triple Crown winner Excalibur EA, and dam, Iman by Ajman, gave their very best to Iylah. She is incredibly feminine, with a wonderful face with big black eyes and fine muzzle. She has an arched neck, a very strong body and strong legs. Like a swan, she becomes more beautiful with each passing year." This stunning filly was shown once in 2019, at the National Show Granpermio Noceto in Parma, placing first and awarded unanimous Gold Champion Yearling Filly. In 2020, Iylah took part in the Aljassimya Online Show, where she also won her class and placed Gold Champion Junior Filly. Her second physical show was at the International B Show in Bergamo, where she kept true to form, taking first place and the Gold title. Noëmie continues: "This filly has so much potential. Her last show, and maybe the most important of 2020, was the Italian National Show. Iylah earned the highest score of all the junior filles as well as first place and the Gold Junior Female Championship title. She made Woody and I unbelievably proud, and it was a very emotional moment. She has enjoyed winter at home here at Woody Arabians, and we are impatiently waiting for springtime to come and to see our beautiful girl continue to shine." The third horse shown in 2019 was the young colt Ducan El Aziz, who represents the second generation of Woody Arabians. He is a very leggy colt, with great movement and well-built in the body. At his first show in Sicily, he took second place and the Silver Championship title. Learning from this first outing, he then went to the Vesuvio European Show where he won his class and took the Gold Champion title. Ducan ended 2019 with a great Bronze title at the Fiera di Cavalli. In 2020, he was shown once, winning his class and taking the Gold Junior Male Championship at the International C Show in Trapani. "Ducan is now leased to a farm in Sicily and is breeding his first mares," says Woody. "This colt is a great combination of beauty and manners, as good manners in our horses are so important to us. We are curious to see his first foals in 2021, and we look forward to breeding the third generation from him." As well as showing Iylah El Aziz and Ducan El Aziz in 2020, the couple also showed three more horses. The most successful of these was the beautiful chestnut filly Darjana El Aziz. "This filly is amazing, and she is so strong being a cross of Royal Colours and Excalibur!" laughs Noëmie. "She has very strong legs, a strong body, a long and well-set neck, and a very dished forehead. Darjana had already proved how special she is when in 2019, at just six-months old, she went into the show-ring at the Fiera di Cavalli and was named Supreme Overall Champion Foal. Last year, she competed at the Arabian Dream International B Show, winning her class and being named Silver Champion. Darjana is now enjoying a well-earned break with her friends in the field." Noëmie's special filly is the grey two-year old Elvinyah El Aziz (by FA El Rasheem), whom she describes as "sweet as she can be. She is out of MM Etienne (Lornezo El Bri x Esfera by Fame VF) bred by Mario Matt Arabians. Elvinyah has wonderful, elegant movement, a well-built body, a nice neck, and very classic head. Most of all, she has a dream character, something that all the Rasheem daughters have, but especially this one." She made her showing debut last year at the Arabian Dream Show, placing third in the International B Show and first and Bronze Champion in the Amateur Show. "We could not be more proud of her," smiles Noëmie. "We are sure Elvinyah will be a wonderful broodmare in the future, and we are just enjoying watching her grow." Macy El Aziz was the youngest horse shown last year, a bay yearling by Kanz Albidayer and out of TF Malaga. Woody says: "She is an elegant young filly, very Arabian in type, and she needs time to grow in confidence. We took her to the Italian National Show when she was three months old and she placed Top Five. At the Arabian Dream International B Show, Noëmie showed her beautifully and they earned one vote for Gold. Macy is now enjoying her youth with our other weanlings, and we want to give her time to develop at her own pace." With any breeding program, there are bittersweet moments and in 2019, two of the Woody Arabians mares passed away, leaving behind them very special daughters who will soon become the beating heart of the farm. The first of these fillies is Shayenne El Aziz, sired by SG Labib and out of the ethereal mare Shavina (Sandhiran x Esta-Shaghira by Ibn Estahsa), one of the farm's last Golden Cross mares. The other filly is Anahita El Aziz (by Excalibur EA) and out of Woody's favourite mare, DA Afrika (Massai Ibn Meranga x Aplikala), a wonderful chestnut mare that Woody adored. "We miss both mares so much," says Woody. "But we are so thankful that we have their daughters to continue the breeding program, and we wait patiently for that time to come." It is clear that Woody and Noëmie have not only a deep passion and dedication to the Arabian horse, but also for each other, and it is this love that ensures that Woody Arabians continues to thrive and makes it so successful. And of course, one of the couple's biggest success was the arrival of their son, Geburt, in 2019, who will turn two at the end of January. "Woody Arabians is a peaceful farm, and the horses have an amazing life here," finishes Noëmie. "For us it is important that we ride our horses as we want to have that deep connection with them. We may have 40 horses, but they are our family and each one of them has a special place in our hearts. Our aim is to continue as we are now - breeding complete Arabian horses that can be both shown and ridden and, where necessary, to find owners that love them as much as we do." It is only fitting that the final word goes to Woody, who began his dream over 30 years ago: "The bloodlines that are the foundation of Woody Arabians still remain strong and we have carefully evolved the stud to where it is now. That is a wonderful thing, to see the evolution of each generation. As we look to the future, we can reflect on the beautiful horses that we have bred, as well as anticipate the future. With each new foal crop comes new dreams fulfilled. But there is always something more to dream of - and hopefully, the best is yet to come."