The Quarter Horse industry is mourning the loss of longtime breeder and horseman Alan Woodbury, who passed away June 6 at the age of 81.

© Dickinson Press

By StallioneSearch

DICKINSON, ND–JUNE 9, 2026–The Quarter Horse industry is mourning the loss of longtime breeder and horseman Alan Woodbury, who passed away June 6 at the age of 81.

Woodbury spent decades building one of the most recognizable breeding programs in the performance horse industry, producing successful racehorses, barrel horses, and rodeo mounts through carefully cultivated bloodlines that spanned multiple generations.

His program reached national prominence through mares such as Tell Em Belle and Dash Ta Vanila, both National Finals Rodeo qualifiers who went on to become influential producers. Dash Ta Vanila produced six-time NFR qualifier Rosas Cantina CC, ridden by Lisa Lockhart, while Tell Em Belle left her mark in both the barrel pen and on the racetrack as the dam of multiple AAA performers and stakes-caliber runners.

Woodbury's commitment to quality breeding extended to Quarter Horse racing, where horses bred and owned by his operation competed successfully across the country. Among them were Pyc Tell Em and Telle Em Corona, both out of Tell Em Belle, helping establish the mare as a producer whose influence reached beyond the rodeo arena.

Over the years, Woodbury developed a largely homebred broodmare band built on what he called "depth of pedigree," a philosophy that emphasized strong female families and proven performance bloodlines. The approach helped create a program that continues to impact both the barrel racing and Quarter Horse racing industries today.

Woodbury is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held June 15 in Dickinson, North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to organizations that support equine welfare and agriculture, causes close to Alan's heart. Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.

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