In Loving Memory of Woody

In Loving Memory of Woody (JC name: Lakeside Gentry by Salt Lake x Priceless Countess by Vaguely Noble, foaled 02/10/98). By Pam Berry, Step Ahead Thoroughbred Retirement, Inc.

Twenty-five years ago a six-figure yearling and full brother to Grade I winner Ordway arrived with a fancy name and bigger dreams. We called him Woody, and he never needed anything else. Racing never happened. Quarter cracks, shipping fever, a botched castration, and one spectacular arrival-day splint-bone fracture on some concrete saw to that. His feet said no to dirt tracks, so I said yes to forever. He was owned by my former boss who then gave him to me.

A sweet young girl loved Woody through high school until she went off to college. Her father offered to give Woody to a nearby riding school but I refused to let Woody leave; he had a home here at Step Ahead for life. He spent over two decades as our gentlest teacher, soft-eyed babysitter, peppermint connoisseur and professional pocket inspector.

He dozed in the sun with his pasture mates, let visitors fawn all over him, and greeted every morning with the same hopeful nicker. Woody was one of the sweetest horses I have ever known and was a real farm favorite.

On October 31, 2025, Woody took one last deep breath and let go. Twenty-seven years old. Finally sound. Finally free. The farm is quieter now, but I swear I still hear him at feeding time. He will be forever missed by his human and equine friends.

Run fast, sweet boy. The track’s perfect up there, and the peppermints are endless.