Aziza Star, Lori and Laura Woodruff’s 1983 black Arabian mare was humanely euthanized on 9/10/10 surrounded by her loving family and devoted veterinarian, Dr. Scott Judd, following a heroic struggle with complications from Potomac Horse Fever.
Known as “Star” in the show venue, she maintained a career that spanned over 20 years. She earned multiple championships in Western Pleasure and Ladies’ Sidesaddle, with wins in Native Costume. At age 24, in 2007, she took her first Mares Halter class and then the Mares Halter Championship, and was awarded another Western Pleasure Championship the same day. She was also very successful competing in Western Pleasure against stock horses.
“Z” opened us to opportunities that would not have been possible without her. Her trademark white socks have carried us to churches, parades, towns, parks, movie theaters, and more often than not, the winners circle. Z introduced us to, and then escorted us through, a world we never knew existed, a world that would not have existed without her. Beyond the opportunities she provided for us, Z truly enjoyed meeting new people and in 2007 she was awarded the Arabian Horse Associations Ambassador Award for her work with handicapped people, disabled children and physically abused youth. She helped the fearful to become brave and the silent to speak. We simply held the lead and watched her work. Z was the family matriarch for nearly fifteen years; she had the run of the farm and often stood near the house waiting on the family because she preferred people to horses.
She gave us two beautiful colts, neither of whom she felt any responsibility for; but she took special interest in Aziz Zamirr, her only black foal. The only other horse she truly loved was her 2009 chestnut grand-filly, Aziza Rae, and would only begrudgingly relinquish the filly to her biological dam to nurse. She raised a painfully shy 11 year old girl into a confident teen, who became a dedicated student. Z inspired this timid girl, who is now an assistant prosecuting attorney, to never see anything as impossible. We not only loved Z, but she really did love us back.
Z taught the other horses to load, go calmly to shows, ride on trails and be confident in strange situations. She taught them all to come when called, stand quietly, and to wait with her at the gate for someone bring them in when the weather was the least bit to her disliking. There is no doubt that Z appreciated her schedule and things being done the right way.
Pretty Azi, Star, Z, we did everything we could for you from the moment you arrived, but not as much as you did for us. We will see you at the in-gate – enjoy your victory lap until we meet again
Lori and Laura want to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Dr. Judd for his extraordinary care, and to Bonnie Schuch, who introduced us to Aziza Star. We also would like to keep in touch with all of the friends of Aziza Star. She gave us joy and she gave us friendship, we know the friendships will live on. Feel free to contact us at
loriwoo909@gmail.com |
