LOCATED IN BELGIUM
LOCATED IN BELGIUM
When Tom Oben exhibits a world-class Arabian horse, it is easy to understand why he is among the top trainer/handlers in the breed. His tall, handsome frame exudes an aura of casual elegance in a Fred Astaire kind of way; his warm smile and ready wit make him a great favorite among his peers. His basic nature is upbeat and friendly, while at the same time, Tom is a prankster who loves a good joke! He is genuinely interested in the people in his life and is respected for his impeccable work ethic, which has led to phenomenal results in show rings all around the world. Tom has earned a sterling reputation as a man of integrity and class in a challenging, competitive, globalized business. Now, twenty years after his earliest appearance in the show ring with a homebred filly in 1996, Tom is showing great horses to the world’s most coveted titles for its most prominent owners and breeders. Tom Oben’s steep trajectory of success has become an ascension into the upper echelon of the Arabian breed.
The Arabian horse has been in Tom’s blood since long before he was even born. He and his brother have spent their entire lives living alongside the Arabian horse, being born to parents that are well-known figures on the European show circuit who still breed and own Arabians these many years later. In fact, his dad Gerard still frequently serves as ring steward at major horse shows. Tom followed in his parents’ footsteps as he began to exhibit horses for his family. Following those earliest beginnings, Tom credits much of his success to the many professionals who have helped him along the way. Wendy Jane Delvalle of Forelocks Arabians played a significant role throughout Tom’s formative years as he began to show and win with her horses. “We were Tom’s first client,” Wendy recalled. “As a young, ‘rising star,’ we already had faith in his ability to train and show horses. Many successes were achieved by our horses with Tom on the lead. We are very proud of the way Tom continues working on his own abilities, getting better and better while becoming a top trainer.
Getting to be so far the best, he achieved Trainer of the Year! We hope to be part of the Obi successes for a long time. Not only with our own horses to be trained and shown, but also supporting Tom in any challenge he faces. We’ll be cheering for him at every show!” Tom continued developing his skills under the guidance of top breeder James Swaenepoel at Swatam Arabians in Belgium. James has nothing but admiration for Tom. “Tom Oben, what a success story!” he exclaimed. “It was clear when Tom made the serious decision to leave school and focus on the horse business that it was a ‘must succeed’ situation. His parents kept a watchful eye and it all went very well. He was eager to learn, and talented. Tom is now working independently at one of the most beautiful facilities Europe has to offer. I used to call him Obi, which is why he used that for his stable name! I am glad that we support Tom and ALL young trainers that started out with us, because we all have the same passion. I hope now my son Jesse can learn from these guys and create his own legacy…”
At 18, Tom became a full-time trainer and groom for Johanna Ullstroem and Philippe Hosay at their European Training Center. Learning his trade under the guidance of well-respected professionals allowed him the chance to work with some of the finest horses in the world and to interact with the hierarchy of the Arabian industry. This exposure opened doors for Tom to be able to continue to learn under more of the breed’s most successful trainers, including a stint with David Boggs at Midwest Training Centre. Tom also credits Michael Byatt and Rebecca Wenden, with being longtime mentors and supporters. Rebecca was happy to comment on her impression of Tom. “Obi and Al Hawajer Stud are heading into our sixth season working together,” she said. “We are very proud of our combined growth over the years. I saw the potential in this young trainer when he first worked with our horses and admired his honesty,
integrity, and work ethic from day one; he just seemed to fit like a glove. One of the things I admire about Obi is his never-say-die attitude. There have been a couple of times in very tough competition where I have doubted whether we could get the championship, but Obi goes for the win, putting in 100% effort while managing to have the horses stay relaxed and calm. His successes are well-earned, and we look forward to many more ribbons with Obi at the lead.” Rebecca’s opinion is typical of the high regard that Tom Oben has earned throughout his career. Longtime friend and colleague Sandro Pinha is grateful that their paths crossed. “I had the pleasure of meeting Tom over fifteen years ago,” he recalled. “He quickly became one of my best friends in the world. He is the kindest and most honest person one could ever get to know, and for sure one of the most talented horsemen I have ever met. Tom is great. He is the best.” Tom Oben took what he had learned and began to further develop his reputation as a winning trainer. Once he hit the Middle Eastern show circuit, his stairway to the top began to rapidly ascend. It did not take long for Tom to achieve success at the international level.
As his stable of owners began to grow, he set his sights on establishing a training center of his own. Today, Obi Training Center is a thriving enterprise in Peer, Belgium. It is a full-service facility for training, boarding, breeding, and stallion management. A therapeutic, vibrating Vitafloor platform and great work arenas support the thriving training program, while the breeding facility includes a state-of-the-art lab to accommodate the shipment of fresh and frozen semen. The horses have access to acres of grass, making for a bucolic image with mares grazing and foals frolicking. One thing that sets Tom apart from other trainers is his very strong base of loyal supporters. He has a great team of friends and associates both inside and outside of the horse business who support him in his efforts, both in paid and volunteer roles. At Obi Training Center, they have concocted a formula for success that works for all horses, whether they come from large, powerful programs or small, private farms—all of which are equally supported by and mutually supportive of each other. Tom has a gift for establishing strong, positive relationships with his clients that includes them as part of the team, which is a key element to his continued success. There is a generally optimistic feeling around the Obi stalls, perhaps kept buoyant by a continual supply of new championship garlands and trophies! Tom’s style creates a nurturing environment that has produced many happy results over the years, including Tom’s first World Gold Championship in 2015.
