C Bar H Cutting Horses is the home of Corey, Trudy, and their young son Cash Holden — a passionate family operation with over 20 years of professional experience in the cutting, campdraft, and performance horse industry. Based on a well-designed 40-acre property in Cobram- Victoria, the Holdens are known for producing and training top-quality Quarter Horses with precision, care, and a deep commitment to excellence.
With first-class facilities and a strong focus on horse welfare, C Bar H provides a safe and highly effective environment for both horses and clients. The Holdens operate as a dynamic team, dedicating themselves fully to the craft of training, showing, and breeding. Their reputation is built not only on results, but on their unwavering dedication to horsemanship and high standards across every aspect of their business.
Corey Holden — Trainer
Corey Holden’s journey in the equine world began early. Surrounded by horses and respected horsemen from a young age, his formative years were shaped by legendary mentors — most notably Max McTaggart, an NCHA Hall of Fame inductee. Corey began his career under Max at just 15, spending eight years at Elgrando Stud, the longest of any of Max’s students. It was here he laid the foundation of his training philosophy: one rooted in patience, skill, and feel.
Following Max’s retirement, Corey ventured out on his own, continuing to learn from the best in the business. Over several years, he travelled to the U.S. annually to spend time with Winston and Paul Hansma at Bar H Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, and later worked with Lloyd Cox, another major influence on his horsemanship. These international experiences not only broadened his skills but helped refine his ability to train elite-level performance horses.
A professional cutting horse trainer for more than 35 years, Corey has built a career that spans both Australia and the U.S.
🏆 Career Achievements
Australian Achievements
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2025 4CYTE NCHA Australian Futurity
Finalist in the Non-Pro Classic Challenge riding Maxi Brakes, scoring a 221. -
2024 NCHA 4CYTE Open Futurity Champion
Rode Metaloo (by Moore Metal) to a score of 219.5 to win the title in a field of 130+ horses. - 2022 Barcode Direct Open Classic Challenge Winner
Scored 225 on Garterlicious to take out the title.
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Winner of All Major Aged Events at Tamworth
Has won the Open Futurity, Open Derby, and Open Classic, the three most prestigious titles in Australian cutting.
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2017 Victorian Open Futurity Champion
Scored 220 aboard TP Muddy Cat
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2017 NCHA Open Derby Champion
Champion on Garter Cat.
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2016 NCHA Open Classic Champion
Rode Reylee Play to a major win.
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2011- Equitana Australian Open Cutting Championships
Placed 2nd on Six Spins and 3rd on Reys Ya Garter.
- 2010 NCHA Hall of Fame Inductee
Recognised for his outstanding contributions to the sport in Australia.
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Lifetime Earnings in Excess of $1 Million
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United States Achievements
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Finalist – 2004 US NCHA Futurity
Reached the finals aboard Chandolena Rey for Holmes Cutting Horses. -
Made the Open Futurity Finals in Texas Twice
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NCHA Futurity Semi-Finalist – 3 Times
Once for Strawn Valley Ranch and twice for Holmes Cutting Horses.
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In the U.S., he worked with top-tier operations including Strawn Valley Ranch, where he started and rode Dual Smart Rey as a 2-year-old, and Holmes Cutting Horses in Colorado, where he trained and successfully showed Halreycious at Fort Worth, Vegas, and Augusta. He also rode Chandolena Rey into the Open Futurity Final in Texas, further cementing his place as a world-class trainer. Corey wrapped up five years in the States working alongside Eddie Flynn, rounding out a remarkable international chapter.
Despite all these accomplishments, Corey remains humble and grounded. “I just love training horses,” he says, a sentiment that drives everything he does. He’s also a creature of habit when it comes to competing — don’t expect to see him wearing a green shirt in the show pen and never put a hat on the bed (it’s bad luck, after all).
When asked about his goals, Corey doesn’t talk about trophies. Instead, he says: “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot in my career. Now, it’s about continuing to learn and striving for ongoing success in training cutting horses.”
Trudy Holden 
Trudy Holden is a prominent figure in the Australian cutting horse scene, co-owning and operating C Bar H Cutting Horses alongside her husband, Corey Holden. Over the years, she has achieved significant success as a Non-Pro competitor, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport.
🏆 Career Highlights
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2025 NCHA Non-Pro Classic Challenge Finalist
Achieved a score of 221 aboard Maxi Brakes in the Non-Pro Classic Challenge Finals. -
2024 NCHA National Finals Novice Non-Pro Champion
Clinched the title riding Maxi Brakes with a score of 219. -
2023 NCHA Non-Pro Classic Challenge Champion
Secured victory on Garteralicious (Reys Ya Garter x Duckalicious) with a remarkable score of 225 -
2023 NCHA Non-Pro Classic 2nd Go Top Score
Led the second go-round with a score of 220 aboard Garteralicious. -
2023 NCHA Non-Pro Derby Finalist
Qualified for the finals with a score of 218.5 riding Maxi Brakes. -
2018 NCHA Non-Pro Classic Finalist
Competed in the finals aboard Garter Cat. -
2017 NCHA Non-Pro Derby Reserve Champion
Achieved reserve champion status on Garter Cat, the sister of Reys Ya Garter. -
2014 Pink Ladies Cutting at Victorian Futurity
Demonstrated exceptional horsemanship by showing Reys Ya Garter bridleless during the run.
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Trudy Holden’s accomplishments reflect her commitment and passion for cutting horse competition. Her achievements in the Non-Pro divisions have solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor in the Australian cutting horse community.
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