We caught up with champion cutting horse trainer Dean Holden. As there’s not much that Dean hasn’t won in the cutting pen, we are interested to hear where it all began for his impressive career. With major events still yet to come for Dean, we are excited to see what results he achieves later in the year.

Wrangler (WR): How did it all begin for Dean, tell us the story of how you got into Cutting?

Dean Holden (DH): We always rode as kids; my brother Corey Holden went to work for Max McTaggert and that’s how I got into cutting.

WR: How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

DH: Dedicated, Hard Working, Kind, Loyal & Funny.

WR: Who have been your biggest influences?

DH: My biggest influence would be my old boss in America, Paul Hansma.

WR: Most memorable moment in Cutting?

DH: That would be finalling in the American NCHA Open Futurity.

WR: Tell us a Fun Fact about you?

DH: Besides cutting, I really enjoy is playing golf.

WR: What advice would you like to give the younger generations starting out in Cutting?

DH: Best advice would be to work hard and be consistent.

WR: What is your best fashion tip?

DH: Don’t wear it if it doesn’t fit!

WR: What’s coming up for the remainder of 2023?

DH: We’ve got a big show year planned, with all of the major futurities yet to come. Hopefully our team will see some success in the show pen!