On the Cover by Jen Wenzel
ACTHA Ride Hosts
Brandy & David Von Holten
Mora, Missouri
The University of Missouri Ag Extension recognized Von Holten Ranch as achieving the Century Farm Milestone in 2014
Von Holten Ranch is a new trail riding facility near Sedalia, Missouri owned and operated by David and Brandy Von Holten. Sedalia also happens to be the home of the annual Missouri State Fair. Von Holten Ranch has been in the Von Holten family since 1906, making it a celebrated century farm. In December of 2013 David and Brandy realized their dream when they were able to purchase the homestead. David resigned his job as the manager of a tool and equipment rental company in order to build their vision of a trail riding facility, while Brandy continued her job as a science teacher, having taught 4th grade science through college level.
David and Brandy aren’t like any other trail riding facility owners. They both come from backgrounds in high level competitive sports, and were actively competing when they met in 2003 and married in 2005. David was an avid dirt bike racer for 12 years, in grueling two hour races on whatever terrain the course offered at that time. Brandy competed in full contact martial arts for 22 years. Like many young athletes who leave home in search of athletic opportunities and coaching, Brandy moved by herself to Missouri for a chance to train for the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Though the Olympics never happened for Brandy, she made the national team and represented the USA in international competitions held in Italy, Scotland, Puerto Rico, Aruba and the U.S. In kickboxing Brandy held a record of 10-0, owns a bench press state title in power lifting and even had one professional cage fight. Her last match was in April 2013, where she qualified for nationals as a “World Class Athlete”.
ACTHA Monthly | June 2015 | 6
grueling two hour races on whatever terrain the course offered at that time. Brandy competed in full contact martial arts for 22 years. Like many young athletes who leave home in search of athletic opportunities and coaching, Brandy moved by herself to Missouri for a chance to train for the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Though the Olympics never happened for Brandy, she made the national team and represented the USA in international competitions held in Italy, Scotland, Puerto Rico, Aruba and the U.S. In kickboxing Brandy held a record of 10-0, owns a bench press state title in power lifting and even had one professional cage fight. Her last match was in April 2013, where she qualified for nationals as a “World Class Athlete”.
Then Brandy got bitten by a different competitive bug…extreme cowboy racing. Her last fight and her first cowboy race were exactly one week apart but had completely different outcomes. In Brandy’s first competition with the UHCA (Ultimate Horsemen’s Challenge Association) she was able to compete in two separate divisions; Novice and Intermediate. She finished last in the Novice and was disqualified in the Intermediate for going over the allotted time. For Brandy, a humbling experience for a seasoned international competitor. This outcome served to light a new fire for Brandy, propelling her to finish the year with a third place overall in the Novice and a sixth place overall in the Intermediate.