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FEATURE: A FAMILY AFFAIR- HOLLY REY( AKA CLOUD)
THE MARE WITH THE MIND Cloud’ s standout quality is her unwavering consistency.“ She’ s just a real cow pony who gets the job done,” they say.“ Nothing much bothers her. She’ s cool, calm and reliable in pressure situations.” That mental toughness has made her a contender time and time again.
In the paddock and stables, Cloud is a no-fuss kind of horse.“ She’ s kind-natured, but don’ t interrupt her while she’ s eating— that’ s definitely something she got from her mother,” the family jokes.
DERBY DOMINATION AND AQHA GLORY 2025 has been Cloud’ s year to shine. She dominated at this year’ s 2025 Futurity, taking out two Derby titles, the Open & Non Pro. This was a moment the family describes as“ the definite highlight” of her career so far. To top it off, she also earned the AQHA Open Derby Owners $ 2,500 Cash Incentive, awarded to current financial AQHA members. A proud achievement for the Fieldens, and Jones Families who are long-time members of the Australian Quarter Horse Association.
“ Dean, Nicole and Julie all represented Australia at Youth World Cup events in our younger years,” they say.“ So, to now be competing at the highest level with a homebred mare like Cloud— it’ s pretty special. Thank you to AQHA for your ongoing support of the sport and the breeders behind it.”
A TRAINING PATH BUILT ON TRUST Cloud was first broken in by David Manchon in Tamworth, then spent her initial six months with Dean Holden before he moved to Yugilbar. She was then sent to Todd Graham in Tamworth to complete her training— an important step in her progression.
The results speak for themselves: top 10 in the 2024 Futurity, winner of the Amateur Futurity at the 2024 Victorian Futurity with Ryan aboard, and consistent performances throughout the southern show circuit earlier this year. She returned to Todd at Easter for her Derby preparation, which culminated in her most successful campaign to date.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE With a outstanding Derby season behind her, Cloud will continue to be shown throughout her aged event years, with embryo transfers planned along the way. Young Jett Fielden is also eager to have a go in Youth competition, bringing her journey full circle in the family.
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au