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In Memory of Carl Mitchell Holden, Jr.

 

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June 22, 2026: Lexington, KY – Our condolences to the family and friends of longtime American Saddlebred owner and breeder Carl Holden.

On Thursday evening, June 18th, 2026, Carl M. Holden, Jr, “Bubba”, passed peacefully in the memory care unit of Cedarhurst East Louisville.  

He is survived by his wife, Georgia Holden, daughter and husband, Carla and Tim Ritzie, and grandson Forrest Ritzie.

Carl had a very industrious career working at Vulcan Painting Company as VP of Finance, Innovative Healthcare Systems as Co-Founder, CFO, Healthcare Services of America as Co-Founder, Executive VP of Operations, Brookwood Medical Center as VP, and Humana.

He was also an avid supporter of the American Saddlebred Show Horse. Carl sat on the Board of the American Saddlebred Horse Association where he served as Treasurer. While living in Alabama, he was the President of the local state chapter. Over the last fifty plus years, he has had horses with a wide variety of trainers including Nelson Green, Bobby Gatlin, Rob Tanner, Don Harris, Steve Wheeler, Adam Clausen, Wendy Winstead, Jerry Hutson, and Gerhardt Roos.  

Carl had two (2) Broodmare Hall of Fame mares, (RC), Demarks Runaround Sue and Runaround Town. The following are just a few ribbon winners he produced at the World Championship Horse Show:  

(RWC), Sue Elegant / (RWC), Very Presidential / (WC, RWC), Nightly Affair / (WC, RWCC, RWC), Sue-She / (CH), Sue Me / Z-Prince / Birthday Kisses / K Sue Rah / Prince of Peace / She’s High Fashion / Sue Ebony / Black Patton.

Carl believed in the “bottom line” with both his horses and businesses. Dad always said, “no matter how bitter the Winter,babies will always come in the Spring”. And oh, how he loved watching the progress of his colts! He would breed them and Carla would ride them.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, business leader, horseman, breeder, and friend. Throughout his life, he touched countless people through his generosity, leadership, and passion for the American Saddlebred horse. His love of family, dedication to excellence and enduring friendships left an impact on all who knew him.