The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association Logo
Shop ASHBA
Login

You are now entering the old ASHBA website which will allow you to access your data using your original username and password.

We are transitioning to the new website, so be aware that some functions may not work on the old site and will redirect you to the new site. It is important you setup your new username and password on our new site HERE.

Otherwise click here to continue to the old ASHBA website

Retired American Saddlebred Trainer in Need of Help Due to California Wild Fires

Gary Holt is a retired horseman who was a prominent trainer of American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies, and Andalusians on the west coast and Utah. For nearly 45 years, from the 1960s through 2002, he along with his wife, Colleen, were actively training.

A fixture for many years showing and training on the western side of the country, Holt was influential to west coast American Saddlebred circuit for years. Gary Holt first worked for Joe Biles, who had some American Saddlebreds, ponies and walking horses, then went on his own, taking in all types of horses to train in the 60’s. Barbara & Bill Blacklaw brought an Arabian for him to train, which was the start of 10-year relationship as they transitioned to ASBs and Road Horses. He was an integral part in developing the farm into the prominent American Saddlebred training and breeding operation. During his time there he managed their stallions Plainview’s Commander (47304S*) and Prim Style (52673S*). He trained CHStarheart's Ballerina (78972M*) during his time working for Gordon Wilson in Salt Lake City, UT.

Gary Holt Stables operated in southern California the next 15 years, first in the San Diego area for Bernice Neil’s Kennelbee Farm, working such prominent horses as Delilah and Geneva June, before moving to the L.A. area.  Notable west coast customers and champions in many divisions were Marge MacLaughlin’s What a Thrill and Longview’s Genius, Joey Di Martino’s Fancy Trick, Rolls Royce, Gold Lame and Slick City, Janet Lyttle’s Stealth and Royal Inheritance, Shari Rainwater’s Night Idol, Barbara Currie’s Wing’s Fame and harness pony Late Nite’s Mighty Fine, Andrea Green’s Half Time, Sherry Morrow’s Preferred Moment, Shannon Riley’s Storm Lord and Commander’s Gaylord, Toni Glaser’s Winter Love, Beverly and Michael LaPorta’s Bounty Chips, Dianne Jackson’s Blackberry Danish, The Windhover, Northern Model and many more . Gary also worked for Dr. Gene Scott and Michele Macfarlane at her Scripps Miramar Ranch

One of Gary’s last show ponies was a pony owned, bred and raised by Barbara and Al Rotter. Gary broke and introduced Pacifico’s Standing Ovation at the Seaside Horse Show in 2001.  Pacifico’s Standing Ovation famously went on to win multiple world and national titles in his prolific almost 2-decade show career.

Holt also founded the original Seaside Horse Show in Ventura in the mid-’80s and managed the show until he moved to Oregon in 1992.

Gary and Colleen lost virtually everything, including their dog, Rona, in the Woolsey Fire of Southern California on November 9th. They were evacuated in a rush with a few family photos, medications, and minimal clothing from their handicap accessible mobile trailer at Barbara and Alvin Rotter’s Rancho Sol Del Pacifico in Malibu. Gary and Colleen were making ends meet on a fixed income but without the ability to afford insurance when the horrific fires displaced them.

Gary, now 79, suffered a debilitating stroke in 2002, forcing his retirement from working horses. Colleen, his wife, is permanently disabled and has been confined to a wheelchair the past several years.

Gary and Colleen desperately need assistance in reaching their goal of purchasing a handicap accessible house trailer for them to call home permanently. Also, the need for tools to work on the trailer and small projects for Holt is needed. They are not eligible for UPHA’s Benevolent Fund, and FEMA is only able to provide $1,500 in assistance. While many friends, former customers, and trainers have already generously donated they are still drastically short of their goals to get Gary and Colleen resettled. If you can help in any way, please consider using the link and information below to send donations.

Time slips away from us. Gary and Colleen Holt are not a well-known people in the Saddlebred and Hackney industry now, but without a doubt, their careers had a great effect on the industry, especially on the west coast. Please take a moment to recognize these individuals in their time of need.

If you can help in any way:

Pay Pal link: paypal.me/Garyholtcafire Go Fund Me link: https://www.gofundme.com/gary-holt-ca-fire

Direct contributions can be made to

Gary and Colleen Holt C/O Meghan Holt P.O. Box 1221 Somis, CA  93066

*Contributions from Saddle Horse Report and Around the Arena- Brendan Heintz