Mat Holz: Two-Time Willinga Park Gold Buckle Campdraft Winner

Mat Holz is no stranger to the Australian Stock Horse and Campdrafting world. From winning the National Futurity in 1991, to now being crowned the Willinga Park Gold Buckle Campdraft winner for the second time, it is clear Mat is still at the top of his game and isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Horse Deals spoke to Mat to learn more about his success and how after many years he is still learning and enjoying every minute.

Age and location: 50, Jindera NSW.

Mat, how would you describe yourself? Young at heart and still learning.

When did you discover the world of campdrafting and your interest in working with young horses? Growing up on a dairy farm, we used horses as part of our farm work. We mostly had homebred horses, so we soon had to learn how to break in and educate young horses. Campdrafting was a part of our family sport.

What made you pursue an equestrian career? It wasn’t something I decided to do. It probably just evolved over time.

What is the key to making the relationship between trainer and client successful? Communication, honesty and reasonable expectations.

How do you balance your own horses? With difficulty, but it’s something that is a must do. We keep a few of our own in work and compete with them during that season. We work a bunch of younger ones in the off-season along with client horses all year round.

Congratulations on winning the Willinga Gold Buckle Campdraft. Can you tell us about your mount Hazelwood Country Blues? 6yo mare bred by Terry and Christine Hall, owned by Kooyong Pastoral. We believed she was a special mare when we saw her in the 2022 Nutrien Sale, and she has not stopped pleasing us with her ability and willingness to learn. We look forward to the future for her.

Taking out the top honours once is a great effort; twice is even better. What is the secret to your success? Staying true to your process, whether it’s a maiden or a Gold Buckle, having belief in your horse’s ability and the training that you have instilled, mindset to think of it as just another run, and you always need a little luck.

Did you get to enjoy any of the prize money? We did buy an ice cream or two on our way home.

What’s your training regime with these high-level horses? I believe conditioning to the type of work required for competition is a big thing, continuing to work on improving where they are at or their weaknesses, not always trying to get a 90 point round when the cow you select doesn’t have it in them, but most of all having them happy and healthy.

You’ve still got it after years in the arena. How do you maintain longevity at this level? Be open-minded, continue to learn, but most of all, enjoy what you do.

How do you source your horses, and what do you look for in a good campdrafter? I don’t usually have too much of an opinion on a horse until I ride it. I tend to rely on what I feel rather than what I see. Fiona (my wife) is a lot better than me at selecting horses on type and movement. I am also very fortunate that my clients have a good eye for horses, too.

You recently married your wife, Fiona, who also campdrafts successfully. What are the perks of sharing your passion with your partner? Having someone who has the same work ethic and passion for training and competing horses makes it much easier. It’s also having trust in Fiona’s ability to assess cattle and prepare horses when it gets a little hectic.

And your sons, Will, Johnny and Michael, do they also share your passion for horses? They have all competed and enjoy campdrafting, but I’m not sure that any of them will take it up for a career. I think it’s more a social thing for them.

Horses provide plenty of highs and lows. How do you manage the lows? By trying to learn how not to, or how to minimise the chance of it happening again. Campdrafting can be a frustrating sport when things are going wrong. Leaving it in the arena and not carrying frustration is enormous.

Who is the most influential horse you have had, and why? Nevlyn Joseph, he was probably my first horse that had a real X factor. I often wish I could have an opportunity with him again.

What do you find rewarding about hosting clinics and teaching other riders? Passing on knowledge for others to better their skills and understanding. I believe it has also helped me understand my knowledge and skills for training horses too.

Looking back over your career, is there anything you would change and why? I wish I could have understood the importance of slow progression in training and competing when I was younger.

As a judge and rider, what makes up a perfect campdraft run? Control, smooth, style and speed.

What are your plans for the rest of the year? We have a couple of months free from competition, so working plenty of breakers and young trainers, competitions for us will probably start around mid-August.

Quick Fire Questions:

What’s your signature dish? Shepherds Pie

What inspires you? Anyone having a crack

If you weren’t a horse rider, what would you be? Farmer

Hidden talent? Washing up

Mares, geldings or stallions? Talented ones

Mat is proudly sponsored by Pryde’s EasiFeed, Fixine for Equine, Stan Bowd Saddlery, Diamond Wool Saddle Pads & Equissage.

Looking for your own campdraft horse? Check out these campdrafting horses for sale.