Country Tough Trail Versatility (CT2V) originated in 2018 at a century-old farm in central Missouri, called Von Holten Ranch, owned and operated by Brandy and David Von Holten. It has been family-owned since 1906.
CT2V is designed to increase safety while developing a family atmosphere revolving around trail riding. A solid trail horse must embody the skills used to navigate through any situation and have a trusting relationship; both of which will be tested in CT2V.
There are three main elements of the CT2V competition: trail, ranch horsemanship, and obstacles.
The trail is to be an actual trail with minimal or no outside obstacles being used.
The ranch horsemanship is designed to help guide riders through an increase in skill sets/maneuvers as they progress in the organization and in their horsemanship.
The obstacles are designed to test the relationship between the equine and rider with the use of practical and useful obstacles.
Multiple In-Hand options were added to support the growth of young and developing horses and showcase the advanced relationship between handler and equine.
Country Tough Trail Versatility is designed to create a platform for the trail horse to join the ranks of other disciplines, and not be “just a trail horse”.
Our divisions are divided by horsemanship levels.
About the Founders
Von Holten Ranch has been family-owned since 1906, and David and Brandy became the 4th-generation owners. It's been a trail and event facility for over a decade. Brandy is the adventurous cowgirl with dreams bigger than Texas, and David is the humble construction worker who's brave enough to try to tame her. In horse terms, she's all go, and he's all whoa.
They have hosted events for many different obstacles and trail associations, while focusing on trail riders, all-inclusive vacations for trail enthusiasts, and mounted archery.
David and Brandy come from extremely vast backgrounds and understand the importance of being well-rounded. They realized that a competition was needed to embrace the importance of a solid trail horse.
CT2V was everything Brandy wanted to do with her horse and mule, and what the equine industry needed.
Before CT2V, David was a motorcycle racer and woodworker, and Brandy was an international full-contact fighter and science instructor.
David now builds custom furniture, equine obstacles, and manages the ranch and cattle operation. Brandy writes children's books, developed a podcast, hosts homesteading workshops, and is the marketing and creative drive behind Vonn Holten Ranch and CT2V. David never really tamed her; he just learned to go with the flow and enjoy the active pursuit of helping the cowboy way of life continue to the next generation. CT2V is Brandy's creation, with David's support.
