From the barn to the batter’s box: Local youth balances a lifelong love for horses with passion for softball

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Cora Holtz will compete in her third year of 4-H show competitions atop her horse Rex. Holtz credits the Young Riders 4-H Club and 4-H leaders Marette Jorgenson and Pam Justice with helping her succeed in the show ring.

Even before the sun clears the horizon, Cora Holtz is already out in the barn.
Now in her third year of showing with 4-H, for Holtz, commitment is a daily routine of cleaning stalls, measuring feed and hauling water. Beyond the show ring, however, those same ideals of time management, passion, and a lot of heart are ingredients for success that Holtz doesn’t take for granted.
 

The rhythm of the farm

Horses have been a part of Holtz’s life for as long as she can remember. Raised around these powerful animals, her love for them was instilled at an early age by her dad and grandparents. They passed down not just a passion for riding, but a deep respect for the lifestyle—and the daily responsibilities that come with it.
That lifelong bond shines brightest in her relationship with her horse, Rex. Cora has owned Rex for three years, and has dedicated countless hours competing and growing alongside him in 4-H. Over those three seasons, the duo has developed a seamless partnership built on a trust that can only be earned through countless hours spent together.
 

A lifelong family legacy

Every single day, rain or shine, morning and afternoon chores are a non-negotiable part of Holtz’s schedule that include caring for Rex and the four other horses on the farm.
From hauling water buckets and measuring out feed to grooming and cleaning stalls, the physical demands are high. While the demands of keeping the animals happy and healthy are hard, the work is a family effort to keep the family farm running smoothly.
Holtz’s growth as an equestrian has been guided by a strong community, specifically from the Young Riders 4-H Club. 4-H leaders Marette Jorgenson and Pam Justice have been an integral part of her journey, providing the guidance, encouragement, and expertise that have helped Holtz thrive in the program.
But the education hasn’t just come from the adults. Whether it’s swapping advice on horse care, working through challenges together, or offering a vital word of encouragement right before entering the ring, Holtz has learned an immense amount from other members of her club. The camaraderie and shared knowledge within the Young Riders have helped shape her into the confident horsewoman she is today, proving that 4-H is as much about community as it is about competition.
Balancing chores and fastpitch fields
When Holtz isn’t in her boots and jeans working with Rex, she can be found in cleats and a jersey on the softball diamond. Balancing a rigorous sports schedule—filled with practices, batting cages, games, and weekend long tournaments —with the daily care of five horses requires strict time management.
There are days when she goes straight from the arena to the dugout, swapping a cowboy hat for a batting helmet. Yet, she brings the same high energy, focus, and determination to both fields. Her sports teammates know her as a dedicated competitor, while her fellow Young Riders know her as a reliable peer.
 

Looking ahead to the fair

As the upcoming Dodge County fair approaches, all of Holtz’s hard work—the early mornings, late afternoons, and practice sessions—will be put to the test in the show ring.
The blue ribbons are just a bonus, however.
The national 4-H motto is «To make the best better,» and through her dual life as an equestrian and an athlete, Cora is living proof of that mission. Backed by her family’s legacy, her mentors, and her own unstoppable work ethic, she is heading into her third fair season stronger than ever.
Keep an eye out for Cora and Rex in the arena this year. And if you see her rushing toward the parking lot afterward, don’t worry—she’s probably just making sure she isn’t late for the first pitch.