The Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders' Association Hall-of-Fame showcases the many horses and people who have earned the distinction of becoming part of Quarter Horse Racing history in Louisiana. To be part of the Hall-of-Fame, horses and people must have been outstanding over a period of years in a variety of categories. They must have brought exceptional visibility and/or contribution to Quarter Horse Racing and the State of Louisiana.
Hall-of-Fame inductees are chosen each year by a selection committee and are honored at the annual LQHBA Awards Banquet. The inaugural inductee class were announced in January 2016. On April 9, 2016, Leverne Perry and Claude and Bessie Lea Jeane, Oh Black Magic, Rocket's Magic and Royal Bushwhacker were inducted into the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) inaugural Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the association. Owner-breeder Claude W. Boutte, Jr. and Grade 1 winner and industry leading sire Feature Mr Jess were inducted in 20121.
Outstanding Louisiana Quarter Horse trainer Phillip Calais, Sr. and iconic stallion Heza Fast Dash will be honored in the 2022 class.
A special thank you to Martha Claussen for research and writing bios and to Speedhorse and TRACK magazines for helping track down photos of these inductees from their archives.
The inductees have each played a significant role in Louisiana Quarter Horse industry. Inductees into the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders' Association Hall-of-Fame are:
PEOPLE
HORSES
Below are photos of each Hall of Fame member inducted in 2021. Click their photo or name in the left toolbar to read their biographical information. To view previous Hall-of-Fame member bios click on "PEOPLE" or "HORSES" in the left tool bar.
W. A. Darling
Inducted into the LQHBA Hall of Fame in 2017
William Albert Darling, born in 1927, was a native of Pleasanton, Texas. After serving his country in the military, he moved to Opelousas, Louisiana in 1953 where he became a life-long resident of Louisiana.
When he retired from the oil field business, he became involved full-time in his true passion of breeding and raising racehorses. He also devoted his time and energy to developing the growth of the quarter horse industry in the state of Louisiana. An active Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) board member, Darling served as president in 1984 and 1990.
Darling is one of Louisiana’s leading breeders with 333 performing foals, including 197 winners who have earned a total of $5,412,072. He bred 21 stakes winners, nine of which earned six figures in their careers. His leading money earner was Dashing Obsession, who won 10 of her 23 starts with seven stakes wins, including the 2002 Mardi Gras Derby. She has produced 10 foals led by 2013 Lassie Futurity champion, Dashing Jet Rio. Darling’s top stallion was Hemp Meyers, who sired 273 performing foals that earned $2,949,349. One of his most successful sons was Horseplayers Hemp, who earned $200,387.
W.A. Darling's homebred Dashing Obsession winning the 2002 Bluebonnet Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. © Evangeline Downs
W.A. Darling died at the age of 90 in 2011. He was married to Carolyn Christine Darling and had three children, Bruce Kelley Darling, Susan Darling Urban, and Karen Darling Falgoust. Susan now owns the 5.26-acre property where her father got his start in the racing and breeding business. Karen is carrying on his legacy as the owner of Darling Farms, LLC.
Darling's homebred Dashing Jet Rio winning the $246,144 LQHBA Lassie Futurity(RG2) at Delta Downs May 24, 2013.
© Coady Photography
Louisiana Quarter Horse
Breeders Association
105 Carlyon Lane
Alexandria, LA 71303-7783
Tel:
(318) 487-9506
Fax:
(318) 487-6033