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

• Claude W. Boutte, Jr.
• Claude & Bessie Jeane
• Dale Rogers
• Glenn Fontenot
• J.E. Jumonville, Jr.
• John L. Soileau, Sr.
• Leverne Perry
• Lee Berwick
• W.A. Darling

HORSES

• Feature Mr Jess
• Go Vicki Meyers
• Hemp Meyers
• Hesajoy
• Jess Louisiana Blue
• Mr Jess Perry
• Oh Black Magic
• Rockets Magic
• Royal Bushwhacker
• Streakin La Jolla
• Vals Fortune

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.

Lee Berwick

Inducted into the LQHBA Hall of Fame in 2017

Lee Berwick • 1922 -2001

Lee Berwick was a highly-regarded advocate for Louisiana Quarter Horse racing.

He grew up as a sharecropper’s son and began in the cattle business. Fortunately for the state’s Quarter Horse industry, Berwick quickly developed an interest and passion in Quarter Horses.

Lee Berwick c. 1969

Berwick purchased 23 Quarter Horses in a 24-month span in the early 1950s on his farm in St. Joseph, Louisiana. His mare band included daughters of Rey Del Rancho, Peppy, Macanudo and Wimpy P-1.  His stallion was Wimpy O’Nesa, by Wimpy P-1.  In the mid-1960s, Berwick started breeding for speed and purchased Little Duce.  He also owned half interest in Jet Straw, by Jackstraw (TB) and out of Miss 89’er. Berwick campaigned Eight Edition, who won both the Laddie and LQHBA Breeders Futurity in 1980.

His enthusiasm for racing led to the development of Delta Downs racetrack in Vinton, Louisiana. The track opened in September, 1973, and Berwick was the president and a major stock holder for several years. While it is now under the ownership of Boyd Gaming, each year, he is honored with the running of the Lee Berwick Memorial Futurity (RG1); the purse last year was a record $690,295.

Berwick became an AQHA Director in 1960, and initiated the AQHA Supreme Champion award.  Elected as president in 1969, Berwick was successful in the creation of the American Junior Quarter Horse Association.

During his term, Berwick helped usher AQHA into the modern era.  He oversaw the reorganization of AQHA’s various divisions, began negotiations for a computer system to improve record keeping and customer service, and saw the implementation of a seminar program for approving show judges.

Berwick was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 1994.  He died in 2001 at the age of 79 and is survived by his wife, Betty.