Hall of Fame - People October  8, 2024

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.

Claude W. Boutte, Jr.

Inducted into the LQHBA Hall of Fame in 2021

Claude W. Boutte, Jr. • 1926 - 1992

Claude W. Boutte, Jr. played a very pivotal role in the history of the Louisiana Quarter Horse industry. He was one of the founding members of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) and served as president in the early years of its formation.

Born in Alexandria, Boutte grew up around horses and began a career as a mechanical engineer. He and his wife, Frances, raised four children.

Boutte opened Alexandria Pleasure Time Farms in Alexandria. His early stallions included Streakin La Jolla, who began his stud career on his farm as well as Mr Jess Perry, who stood for several years before his tenure at 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas.

The Louisiana native also felt it was important to build a stallion roster and brought an impressive roster to the farm including Pie in the Sky, Twin Jet, Midway Drive and Dashing Encounter.

In addition to breeding horses, Boutte also loved watching his horses run and had a goal of having one of his homebreds win the state’s premier futurity.

Claude W. Boutte, Jr. was instrumental in starting AQHA
Hall of Fame sire Streakin La Jolla's stallion career at Pleasure Time Farms in Alexandria. © ca. 1989
Sadly, Boutte died in 1992 at the age of 66. But hopefully he was watching from heaven when Hez Not Too Shabby won the 2000 LQHBA Futurity at Evangeline Downs.

The Estate of Claude W. Boutte Jr. bred son of Mr Jess Perry out of the Moonlark mare Shez Not Too Shabby. He was owned by Bob and Jerry Ann Gaston, winning seven of his 18 starts and qualifying for the Rainbow Derby(G1) at Ruidoso Downs as well as the Texas Classic Derby(G1) at Lone Star Park.

Champion 2-Year-Old Colt and All American Futurity(G1) winner Pie In The Sky stood atPleasure Time Farms.
© 3-Bar-D Ranch
His son Rick continues to manage the farm his dad established. His other son, Brad, owns and operates Boutte Veterinary Clinic in Alexandria.

Rick applauded his father’s passion for horses which he deftly combined with some very good business sense.

“He was instrumental in starting the Louisiana-bred award program,” said Rick. “The incentives for Louisiana breeders to keep their horses in state has really helped our industry.”

All American Futurity finalist Dashing Encounter began his stallion career at Pleasure Time Farms.
© Courtesy Speedhorse Magazine
Boutte also served on several committees for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) throughout the years.

Rick paused before responding to a question about the accomplishments of his dad and his commitment to Louisiana breeding and racing, “He loved horses and promoting Louisiana racing,” he said proudly. “His goal in the beginning was to make sure that the mares and stallions in Louisiana were as good as those in any region in the country.”