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 2021.
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 Hall of Fame members inducted in 2025. 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.
Ronald Briley
Inducted into the LQHBA Hall of Fame in 2025
Beginning at a very early age, Ronald Briley was destined to follow his passion with horses. From growing up riding horses on his grandfather's farm in Louisiana, to training close to 500 winners who earned over $1.4 million in purses, capturing 17 combined futurities and derby wins, and 5 leading quarter horse trainer titles, Briley is a very worthy inductee into the LQHBA Hall of Fame.
His son Chris remembered Ronald sharing stories that on Sundays, Ronald's father would load up the entire family in a horse-drawn buggy and venture a mile down the road to enjoy an afternoon at the bush track for horse racing.
Ronald worked at a paper mill to support his growing family but could not deny his passion for horses and acquired his trainer's license in 1966.
That same year, his first racehorse, Dick Istre won back-to back races with one at Little River Downs in DeQuincy, Louisiana and the other at Evangeline Downs in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Go Vicki Meyers, trained by Ronald Briley, in the Evangeline Downs Championship Series #5 winner's circle.
© ca. 1970 Evangeline DownsJust one year later, Briley hit pay dirt with the Kansas-bred Go Vicki Meyers. The daughter of Mr Meyers out of the Three Bars (TB) mare Otro Mambo (TB) had a highly successful career in Louisiana. She made 38 starts between 1968 and 1970, winning 22 races, including 11 stakes.
Following her retirement from racing at the end of 1970, she entered her second career as a broodmare, producing three foals, including a stakes-placed filly by Lion Deck named Lionette who made 16 starts at Delta Downs.
Go Vicki Meyers first foal was an unraced daughter of world champion Jet Deck, Magic Garden who is the dam of stakes winner Time For Magic SI 111, winner of 17 races and $73,772; and stakes-placed seven-time winner Bad Magic SI 99 who earned $22,148.
Go Vicki Meyers was inducted into the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association Hall of Fame in 2017.
"She was a phenomenal mare," stated Chris Briley. "No distance was too tough for her, and she went on to produce some exceptional runners."
Briley's training career spanned five decades, including 24 Thoroughbred winners who earned $457,444.
Trainer Ronald Briley with Jet Injun after winning the Evangeline Downs Championship #4 in 1971.© Courtesy Speedhorse Archive
His 54-acre farm in Grand Prairie, Louisiana remained his base throughout his career but expanded significantly through the years. The 54-acre property had a 48-stall barn, a five and a half-furlong training track, 3 stall starting gates and a swimming hole.
There were no shortcuts in his care for his horses with Briley believing in the best hay, feed and supplements. Chris stated that his father had three top priorities: God, his family and his horses.
"My brothers and sisters all helped, but as the oldest, I was at the barn each morning before school, caring for each of the horses in our barn," shared Chris.
Briley took great pleasure in mentoring and supporting young jockeys and trainers and his son spoke fondly of Ronald's relationship with Jockeys Larry Freeman, David Copling and Alvin "Bubba" Brossette.
LQHBA Champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr., gives Briley tremendous credit for his success as a conditioner.
"I met Ronald in the 1980's at Jefferson Downs (in New Orleans)" Roberts said. "I was just getting started in Louisiana and he had some of the best horses on the racetrack. He made me feel welcome and I learned a lot from him. I will never forget him telling me that people will try to discourage you, but don't quit. If you stay with it, you will end up on top."
Briley was very personable, which along with his extensive knowledge and passion for racing was a potent combination for attracting owners.
"Daddy brought in owners from all over the world, some as far as Australia," said Chris. "We all marveled that he never forgot a name!" Ronald had supportive relationships with his owners such as W. O. Bergeron, W. A. Darling, C. T. Fuller, Henry Griffin, Sam Rankin, Rodney Verret, Earnest Landry and so many others.
Louisiana Quarter Horse
Breeders Association
105 Carlyon Lane
Alexandria, LA 71303-7783
Tel:
(318) 487-9506
Fax:
(318) 487-6033