
Burl Holmes
Other than his family, which always came first with Burl Holmes,
he had two consuming interests. One was the Burl Holmes Ford
dealership – which was an outgrowth of his going to work for Pat
Pugh in 1941. Interrupted by World War II, and after three years in
the Navy, flying in the Pacific Theater, Burl resumed his career
in 1945.
Burl’s other consuming interest was quarter horses. Early on, he
became friends with both Dick Robey and Bob Robey, so it is not
surprising that many of his best horses carried Okie Leo and
Harlan blood. Principal among those he either owned or bred are:
Harlaquita an AQHA Champion
Nick’s Rusty Leo an AQHA and PHBA Champion
Cay Harla an AQHA and AQHYA Champion
Sooner Rinea an AQHA and PHBA Champion
Okie’s Teddy Bear an AQHA Superior Roping Horse
Mr Boleo Van an AQHA World Champion Roping Horse
He supported his children and grandchildren in their horse
showing activities – and taught Jim how to clean stalls and
haul the girls. As best anyone can remember, Burl announced
the AQHYA World Show during the entire time it was held in
Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Chairing several committees – with particular emphasis on
Youth activities, Burl worked tirelessly for the Oklahoma Quarter
Horse Association and served as its President in 1971. Similarly,
his dedication as a Director of the AQHA and as Chairman of the Youth Committee culminated in his being honored by being
elected an AQHA Honorary Vice-President in 1982. He also
served as President of both the Oklahoma Palomino Exhibitors
Association and the Palomino Breeders of America.