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.