AQHA January / February Magazine AQHA JAN-FEB 2020 PRINT | Page 16

PG.14
AQHA FEATURE...
ARTICLE BY: AQHA OFFICE
The Australian Quarter Horse Association
honours Heather & Lionel Richardson with
induction into the Hall of Fame.
2000 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
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Lionel &
Richardson
T
he involvement of Lionel and Heather
Richardson commenced in 1965 with
the purchase of two infused geldings by
“King” a first cross stallion by VAQUERO
Q-1. They were so impressed with these
two geldings that they purchased a
yearling colt to PRONTO MIO Q-4. This colt was
destined to become a household name with working
Quarter Horse enthusiasts.
In 1966 they purchased another colt, TOM DOOLEY
R2-30 who also was highly successful in the early
years of Quarter Horse competition. With the aim
of breeding purebred stock, in 1967 they purchased
the mare CEELIE R2-33 whose first foal for the
Richardson’s was PINE HILLS QUARTER MOON
Q-152, born in 1968.
Lionel and Heather were charter members of the
Australian Cutting Horse Association which was
formed in 1969 in Brisbane. In this year, the first foals
by CATTLEMAN R1-236 out of the Richardson’s well
respected line of station mares were born.
Lionel and Heather showed both CATTLEMAN and
TOM DOOLEY at the first Cutting Futurity held at
Brookfield in Queensland in 1970.
In 1971 the Richardson’s started the Roma Cutting
and Roping Association (being the inaugural President
and Secretary). This Club sponsored the first cutting
clinic with noted American trainer, Pine Johnson.
Lionel accepted the position of President of the
South East Queensland Quarter Horse Association
in 1972. In a short period of time, he turned this
Association into an active financial Association.
Lionel and Heather attended the first meeting of the
Australian Quarter Mile Racing Association and were
later active members of the Queensland Sprint Racing
Association. Even though they never owned a sprint
racer, they actively supported any Association which
would promote Quarter Horses.
In 1973 the Richardson’s headed to Victoria to
compete in the Victorian Circuit of shows with
CATTLEMAN and TOM DOOLEY.
This year also saw the running of the Australian
Horseman’s Congress held at Gatton College. As part
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW.AQHA.COM.AU