PG.11
Murray and Shirley Davidson from
Swanpool, Victoria, have been
involved with Quarter Horses since
the early 70’s. They purchased a first
cross mare in 1970, and registering
her as Annlee Lady Jill R1-167, she became the first
of 89 horses to be registered with the Annlee prefix.
During the past 48 years, Murray and Shirley have
been proud to be a part of almost every aspect of
the Quarter Horse industry, while breeding quality,
versatile horses that have made their mark in
Australia.
Murray & Shirley Davidson at the AQHA Awards Night accepting their award
Murray with Circle J Pocomelia Q-6096 (Milly)
Early on, Murray worked as a professional Cutting horse
trainer and took many horses through the early NCHA
Cutting Futurities that were held at Moombi, NSW. It
was at a Cutting Futurity, that the first Western Pleasure
Futurity was held. Murray rode the imported bay stallion,
Poco Navy Bar, to a win the event, with the stallion also
competing in the Cutting Futurity. Murray was motivated
to travel to the USA, in order to improve his skills at
Cutting. While there he also trained as a saddle-maker, a
profession that he still continues to this day. Involved at
a committee level since the 1970’s, Murray and Shirley
were part of the very early Quarter Horse events that were
held across the north-east Victorian regions. Shirley has
the honour of being the first Secretary for the Southern
Branch Cutting Horse Association, instigating Cutting
events across the state.
Murray and Shirley competed in various disciplines and
excelled in many events. Shirley was a very competitive
Barrel Racer, winning many events and awards, while
Murray began in the Rodeo arena but was soon attracted
to the new and exciting sport of Cutting. The Davidsons
purchased their first cutting-bred horse, Clover Stockman
R1-2168, from one of the early Clover Leaf sales. The
unbroken and unhandled gelding was by Clover Drift
Q-63, out of the mare, Clover Della FM-03583. Initially
quite a challenge, he went on to become an amazingly
versatile horse carrying Shirley to the award of Highpoint
Lady Cutter of Australia.
In 1977, they purchased another Clover Leaf bred horse,
a yearling AQHA colt. Clover Cowpoke Q-55836, was
destined to become their main stallion. By the great
Docs Poco Bar Q-839, Clover Cowpoke went on to sire
103 progeny - horses that excelled in all aspects of the
western industry. They proved to be quiet and trainable
horses, highly valued by those who owned one. Murray
and Shirley have continued on, always striving to breed
competitive, sound, quiet horses that have found success
in many disciplines, with many Annlee horses still
competing throughout most of Australia.
Murray showing Clover Cowpoke Q-55836 - Photo by: Russle Griffith
They’ve been unwavering supporters of their own children
- they supported Annette in her long AQHA Amateur
show career and Julie, first through Amateur and now
as an NCHA Cutter. They were kind enough to donate
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE 2020