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CLASS OF 2022
Induction into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame is the highest
industry honor that can be bestowed upon a human or equine. Those
chosen for induction are recognized for their lifetime of accomplishments and service.
Six horses and seven AQHA members have been inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022.
The horses are Big Step, a 1956 sorrel stallion; Corona Cartel, a 1994 bay stallion; Easter King, a 1951 sorrel stallion; Impressive, a 1969 sorrel stallion; Sun Frost, a 1979 palomino stallion; and Topsail Whiz, a 1987 chestnut stallion.
The individuals selected are 30-year breeder and horseman John Andreini of San Mateo, California; AQHA Past President Sandra Arledge of Encinitas, California; renowned owner, breeder and trainer James V.A. Carter of Clovis, California; advocate for youth and equestrians with disabilities riders Mary Hopkins of Vicksburg, Mississippi; longtime owners, trainers and exhibitors Walter and Nancy Hughes of Damascus, Maryland; and record-setting world champion Jerry Wells of Norman, Oklahoma.
JOHN ANDREINI
AQHA 30- year breeder,
horseman and AQHA Director Emeritus John Andreini became involved in the horse industry in 1965 when he was invited to a
trail ride. In his own name, Andreini raced the earners of more than $2.1 million, plus more in partnership, including champion Jumping Tac Flash ($147,065). He bred the earners of more than $6.9 million, including, among others, top runners like Volcom ($430,433) and Deefirst ($319,029) and AQHA Dam of Distinction Jusjumpin. Andreini was the founder, chairman and CEO of Andreini & Co., an insurance brokerage he established in 1951. He served the racing industry in many capacities, including
as a leader in the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association and a partner in entities such as the Los Alamitos Equine Sale and Ruidoso Downs. After his death in 2018, a special racing recognition award, the John Andreini Special Recognition Award, was renamed in his honor.
JAMES VA CARTER
James V.A. Carter spent the 1940s on a ranch in Shaville, Oregon, near the Idaho border. He bred Moon Deck to his band of Barred and Midnight Jr mares to create horses that could run faster and further, including Top
Bios & Photos provided by AQHA
Moon. He eventually left the cattle business to focus on raising fast horses. He then moved to Clovis, California, and was a leading trainer on California tracks while running only horses he bred and raised. Many of Carter’s horses are still found in racing pedigrees today, including 2008 champion racing 3-year-old Heartswideopen who traces through her dam, Dashing Phoebe, to Top Moon.
CORONA CARTEL
Corona Cartel was a 1994 bay stallion by Holland Ease and out of Corona Chick by Chicks Beduino. Corona Cartel was bred by Robert Etchandy and owned by the Corona Cartel Syndicate. He earned $577,142 and
won three stakes races during his race career, including the Los Alamitos Million Futurity (G1) and Kindergarten Futurity (G2). He finished his race career with six wins and three seconds in 14 starts. At the time of his death, he had 1,862 foals registered from 21 crops, and progeny earnings of more than $62.8 million. He sired 1,069 winners from 1,542 starters, and 179 stakes winners. Corona Cartel died December 18, 2019, but his progeny continue to add to the total earnings figure which, presently, is over $67.5 million.
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