Kearney Hillard (Coatesville, Pa.) 

I’ve known Kearney my whole life.  He was my brother-in-law.  He began working as a farrier as a young man, and also trained ‘green’ horses at his home in the early days.  He grew quite famous in his trade and worked on many top horses in the Olympics, traveling wherever they were located.  It would be wonderful and a great honor for him to be recognized for his success as one of the top farriers in the country during his career.        

-Donna Null, Lancaster, Pa.  

I was an apprentice for Kearney for five years. I’m a life member of AFA #410 and strongly nominate him for the hall of fame.        

-Vincent Manstrangelo, Elverson, Pa.

Kearney is the best

-Nancy Everhart, Boyertown, Pa.

Kearney has been a fixture with Kimberton Fox Hunting Club for as long as I can remember. Traveling along during chases, attending functions, telling stories, accommodating with his knowledge and skills whenever necessary! Kearney is as humble as they come and his contributions to the craft are unmatched! He is deserving of this award for a thousand reasons. Let's show this man just how much appreciation we have for him!

-Colleen Hefner, Birdsboro, Pa.

He has been doing this all his life, I know his daughter who is extremely proud of him. 

-Donna Zielinski, Hopewell, Nj.

Kearney always goes above and beyond to help the horses and their owners.   Always willing to make a special visit.  

-Andrea Kauffman, New Castle, De. 

Kearny Hillard was an excellent farrier who did shoeing for horses up and down the east coast. He did horses for Olympian Michael Matz who also trained Barbaro - winner of the Preakness Stakes - Part of the American Triple Crown Races..... Kearny also did shoeing for Show Jumping Hall of Fame  and  The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame member Harry R. Gill. During that time Kearny was responsible for shoeing   Idle Dice a Member of the National Show Jumping Hall of Fame, International FEI Champion, National USA Champion, three time winner of The American Gold Cup. 

-Sherry Robertson, Edmonton Pa. 

I've known Kearney for 50 years. He has helped my horses with challenging hoof conditions over the years, probably saving their lives.

-Karen Kennedy, Peach Bottom Pa.

For years I worked in the Hunter Jumper industry on the East Coast. Kearney was always so good to our horses and to our help! And so great at working with the vets to keep our horses sound and happy!

-Karan Aurelius, Shellbyville Ky. 

He was truly a "farrier to the stars"!!!

-Dwayne Kerns, Marietta Ga. 

Kearney did the Olympic team in Atlanta and flew to Germany to do the team Olympics in Barcelona. In 1976 he shod the Gold medal winner in the Olympics. He also shod for the Mexican team.

-Marshall Dampman, East Earl Pa. 

Kearney shod my horse in the 1970’s while I was in college and boarded in th Kennet Square area.

-Alison Bjork, Lexington Ky. 

The best !

-Pam Brumfield, Coatesville Pa. 

Kerney is the best of the best. 1976 gold!

-Susie Mendenhall, Coatesville Pa. 

Kearney Hillard is an absolute legend in the horse world.  He's worked on so many high profile equine athletes including Jet Run, Idle Dice, and Hudson, yet still made time to work on amateur-owned horses; providing the same level of care regardless of rank or talent.  I personally know Kearney.  He's kind, funny, and beyond knowledgable about all things horse and hoof-related.  The stories and advice he's shared with me over the years are treasures.  I am forever grateful to have gotten to know this fine gentleman.  Please induct him into the American Farriers Hall of Fame.  He really deserves the recognition!  

— Colleen McLaughlin, Unionville, Pa.

Kearney did amazing work for the horses of Erdenheim Farm. Whether it was my hunters like Rallydale, or Michael Matz team horses - Grande, Jet Run and more - he did great work. We couldn’t be more appreciative of his efforts through the years. 

-Ellin Dixon Miller, North Palm beach, Fl. 

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