Harriet Delaney

 

Harriet Delaney (83) was born January 14, 1940 and went to be with the Lord on October 23, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.  She passed quietly in her sleep. She grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia, and fell in love with horses and riding at a young age.  Her first horses were Saddlebreds and upon arriving at boarding school she noted everyone was riding hunters and jumpers. Harriet took her Saddlebreds and began jumping them.  Her success as a rider  landed her at Madison Garden under the lights jumping her Saddlebreds and getting the attention of industry Hall of Famer, Gabor Foltenyi.  She trained with him for many years after she completed her education at Lake Erie College and then founded Stillwater Farm in Powell, Ohio.

 

Harriett is known in the equine community as a hunter jumper breeder and trainer but has also made her mark in the thoroughbred racing world along with having a national reputation of being a true horse woman. Her love of speed and obstacles was not reserved for the show ring or track; she was an early Formula 1 race car driver.  Her work with A. J. Foyt on developing his open-wheel cars led to his all time winningest record.

 

Moving to Aiken in the 1970’s, she owned the Aiken Prep Stables, now known as Stable on the Woods and then built a barn next door on adjoining property she owned. Then 20 years ago she moved her “Chasin’ Farm” to Pony Trail where her impact has been felt by many students, clients, boarders and friends.

 

Harriet and Gene Delaney, had a son, David who pre-deceased her.  She is survived by her nieces Hillary Neff and Ashley Henderson, nephew William Henderson, Sharon Burtz and daughter.  

 

Harriett demanded much from herself and gave much to the four legged friends in her life.  A generous donor to canine and feline causes as much as equine ones, she gave back in subtle ways.  Her faith was nurtured by her many friends in both her bible study group and friends in the community.  She departed this life like a lamb but lived like a Lion.  It is that tenacious spirit that many have come to cherish and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Equine Rescue of Aiken aikenequinerescue@gmail.com or Danny & Rons Rescue info@dannyronsrescue.org. A memorial service will be announced.