CHESTER  COUNTY, Pa.--Two of Chester County's most respected horsemen died recently.

Dolores Dee CurranDolores "Dee" Curran, who worked with numerous NSA trainers clipping, shipping, and leading horses to post, passed away on Sept. 30 at age 55.

Dee, who lived in Highland Township, Pa., was from Ireland, and was recalled fondly by Hall of Fame conditioner Janet Elliot.

She was an extremely hard worker, who "did it all," Elliot said, including caring for dogs, horses, and starting her own blanket business.

Dee was one of racing's unsung heroes and was a runner-up for the Woodville Award, a tribute Elliot created to honor those critical assistants who contribute mightily to the sport.

All are welcome to celebrated Curran's life on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 3 pm onward at 101 Fernwood Rd., Coatesville, PA 19320

Stevie Hayes died about a month ago.

 

HE WAS another horseman who "did it all."

Hayes served as ringmaster at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair for years, always handsomely turned out.

He was meticulous about the presentations, making sure everyone was in a line and that the horse's ears were up for the pictures.

He whipped in for Radnor Hunt and competed for Radnor on "Hunt Night" at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, competing on Radnor hunt teams and often winning ribbons.

One time, when the Radnor huntsman was bucked off at the meet, breaking his leg, Hayes took the horn and hunted the hounds, returning to the kennels after a full day of hunting without having lost one hound. 

He was always beautifully turned out, with boots shined to a gleam.

He competed in point-to-point races.

Hayes was a help to many in the equestrian community.

For one, he helped Sherry Robertson with breaking young horses.

Hayes was brave and had a great sense of humor, but most of all he loved his horses.