In Memory - Bil Hartman

William Alan Hartman was born on May 9, 1937 in Hanover, PA. His parents Roland and Hazel Hartman adopted him at birth. In 1948 the family moved to Redlands, CA. He played high school football for 2 years and then went to Judson School for Boys in Scottsdale, AZ. The 2 sports offered there were Tennis and Horse Polo. Since a 200 lb teenager would look out of place on the tennis courts, it was Polo. After high school he attended college at Colorado A&M {now Colorado State} where he continued to play Polo, until they closed the program.  

Bil began his career as a Contracts Manager in the Aerospace industry in 1958 and retired in 1995. It was an exciting era with astronaut programs and aviation advancements.  

Bil’s hobby was racing mini cars, until he found out showing Hackney, Welsh and Shetland ponies was a lot more fun. The horse show business was his passion, which led him to become an ASHA (USEF) Steward and the first TWH DQP on the West Coast. Later he became an equine agent for EMO Insurance Agency.

When he was not stewarding, he was managing local & rated shows, announcing or working the back gate. Bil had his own “horsey” golf cart and could be found cruising and visiting with exhibitors. 

Bil met his current, wife, Mary K., in 1980 she had a Morgan mare, Ranchita Dolly. The mare was not a show horse; so, friends, Tom and Teri Brisco, suggested breeding her to Waer’s Country Squire. Now they were in the Morgan business. Hi Trot’s Shy Anna and Shillelagh were their show horses.  

Driving a horse or pony was what he liked best and it did not matter if it was a Hackney, Morgan or Saddlebred. Trainers, Frank and Ann Miller, could always find “Mister Bil” one to show. One of his major high lights was showing Cosmo in the Fine Harness World Championship at the Kentucky State Fair, in Louisville.

Norco “Horse Town USA “was home for 40 years. He was active in the community and a member of Lions serving as liaison with the local Boy Scouts. In 2018 the Norco Hall of Fame honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Bil was a member of Grace Fellowship Church.

Bil passed away on January 31, 2021. He is survived by wife, Mary K., daughter Tracy, stepdaughter Pippa, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Bil was preceded in death by his mother, father, and daughter Kathleen.  

The family is planning a Celebration of Life in the Spring.

Remembrance Below Provided by Mari Sanderson, AMHA Vice President and Western Region Director

Bil Hartman, a man who never knew a stranger, passed away on January 31, 2021. It was a sad day for his family and all of his many friends and acquaintances. He was always so friendly and made people feel comfortable. Part of that was the story telling. Bil always was eager to share a past remembrance of a moment in history related to the horse industry. It would always finish with a funny ending. You always knew if you were at dinner with Bil there would be a lot of laughter. He always made you feel included even if he just met you.

Bil, throughout the years, was a huge supporter of the Morgan Horse Breed. He was a current Board Member of Morgan Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association. He has bred and shown Morgan Horses throughout the years. Bil was also involved with other breeds including American Saddlebreds and Welsh Ponies to name a few. Bil was always there at the shows, whether as a USEF Steward or as a worker bee. He was always willing to help out.

Bil and his wife Mary K have been friends of mine for over 40 years. We have had a lot of fun throughout the years. I will miss his laughter, knowledge and friendship. I will miss him.

Condolences to Mary K and their family. 

Drive on Bil, drive on.