Hawthorne Products is excited to honor the birthday of owner and founder, Don Hobson. Don will celebrate his 90th birthday on June 26. 2022 is a special year for Don and his family friends as they celebrate not only his birthday, but also the 45th anniversary of the Hawthorne Products.

Horses have been a huge part of the Hobson family for generations. So, it’s natural that Don Hobson, founder of Hawthorne Products, would also be deeply involved and share the love of horses his family had. Don’s father Roy, and brother Larry, successfully trained Thoroughbred horses. Chrystal, Don’s mother and his brother Jarry, founded and operated Hobson’s Turf Supply at Ohio racetracks. His sister, Marita was also involved in the horse business through Harold White’s leg paint and the sale of horse coolers.

Don was a highly successful farrier during this time, traveling the continental United States as well as Puerto Rico. During his many years as a farrier, Don solved hoof and leg issues with remedies that he had developed using common sense principles. Friends, family — and anyone who used his products — kept urging him to patent his products and start a company. Little did they know that had always been his goal. Don’s dream came true when Hawthorne Products was born — a company that would provide top horse care products for the professional horse person and as well the amateur owner.

When Don started Hawthorne Products, he brought a lot of old favorites into the business as well as the products he had developed. Products such as Wind Aid, Sole Pack, and Cool Cast were developed by Don in his shop in Dunkirk Indiana. Many of their award-winning products are considered “must haves” for horse people all over the world.

In 2018, Don was elected and became a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame at the International Hoof Care Summit. Don donates his products and knowledge to farrier schools and individuals across the country. Don has always been a leader — supporting, promoting and encouraging others in the hobby and sport that he loves. 

“I’ve been blessed to live a life doing what I enjoy and being a part of the industry I love. The people and customers I’ve been honored to know have enriched my life.” — Don Hobson

Since 1977, Don Hobson and Hawthorne Products, has been providing a wide variety of horse-care products. Don’s personal goal is to offer resources to all horse lovers so they can maintain good health for their horses. When Don is at the office, he’s readily available to take calls and answer questions about hoof and leg care as well as general horse care questions. When not in the office he can usually be found at trade shows, racetracks, and anywhere you find horses. He is doing what he loves and does best — helping people care for their horses. Don Hobson is not just a business owner and trainer; Don is a true horseman.