International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member Don Hobson of Dunkirk, Ind., passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. He was 91. The founder of Hawthorne Products, Don also was a legend on the Thoroughbred racetracks where he shod for over 30 years.

Horses were a huge part of the Hobson family for generations. 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 the 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 and traveled 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. Everyone who used his products encouraged him to patent them and start a company, which had always been Don’s goal. Don’s dream came true when Hawthorne Products was born. Now in its 46th year, Hawthorne Products provides top horse and hoof-care products that improve the lives of many horses.

In 2018, Don was elected and became a member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame at the International Hoof-Care Summit. Accepting his award, Don said, “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.”

Always generous with his time and knowledge, Don also donated his products to farrier schools and individuals across the country. Don was especially invested in the International Hoof-Care Summit’s Rising Shoeing Star award winners. This award honors farriers who are making a difference in the industry just 3 years out of horseshoeing school. Oftentimes an award sponsor, Don would always give a bucket full of Hawthorne products to each young farrier along with his business card and encourage them to give him a call and he truly meant it.

Speaking on his decades-long career at the 2018 International Hoof-Care Summit, Don said, “I’ve met a lot of wonderful people in this industry. If I had to do it all over again, I’d follow the same footsteps.”