In October of this year, the workshop for Hammonds Halters suffered a devastating fire. Thankfully all people and animals are safe, but the shop was a total loss. Over 40 years, Jerry built the business with his own two hands, and in the blink of an eye it was all gone.

Jerry always says that others out there need help more than him, and I know if he could rebuild on his own, he would. Unfortunately, after months of back and forth with insurance, what they've given him isn't even close to what he needs or deserves.

He lost a huge portion of his collection of actual worn halters he has made over the years for horses like California Chrome and Flightline - all that was found were a few name plates in the ashes. He lost his 100+ year old sewing machines. He lost every piece of formerly hand-cranked leatherworking equipment that he had modified to run by pulley motor and built into heavy wooden tables. He lost finished halters that were ready for the October sale starting that day, and everything finished and in progress for the upcoming sales. All of his supplies and his engraving machine are gone as well.

After a couple years of scaling back, Jerry could have used this as an opportunity to retire, but instead he said to me, "I will be making halters again."

As of last week, he'd just sewed his first crown piece after getting the last part he needed to get a single machine running again. In spite of his carpal tunnel surgeries, he's moved all operations to his unheated garage in the dead of winter.

Jerry is one of the strongest people I know with an incredible work ethic and moral code. He has never asked for help, but this time he needs it so I am stepping up and asking for him.

Please donate if you're able, or share if you aren't. Jerry had given so much of himself for this job and he deserves to be able to continue to do the work he knows best.

All funds will go directly to Jerry Hammonds for rebuilding or finishing out his garage properly and purchasing all equipment he needs to get back to making halters again.

Sincerely,

Jaclyn Kent

Halter Sizer and Name Plate Hammering Helper with Taylor Made Sales

Glen Rock, PA