On Saturday, September 27, the Hammersmith Belgian hitch completed its final lap at The Big E Draft Horse Show and was inducted into the Equestrian Hall of Fame at the Coliseum in West Springfield, Mass. This hitch was formerly owned by Craig “Hammer” Hammersmith (1950-2024), a legend in the equine industry that sadly passed on in January of 2024.

Hammersmith of Defiance, Ohio, was born to Ralph and Louise (Carlson) Hammersmith. In 1983, he married Chris Knowlton, and the two owned and operated Defiance Truck Sales and Service for 35 years.

He had a passion for horses evident in the team he purchased and transformed into his award-winning hitch, the Hammersmith Belgians, driven by linesman Jason Honsberger. The hitch has been a picture of consistency; they have completed 20 seasons in the Classic Series, multiple Finals appearances and two Reserve World Champion titles.

Hammersmith spent countless evenings under shop lights, welding and upgrading horse trailers and semis to ensure a safe and comfortable hauling experience for his coveted six-horse hitch. He is remembered for his generosity; if a competitor’s rig broke down, he would find any way to aid them.

He also loved passing on his passion to the next generation, and he would often open his barn to clinics. Newcomers became capable teamsters under Hammersmith’s mentorship. It brought him tremendous pride to watch his granddaughter, Oakely, rise from Youth to Ladies and Classic Series Cart classes in her own competitive circuit.

For the Hammersmith Belgians, Eastern States Exposition (ESE) is home ring. The Hammersmith family has won The Big E Six-Horse Hitch Showdown five times and formed thousands of memories at Center Ring in the historic Coliseum. On September 27, the family was present to honor Hammersmith’s legacy, which is one of patience, care and high standards, all evident in the countless teamsters touched by his impact who roll on in his memory.

Chris Hammersmith, Stephanie Demar, Oakely Demar and Jason Hornsberger were all in attendance to accept applause and a plaque on Craig Hammersmith’s behalf as he was inducted into the ESE Horse Show Hall of Fame. The plaque was presented by ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy; ESE’s director of Agriculture, Elena Hovagimian; and ESE’s horse show manager, Jay Mullen.

That afternoon, the Hammersmith Belgians took an additional lap around the Coliseum in celebration of their retirement. They exited to the roar of a standing ovation after receiving sixth place in The Big E Six-Horse Hitch Showdown.