Hawkins trained horses for the Margarita Ranch and eventually led pack strings supplying mountain lookouts, mines, remote dude ranches and mountain contractors.  He soon became known for breeding outstanding horses that could win, using the bloodlines of Solomon Figueroa and Dutchess #1110, Red Pepper, American Eagle, Ghengis Khan, Blue Chip and Red Eagle’s Peacock.  A lifelong breeder, trainer, inspector and judge, Hawkins was a leader in California and the West. He initiated many regional club, show, racing and fair circuit programs, including trail rides, National Show development and growth. He became a key figure in all showing and racing and the driving force behind the organization of the California Regional Appaloosa Club and the club’s first president. A few years later he helped start the Southern California Appaloosa Horse Club and Cal-Western Racing.  Hawkins passed on in February 1997, and is survived by his wife and five children.