DON,
THE DERBY came today and I love it! Thanks so much for the packet you sent along as well. I know I will enjoy this hat for many years to come. It was a great pleasure meeting you and doing business with you!
Kind regards,
Julie Dojahn, Angleton, Texas

DON,
I just wanted you to know how much I use my palm leaf hat, it's the perfect fishing hat for the Mexican saltwater flats and after all these years it still looks like new.
Thanks again for a job well done.
Mike Milhorn, Kingsport, TN.

This was a note sent by Mike Hyland from Smyrna, Delaware, who ordered a Diamondback Rattlesnake Hat Band with open mouth mounted in the front, and the rattle/tail section mounted in the back. He personally shipped his hat to me so I could fit the band on his hat perfectly. I took pictures of the hat and band and Emailed them back to him. After seeing the pictures, here is an excerpt from his reply:

DON,
This is is one, if not the most beautiful hat I have ever seen. I HAVE TO SAY IT IS MUCH, MUCH MORE THAN I EXPECTED. I AM EXTREMELY PLEASED. No words can express my gratitude for all that you have done to help me through this endeavor. It is TRULY the hat of my dreams. It shows you really care about the work you do, and that is something to be proud of. If I was there, I would give you a big ol' Texan pat on the back. Needless to say, this work of art is going to be seen by hundreds of people out here.
Mike Hyland, Smyrna, Delaware
NOTE: Thanks for this GREAT comment, Mike - Don Livingston-LONGHORN HATTERS

HI DON,
I received the hat (THE TRAIL BLAZER) yesterday via UPS, just before I headed out for work. I just wanted ta let ya know that I'm absolutely stoked about the hat. That's "dunebilly" language meaning that I love the hat! As soon as I took it out of the box I was really impressed with it's aesthetics. It looks exactly as I was hoping with the dips on the front & back. The Diamonback skin is awesome! I love how the rattle comes off the back. I think Doug Sahm once said something like: "You just can't live in Texas if you don't have a lot of soul". This hat has got this soul. It's authentic & I can tell it was made with love by someone who knows what they're doin'. The quality & craftsmanship that went into this hat are outstanding. I wasn't sure if you'd get the size exactly right, even with the help of the pictures I sent. To my surprise, as soon as I put the hat on, it fit absolutely perfect! Snug, but not to tight... very comfortable... perfect! I was glad after all that ya put the stampede strings on because we get a lot of wind here & it's nice ta draw the strings up if I wanna roll the window down & take a drive. Thanks so much for your time & effort, I love the hat! We're very busy here w/ the holiday weekend, but as soon as I can I'll send ya some pictures of me wearin' the hat.
From the beach,
Jay Balfe, Buxton,NC

HI DON,
I'm so happy to have my hat back (THE TRAIL BLAZER)! It's beautiful. I was tempted to wear it to work today. Also,..........JAZZ FEST was a HUGH let down because I wasn't wearing my "STAR OF TEXAS". You're the best!!
Thanks so much,
Sarah Kracke (Michael Book's wife), Baton Rouge, LA.

Dear Don,
I received the hat.( 8" brimmed Comenchero) It is great! I will try to follow the instructions you included. Thank you very much for the hat and the care with which you did it.
All the best,
Alexander Cherny, Moscow, Russia

Don,
I can't tell how many enjoyable evenings I spent in the La Mesa, Ca. Reubens listening to you sing, including your last night there and what had to be the longest standing ovation I've ever been a part of. Thanks for all those good times and congratulations on your successful hat business.
Hal Wilson, Point Loma Nazarene University.

Don,
Received the hat. (Guatemalan Palm Leaf, 5" brim, 5 1/2" crown) Its perfect! Just right for the sun. Double loop Stampede string is GREAT! I'll keep the specs along with a picture, for the next time. I hope everything is going well for you in this current economy. It is nice to be able to get custom items like this. Everything is becoming so mass produced and "plastic" looking.
Thanks!
Sean Smith, Logan, Utah.

Don,
The hat (Trail Blazer) was a huge hit, as was the memorabilia.
Happy New Year 2009 to you.
Michael Book, Baton Rouge, LA.

Don,
I received the hat today ("HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER"), but was disappointed that it did not have the pencil rolled brim as advertised.
Otherwise ok and thanks,
Gary Blankinship, Trenton, Tenn.
I wrote back to Gary with this remark:
Dear Gary: I'm sorry you were not fully satisfied with the hat.The pencil roll was slight, not a total curl. If you would like an adjustment, I would be more than happy to curl the brim in full. Ship it back (at my expense) and I'll fully curl the brim, etc..
Thank you for your comment. The very best,
Don Livingston, LONGHORN HATTERS

Gary wrote: I am sorry, there is a pencil roll to hat. The more I wear it the more I love it, very comfortable & I love the texture.
Thanks,
Gary

Don....
I really like my hat a lot ...it is so awesome that I haven't been wearing it too much because I like looking at it myself...so, it has just been sitting there for me to view. Thank you in advance, because I know you are going to make a really special hat for Harry (Chester, Corpus Christi, Texas), just like my awesome hat...but a little darker brown. 
Billy Southwell, The Southwell Co., San Antonio, Texas

Don.....
I like it(HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER)….can’t wait to get it on my head…. Thank you so much…I’ll try to remember and send you a digital photo wearing it…thought I would meet up with Billy today hunting and get it, but did not work out on my end…
Thanks,
Harry Lee Chester, Corpus Christi, Texas

Hi Don:
Gregg loved the Honorary Texan Certificate and the Gift Certificate. He really was speechless for a moment, and then had a great laugh......He said he’ll drive up to San Antonio from Houston to redeem the gift certificate because he’s always wanted to go to San Antone! Thank you so much for the extra effort you took to make this happen so fast. He was touched—and delighted! -
Judi Cantor, VP of Development, Boston's Children's Museum, Boston, MA

Don,
The hat is fantastic(Commenchero)!! Fit perfect right out of the box. One of a kind for sure, and no detail left out. EXACTLY what I ordered! Look forward to living many tall tales with my new hat.
Mark S. Hicks, Carmel, Indiana

Hello Don,
Got the hat(Guatemalan Palm Leaf) and thank you very much....it's everything you said it would be...most comfortable hat I've worn...I'll get a lot of use from this. I wand four more for my sons, and two friends!!
Harry Lee Chester, Corpus Christi

Hey Don,
Just wanted to let you know that I received my certificate (Honorary Texan Certificate) today..it's wonderful!!!!! I keep reading it over and over. Thanks again for sending this to me and especially for 2 FANTASTIC cowboy hats!
John Anderson, New Braunfels, Texas

Mr. Don Livingston........
A awesome job...the hat (THE FESTUS) is just what I wanted....also perfect fit....Todd (Son) has not taken it off since I gave it to him. He says to tell you now he is a True Texan.....but cannot bring him self to be a Dallas Cowboy fan......
Thanks again ......very professional -
Jerry Rose, Hesperia, MI

THE COMANCHERO RIDES HIGH IN NORTH CAROLINA
Don,
Now this is a HAT!!.("The Comanchero) Wow!! It just came in, and I'm wearing it to dinner tonight. This will come in very handy, and I can see it will hold up very well. I'll be making my own Stampede strap before I go to The Ranch in Colorado.
Much obliged to ya Pard.
Clark Aflague', Raleigh, NC

DON'T TRY THIS!!!
I took my El Chepo felt and sprayed some felt stiffener on it last night. I was headed off to sleep, so I wanted to step up the drying process. I was going to use the vent from the heater but instead I turned on the gas burner and held the hat over it to dry, things went well until the Damn thing caught on fire...I was waving it around like crazy trying to put it out. It looked like a Louisiana Banana Foster finishing process.My wife was laughing so hard. After the stiffener burnt itself out I was left with a very stiff hat and a really cool finish, like singeing your hair when you lean over the BBQ pit too far!!
Don't worry I won't ask you to do this to the felt hat you'll be building for me.
Clark Aflague', Raleigh, NC

TEXAS music legend Gary P. Nunn wrote:
Don,
I received the hat(Guatemalan Palm Leaf). Thank you so much. It’s a perfect fit and I will put it to good use when summer hat season arrives. I’ll be in Luckenbach for the Annual Valentine’s Day Hug-In on Feb. 16th, 2008. If you get a chance come by and I’ll get you in. I just read an e-mail from Bob informing me that your Mom had passed away. Please accept our family’s sincere condolences.
Thanks again for the hat.
Gary P. Nunn

Don,
Just a note to let you know that I got my first compliment before I even got home with your hat! It is something special and it draws attention, even in Texas. Best money I ever spent. Can't wait to get a straw hat, and a brown felt, and a bunch more. Thanks for making this a memorable event and launching my NEW status as a Genuine Honorary Texan. --
Ken Gaffney, Shertz, Texas

Mr. Don Livingston,
Just wanted to thank you again for the great service and great hat that I purchased. You are truly a master of your craft, and I'll be visiting you real soon for another purchase.
 Mike Rivas, San Antonio, Texas

Dear Don,
I wanted to write and thank you once again for the wonderful hat I purchased from you while on the Road. I wore it through Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, back to Michigan and finally, out to the the barn. . .Tally, my quarter horse thought it was great too. Guess you are never too old to look good in a hat.
Take care and thanks again. Yours,
Lynn Gross, Lenox, Michigan

Thanks Podna, was a pleasure to meet you. Happy trails. Respectfully, Gov. Brooks Barnes, United Federalist of Texas. My husband loves his Western Diamondback Hatband.
Thank you so much.
Anna Hallquist, Petaluma, Ca.

Don,
The three Diamondback Rattlesnake hatbands and belt you did for me were beyond my expectations. I am VERY happy, and will be ordering again from you in the very near future. Thanks again -
Kenny Allen, Cushing, Texas

Hey Don,
Got the hat ("The Longhorn Felt").....IT'S FANTASTIC!! It's on the big side, but I think with the reducers it's gonna work. No one would believe me that it's a brand new hat, so maybe I can send some folks your way, but I love it! It's very different from my two Stetsons, so it's gonna be fun to have.
Thanks again brother. I'll be in touch.
Erik Larson, Aspen, Colorado

Don,
Martin absolutely loved the 6 inch brimmed Guatemalan Palm Leaf with everything else, beautiful work, We look forward to our next visit to San Antonio and visiting you in your new location -
Mary Lou and Martin Cortez, Houston, Texas

You can't win 'um all!!
Don,
I received the Rattlesnake hat band. I am a bit disappointed in the quality, however. the skin itself is fine, but the trim (cut)? of the band is very jagged. To be honest it looks very amateurish, as if it was cut w/ a dull pair of scissors!
Mark Wilmoth, Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

Here is the Email reply I sent Mark. Dear Mark: I'm sorry you were not fully satisfied with the hat band. Everything on the band is hand cut to one inch. No strapping machines are used. The backing (which is what you're probably referring to) is put on to cover up the left over skin of the Rattlesnake, and to finish it off. Most bands I've seen do not use that process. Put it on your hat, wear it for a while, and if you're still not satisfied, notify me, send it back, and I'll refund your money on the cost of the band. Thank you for your comments. Don Livingston - LONGHORN HATTERS

Mark Wilmoth's reply to my email.....
Don,
You were right-after wearing the hat w/ the band on, it has grown on me. Forgive me for my hasty judgment- I sometimes suffer from OCD! If you will, could you answer me one more question? Do you apply the Lexol to both sides of the band or what?
Again, many Thanks,
Mark Wilmoth, Mt. Juliet, Tenn.

Howdy Don,
Thank you for "the blessing upon my head"!! What a great, memorable and entertaining way to purchase my first hat in Texas. You made our day!!
Good fortune to you in all your current and future endeavors.
Mark & Rebecca Wygant, San Antonio, Texas

Hats are terrific!! The 10 is a perfect fit, the Trail Blazer is a bit large for some reason. I'm sure we can tighten it up. They are great looking! Thanks again! Vicki Fox, Conifer, Colorado "...I love my custom hat from LONGHORN HATTERS..."
Lisa Anne Milhorn, Kingsport, Tenn.

I went fishing, when all of a sudden the river started to rise and push me down stream with great force. Supper was on the table at home, and a beautiful two year old grand daughter was waiting for me, but the only thing I could think about was to save my Longhorn Hatters hat that was sitting on my head. 
Mike Milhorn, Kingsport, Tenn.

Don,
I LOVE the LONGHORN hat band. It is perfect!! I'll look forward to the opportunity to order again from you when I need another hat!
Michele Strain, Austin, Texas.

Don, I am not new to hats, but I like your Morroca better than anything I've seen in a very long time.
Thanks, 
Andy Sarkady, McHenry, Illinois.

Don,
My wife measured my head and it was 24 inches. That was a tight measurement and would probably be tighter than I like in my hats. I am an auctioneer and like to wear hats at some of my auctions. The auction profession has been moving away from hats for years and I am leading a small group of auctioneers that are trying to make hats fashionable for us again. I ride and appraise horses so I have a good excuse to wear my hats often.
I went to your website and enjoyed it very much, it's fun to see your enthusiasm for hats. Thanks.
Daniel Patterson, President- Alabama Auctioneers Association

Follow-up from Daniel Patterson: 
Great hat Don! Lots of character! I have a black beaver hat that I have owned for over 20 years. It has gotten floppy and doesn't hold a good shape anymore. Can you use your hat magic, and put some life back into this ole feller? I've got a new Silverbelly that needs a little character too.
Thanks.
Daniel (Boone) Patterson, Killen, AL

Hi Don!
My son absolutely loves that Festus hat! He was on his computer last night doing homework in it, he rides his horse with it on....I hope he doesn't think that he is getting a mule for his birthday! As his head grows, is there a way to stretch it to the next size? PS....Expect to get a letter from Justin thanking you for his hat and "Honorary Texan Certificate."
Melissa Beard - Fredrick, MD

Don:
We are loving our Rattlesnake Hatband! Thank you so much for a great item and wonderful service.
Sincerely,
Buck & Ida Warfield - Sykesville, MD

Don: The five HONORARY TEXAN CERTIFICATES I purchased from your site for friends in Germany were perfect.
Thanks for the rush order.
James A. Ficher - Georgetown, Texas

Thank you so much. My new hat feels and looks great!
Clifford Bates - San Antonio, Texas

Don, I just wanted to write you and tell you I love my hat and thank you. I played our gig last night and got lot's of compliments on it. It's unique, and it looks awesome. I'll definitely be getting one of your straw hats soon.
Take care,
Kurt Reece - San Antonio, TX

Customers are attracted at once to the hats, I think because they are just different and interesting. They’re one of a kind.
Don Fergueson - Buyer/Manager, Silver Spur, San Antonio, Texas

It seems that the people who buy the hats really feel like a Cowboy or Cowgirl when they ride our horses on the trails.
Louise McGill - Owner, Zephyr Cove Stables, Zephyr Cove, Nevada

Don Livingston,
My hat fits like a glove
Keith Ogbourne - NY., NY.

My Rattlesnake Hatband was perfect. It was a gift for my husband.
Joanne Patterson - Mt. Airy, Md.

The craftsmanship on the two Rattlesnake Hatbands was excellent. I’d like to order a belt buckle and Rattlesnake Keychain. 
Margo West - Eugene, Oregon

Mr. Livingston,
I don’t know what type of Internet Photo Brushing you did to the picture of me in my new hat, but sir, you made this ugly ‘gorilla’ look like a person! Heck, I’m not even afraid to show it to my wife! Thanks for your excellent service. I will be sure to spread the word!
Thurston S. Hurt - San Antonio, Texas