FAQ’s

Do all Blacksmiths shoe horses?

Some do but the term Farrier correctly identifies a horsehoer.

Is Blacksmithing a dying trade?

Well as a mainstream trade yes it has been pushed aside by mass production but there is still keen interest with many Blacksmith groups.

Why is it called Blacksmithing?

It is a dirty job and involves the use of coal so at the end of the day the combination of sweat and coal dust makes for a black look.
In contrast to White Smithing which is the working of silver a much cleaner environment.

What is meant by Hot Shoeing and does it hurt the horse?

This is the application of a red-hot horseshoe to horse’s hoof and gives a very good fit.  If done correctly it does not hurt the horse and is beneficial helping to kill fungus. If it hurts the horse the farrier will be thrown, as the horse will object by kicking out.

Why is finding a horse shoe lucky ?

This dates to the time when horses where all the transport there was and if you found a horseshoe it was lucky because you knew there would be a Blacksmith nearby.

What is the significance of the Horseshoe above the door for luck?

Legend has it that the devil made a pact with a primeval Blacksmith to put shoes on his cloven hoofs. The Smith nailed red-hot shoes on the Devils feet and now whenever he sees a horseshoe nailed above a door he will not enter remembering the painful time he had with the Blacksmith.