The smithing work behind the fitting
Forge, anvil and shaping iron by hand.
Behind the Finished Horseshoe Lies Classic Blacksmith Craftsmanship. The Horseshoe Smith Forms and Fits Shoes at the Forge and Anvil and in Some Cases Makes Custom Shoes From Scratch.
§Forge.
The forge is where iron is heated. The colour of the iron during heating gives a clue to the temperature and thus when it is malleable. Experience in reading the glow of iron is a central part of the craft.
§The anvil and the hammer blow
On the anvil the hot iron is shaped with hammer blows. The anvil has different surfaces and horns that are used to bend, stretch, and shape. Hitting correctly and rhythmically with the hammer is a skill that is built up over time.
- 01Anvil horn: for bending and rounding the iron
- 02Flat surface: for stretching and straightening
- 03Hole in the anvil: for bending and cutting off
§Shoe adjustment
Even ready-bought shoes often need to be fitted to the individual hoof. It may be opening or closing the shoe adjusting the nail placement or shaping shoes for special needs eg with disease or hoof unevenness.
§Specialty shoes
In special cases, the farrier makes or adapts shoes that support the treatment of hoof diseases, often in collaboration with a veterinarian. Here both blacksmith craftsmanship and horse knowledge come into play at once.