A farrier is a specialist who makes and fits horseshoes for horses. Just as you might visit a podiatrist for foot care, horses rely on farriers to keep their hooves healthy and protected.

Horses' hooves are like giant toenails that grow continuously and wear down as the horse walks. In the wild, this natural wear keeps hooves in balance. But domestic horses, especially those working on farms, pulling carriages, or being ridden regularly, need extra protection. That's where the farrier comes in.

A farrier heats metal in a forge until it glows orange and becomes bendable, then hammers it into a U-shaped shoe fitted precisely to each horse's hoof. After cooling the shoe in water, the farrier nails it to the hoof's outer wall (which doesn't hurt the horse, since it's like trimming your fingernails). The farrier also trims overgrown hooves and files rough edges smooth.

This craft requires knowledge of horse anatomy, blacksmithing skills, and a calm manner around large animals. A good farrier can tell if a horse has an injury or walks unevenly just by examining its hooves. Horses typically need new shoes every six to eight weeks.

While blacksmiths make all sorts of metal objects, farriers specialize in this essential equine care.