08/06/2026
This is Part 3 of our four-part Shoeing Through History series. Parts 1 and 2 are available on our page for anyone joining us here.
For hundreds of years, horses powered daily life. They carried riders, pulled wagons, worked farms, moved military equipment, and transported goods between communities.
Farriers forged shoes by hand and shaped each one according to the hoof, terrain, and work expected of the horse. The forge, anvil, hammer, hoof knife, and a trained eye were central to the trade.
A horseshoe was never simply a curved piece of iron. Its fit, weight, nail placement, traction, and shape could affect how comfortably and effectively the horse performed its job.
During this period, most decisions were based on hands-on experience passed between generations. The tools were simpler, but understanding the individual horse was already an important part of good hoof care.
Follow along for Part 4, where we enter the modern era of equine podiatry.
