The blacksmith’s shop was often in the center of town. Settlers depended upon him to make and repair basic items and tools. He made hoes and plows for farmers, hinges and nails for carpenters, and wheel coverings for wheelwrights. Most blacksmiths also made shoes for horses and oxen.

The heart of the blacksmith’s shop was a huge, hot forge. A helper fanned the hot fire with giant bellows. The blacksmith heated iron on the forge until it was soft enough to use. The shop was dim so that the blacksmith could easily see the color of the heated iron. It was best to bend and shape it on the anvil when it was yellow-orange. A tub of water stood near the forge to cool the hot iron.

Settlers brought their horses and oxen to the blacksmith for new shoes. The blacksmith removed the old shoes with pincers. He shaped new shoes for a perfect fit. Next, he trimmed the animals’ hooves. He hammered nails into the horny part of the hooves. It did not hurt the animals. Hooves are like fingernails. They do not feel pain.

A horse could stand easily on three feet while the blacksmith put a shoe on the fourth. But oxen have tiny feet compared to their big bodies. They cannot stand on three legs. The blacksmith put oxen into a sling in order to shoe them!

The blacksmith learned a lot about caring for animals. Settlers often asked for his help when horses were sick.