Blacksmiths, too

Yes, we had blacksmiths, too,  I know they didn't wear safety goggles in the early 19th C, but I guess OSHA insists.  Also, the blacksmith did point out that the log was not the proper surface to work on, being unsteady.  We learned that horse's shoes had to be replaced every couple of months--and they had special shoes for winter, with cleat sort of attachments.  And that it's much easier to shoe a horse than an ox.