World Championship Blacksmiths
- Structures Unlimited
- Proud Sponsor of World Champion Blacksmith Competition
The first competition of the 6th World Championship Blacksmiths’ season will kick off this weekend at the Midwest Horse Fair®. This age-old art gathers blacksmiths from all over the country to compete under the big yellow and white striped tent.
Blacksmithing is an ancient art, which dates back as long as man has used steel and ridden horses. Several types and applications of blacksmithing exist, such as; ornamental work, farm implement manufacture and repair, and horseshoe forging. All of the competitors have their own horseshoeing history whether it is running a business, as an employee of the trade or by attending a horseshoeing school.
Each of the classes are scored and points are then awarded to the winners. The competitors at this weekend’s event will be working to qualify for the National Championship. Stop by each day and enjoy Mercury Match Play, a fun competition for both the competitors and spectators. Truly meant to warm up the competitors, it pits one competitor against another in a double elimination, preparing them for the official rounds of the competition. Competitors will make horseshoes from a stock piece of steel to the judge’s specification. These are all timed events and each round of competition will feature 10 competitors, so there will be blacksmithing a minimum of four hours each day. Also appearing throughout the competition will be Tim McPhee, CJF, the official judge and clinician.
Brush up on your Blacksmithing Terms!
Barstock – Length of steel from which blacksmiths forge horseshoes.
Striker – The person, who at times uses brute force to help their partner. The striker works the fire for the competitor. Traditionally the striker could only use a sledge hammer, but you will see them help with a brush and file. Also, traditionally the striker was an apprentice.
Clip – A tab drawn with a hammer from metal at either the toe or the side of a horseshoe. It is used to keep the shoe from sliding on the hoof.
Hammer Finish – Only a hammer is allowed to finish edges instead of files and rasps.
Hot Rasping – Using a large, coarse file to finish and shape the edges while the steel is hot.
Rasp – Large, coarse file used for smoothing a horse’s hooves and filing steel.
This year’s appearance of the World Championship Blacksmiths, is proudly sponsored by Structures Unlimited.