World Championship Blacksmiths
The World Championship Blacksmiths will be returning to the Midwest Horse Fair® in 2013! This age-old art gathers blacksmiths from all over the country to compete under the big yellow and white striped tent.
World Championship Blacksmiths
To inspire excellence through education within the farrier industry.
The start of the 7th annual season of the World Championship Blacksmith series will kick off at the 2013 Midwest Horse Fair®. 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.
"Our group looks forward to having a fresh start at the beginning of the season," explains Christine Trnka, organizer of the event, "the Midwest Horse Fair® is great for this because of its location, ease of working with the Fair, the Fair itself and the local restaurants and breweries."
Each of the classes are scored and points are awarded to the winners to earn a spot at the National Championship. Attendees can also enjoy Mercury Match Play, a fun competition for both the competitors and spectators. 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 during timed events and the competition will conclude with a Live Shoeing Class.
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.
For the latest schedule and information visit the World Championship Blacksmith website, www.worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com.