by Paul White
I think it's wonderful how many of the old traditions such as blacksmithing survive in Transylvania.I am fortunate to be able to see Miklos (our neighbour) at work on a regular basis as he's always got a cart or two parked in front of his house, a tell tell sign that a horse has thrown a shoe or needs a full set replacing as worn. Villagers stop here with the horse and carts just like people stop for a tyre change at a garage. The big difference is that Miklos fabricates the shoes as well as replaces them. He's a genuine craftsman from the beginning to end of the process, using tradition equipment such a foot bellows.
Miklos forges the shoe for the horse. Once he's satisfied that it fits, he then nails it into position.
He then clips the nails and smooths them off with a file.
Miklos is very organised with his tray of tools, everything he needs for the job.
When finished the villager lead his horse out of the yard and re-harnessed it to the cart.
Miklos doesn't just make and fit horseshoes. If what you need is made from iron then he will make it.
I think it's wonderful how many of the old traditions such as blacksmithing survive in Transylvania.I am fortunate to be able to see Miklos (our neighbour) at work on a regular basis as he's always got a cart or two parked in front of his house, a tell tell sign that a horse has thrown a shoe or needs a full set replacing as worn. Villagers stop here with the horse and carts just like people stop for a tyre change at a garage. The big difference is that Miklos fabricates the shoes as well as replaces them. He's a genuine craftsman from the beginning to end of the process, using tradition equipment such a foot bellows.
Miklos forges the shoe for the horse. Once he's satisfied that it fits, he then nails it into position.
He then clips the nails and smooths them off with a file.
Miklos is very organised with his tray of tools, everything he needs for the job.
When finished the villager lead his horse out of the yard and re-harnessed it to the cart.
Miklos doesn't just make and fit horseshoes. If what you need is made from iron then he will make it.
