That time at a barbecue when someone asked if I 'just nail shoes on horses'
I was at a neighborhood barbecue last weekend, and this guy I just met asked what I do. When I said I'm a farrier, he laughed and said, 'Oh, so you just nail shoes on horses all day?' At first, I was a bit offended, but then I realized he had NO idea about the skill and care involved. I spent the next ten minutes explaining how we assess hoof health, choose the right shoes, and ensure the horse is comfortable. His eyes got wide, and he said, 'Wow, I thought it was like putting tires on a car!' That moment showed me that MOST people don't get what we do, and it's up to us to share our knowledge. Now, I always take a second to explain my trade when someone asks, and it's led to some great conversations.