Litchfield, Conn., farrier and leathersmith David R. Woodward passed away Jan. 20, 2019. He was 74.

Woodward graduated from Bud Beaston’s Oklahoma Farrier’s College in 1972 and began his own hoof-care business as well as a farm. His skills made him a well-known farrier throughout Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts until a farm accident left him a paraplegic and unable to shoe horses.

However, Woodward persevered and found another craft he enjoyed by opening a leather repair shop. He created horseshoe belt buckles from stainless steel and brass. He also crafted horseshoe-themed jewelry. 

Funeral services were previously held. A private burial will occur in the spring.