As a summer downpour thumps the metal roof of his farrier shop, Steve Stanley notes how the layout blends tradition and modernity. The tradition is easy to see — his shop is at the historic Red Mile. The Standardbred track opened in Lexington, Ky., in 1875. Over the decades, the track has seen its share of legendary horses, drivers and trainers.

The shop has changed locations on the property, even during Stanley’s time. He started shoeing with his father at the Red Mile in the late 1970s, while still in high school. The shop took over its current location several years ago. Since then, Stanley has brought some modern improvements, but always aware of the history surrounding him.

“Shoeing in the blacksmith shop at the racetrack is old school,” he says. “It doesn’t happen as much, but I stick to old school thoughts. If it wasn’t available, the shoeing rigs we have today have changed the game. Now you can take your shop to the barn.”

Stanley uses this shop about 3 months out of the year. He will shoe here from time-to-time in the down months, but little to no horses are boarded here during that time. The racing season typically runs from mid-summer to early October. Horses may stay through early November depending on where they are headed. He has since knocked in a…