Whether at a convention, certification or contest, you can usually see Andy Darden with his red truck. I met him a few years ago at the first Forge of July in Shelbyville, Ky. He took the time to explain his tool making process, offered advice and shared the wisdom he’s earned over decades as a farrier and toolmaker to all who stopped by his truck.

Horseshoe production has developed to a high level of quality and variety that’s unparalleled since the 1900s. The many companies that have emerged in the last 35 years, as well as the ease of manufacturing and importing shoes from all over the world, have enabled farriers to have unprecedented choices in our modern age.

Farriery is in the Galli family blood. The family’s shoeing legacy dates back to Fondi, Italy, when blacksmith Orazio Savocchio immigrated to Millbrook, N.Y., in the early 20th century. He changed his name to Galli — another family’s name back in Fondi — because the longer name was difficult for non-Italians to spell or pronounce. His son Louis continued into the trade, later passing the torch to his son Paul. Fourth-generation farrier Justin Galli carries on the family tradition, following his father into the trade about 25 years ago.