A Canterbury Regiment, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, shoeing smith at work, 1916 (c)

Photograph, World War One, Western Front (1914-1918), 1916 (c).

The smith's main job was primarily hoof trimming and fitting horsehoes to Army horses. This combined traditional blacksmith's skills with some veterinarian knowledge about the physiology and care of horses' feet. Most smiths and farriers were non-commissioned officers; the majority serving with artillery and cavalry regiments. One of their other tasks was the humane despatch of wounded and sick horses.

One of 193 British and Allied official photographs.