A Craft For Generations, A Family Business, All Wrapped Up In Leather. By Ed Blanchette I have had the privilege of meeting dozens, maybe even hundreds, of Amish craftsmen over the last decade or so. As the Amish population grows, Read More ...
Do you know what a hoof-pick belt is? No, you probably don’t. I certainly didn’t, until I visited Forest Hill Leather Craft. If you happen to be a farrier, you’d know what a hoof-pick is. Ike Stoltzfus, owner, operator, family man, and patriarch of Forest Hill Leather Craft showed me this unique item on my most recent visit to this lovely farm-boutique-workshop.
Simply put, it is a tool that fits in your pocket that folds out to be a handheld nail-care piece for horses’ hooves. Mr. Stoltzfus would have these tools on hand at Forest Hill Leather Craft, since as an Amish man he’s got horses for his daily transportation needs. And hoof care is important for the health of his “daily driver.”
But, he noticed that when finely polished, these pieces of “barnware” become handsome “hardware” for a belt. So, he added a “hoof-pick belt” to his immense selection of hand crafted belts, which now range from traditional to whimsical in nature and design. The hoof-pick unfolds as a hook to fit snugly in one of many loops (offering customization in sizing) on the belt. Wearing one on Thanksgiving Day? Just pull the hoof-pick out and move it back a few loops, and dig in to the turkey and stuffing!.
You’ll find this and more in Amish Country News – Relied on by visitors and locals for over 30 years.
