What Is An Anvil and What Is It Used For?

Most of modern civilization's early steel products were born on the top of an anvil. There are many detailed writings, books, publications, and online videos detailing what an anvil is and what a quality anvil should look like. To cover the entire history would take volumes, but we will discuss the primary uses and how to find a high quality anvil.

What are the Different Types of Anvils

It is without question, the anvil has many unique forms applicable to the intended use for a particular anvil. Blacksmith anvils differ from Farrier anvils, and both differ from jewelers anvils. American anvils differ from European anvils, but they all perform the same basic task as a work station to form metal. Most anvils have a flat surface on top(face), and one or both ends have a rounded cone, the supporting bottom is called the base. The flat surface is used primarily for flattening the metal, and the rounded end is used to form a variety of shapes including horse shoes.

How Are Anvils Made

At one time the Europeans held claim to the best anvils in the world. Today, America is clearly the leader in the production of the highest quality anvils - being made of ductile steel which is then poured into molds. In times past, they were forged with hammers, and typically came in two pieces. These two pieces were called the top horn and face (flat surface), and the base. Upon completing the two sections, they were then forged together to form the complete assembly. Technology today allows us to measure the purity of the ductile steel so that the chemical composition is consistent throughout. Combined with the advances in heat treating, a through-hardened anvil, poured of ductile steel, is the highest quality you can buy.

One of the largest United States anvil manufacturers, JHM Anvils, still pours all of its anvils in a foundry in Texas. Every pour is measured for accuracy, and then they are sent to be machined. Upon completion of machining the base and top face, they are sent to a premier heat treat facility in Peoria, Illinois, to be through-hardened. They then return to the plant where they are ground, finished and painted. These are considered the highest quality anvils in the world for the farrier industry. Most of the anvils produced by JHM are focused on the farrier, otherwise known as a horseshoer.

Are You a Horse Rider?

Riding a horse is not just about sitting there and hanging on. Many people are surprised to learn that it's not just the horse getting a work out. Proper riding takes balance and skill to properly communicate with the animal.

Position is the most important and will directly affect not only your security, but the comfort of the horse as well. Too many would-be riders think that sitting deep on their seats and rounding their backs will keep them in the saddle. However, this slouched position puts unnecessary pressure on the lumbar region of the horse's spine, gives no clear direction, and will soon fatigue the rider. 

Rather you should sit up on your ' sitting bones' located in your pelvis and straighten your back. Your shoulders should be relaxed and slightly back and your hands should be just above the front of the saddle. Your legs hang down either side of the horse and your heels must be down. Only the ball of your foot should be on the stirrup tread, and there should be an invisible straight line between your ear, shoulder and heel. 

Be very conscious of your leg position! It is very common for beginners to revert to a hunched toe-down position when they are frightened. Unfortunately this position will do nothing for your balance and also frightens the horse since it is similar to the stance of an attacking animal.

When communicating with the horse you will use your legs, hands, balance and voice. All of these aids should be subtle and light. Don't get into the habit of constantly squeezing or kicking with your legs! These signals tell the horse to go, but once he's moving it is not necessary to keep reminding him! If your heels are down with balanced pressure in the stirrups, you won't fall off. Likewise, don't constantly pull and fiddle with the reins. If the horse is wearing a bit, this can be painful and aggravating. The reins are for communicating directions, not something to hold you on the horse.

When riding your horse, try to move your hips in rhythm with his stride. Bouncing or swaying in the saddle will be uncomfortable for both of you. English riders learn to "post" the trot, which involves a controlled rising and sitting in tune with the horse's movements. Western riders don't normally post, but are expected to 'sit the trot' without bouncing in the saddle.

Riding a horse properly takes time and a lot of practice.  Just because you can stay on doesn't necessarily make you a rider. Proper use of the aids, complete control at all times, and considering the comfort of the horse are all part of the equation. Start slow and don't be in too much of a hurry to excel. In the meantime, enjoy your horse according to your current abilities and both you and he will be safe and happy.