Historically a "smith" was a person who worked with metal. The type of metal became the prefix hence Goldsmith, Coppersmith, Silversmith, etc.. Blacksmith came from wrought iron which was dirty to work and known as Black Iron. Nowadays, this term is used in a much broader sense to refer to metal working professionals; generally limited to manufacturers of handmade goods (wrought iron crafts). Blacksmiths working with horses are commonly known as farriers. Blacksmiths working in large scale industry are generally referred to as metal workers or fabricators.

A farrier is the person who carries out farriery. Farriers are required not only to be competent metal workers, but also to be knowledgeable in all aspects of equine hoof care. A farrier may apply horseshoes or any other form of hoof protection he/she finds suitable, and is also responsible for the professional care of horses which do not have shoes.