Senior campus farrier Bill Merfy makes preparations for shoeing a horse by looking at hoof ex-rays. Later, consulting as he does daily with clients, Merfy talks with veterinary medicine student Julie Irwin about what shoe type might be best for her horse, Shane, a Tennessee walking horse. Merfy and other employees at the farrier shop, consult with clients, veterinarians and x-rays, then work at the anvil -- making sparks fly -- as they custom-fit horseshoes. Located near the Equestrian Center toward the southwest edge of the main campus, the shop has provided equine footwear to Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital patients and the general public for more than 25 years. Merfy, who came to campus in 2002, mans the shop along with two other farriers. They spend anywhere from 20 minutes to four hours fitting a horse, and often will work on five or six steeds during the day. -- By Mike Sintetos

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Join us on our regular tour of places that are off the beaten path -- highlighting UC Davis' lesser-seen places. What interesting "Off the Beaten Path" spots do you know about on campus? Let us know at dateline@ucdavis.edu.