From the November 26, 1973 edition of The Wayne Herald
Laurel man holds onto craft from the past
The farrier, an important tradesman during America's youth and essential during the days when horsepower really meant horses, is gradually disappearing from the picture. If horses have become rare, the man who shoes them is more so rare, but not yet extinct. Facundo Montoya is a fairer. Montoya, 31, and of Spanish ancestry, was raised on a New Mexico ranch with eight brothers and sisters. His background led him into the trades of horse trainer, veterinarian assistant, livestock broker, cattle runner and rodeo rider, as well as farrier.
And when he decided 13 years ago to make Laurel his parttime home, he brought his way of life with him. Montoya raises cattle on a farm outside of Laurel and works at the Dixon County Feed Lots on Highway 20 north of Laurel. He shoes horses and handles veterinary chores at the feedlots. "I sure don't know why they don't use horses more here," he said. "It's more economical and easier on the cattle." Montoya does not think much of chasing cattle with a high priced tractor.
