Ann Melville, who operates On Balance Farrier Service in Durham, became a farrier 17 years ago. Melville was exposed to horses at a young age but did not pursue a career with them until after graduate school, where she studied entomology – the scientific study of insects. “I found out you couldn’t make any money in it unless you worked for the pesticide companies,” Melville said. Farriers specialize in hoof care, including trimming and balancing horse and donkey hooves and placing horseshoes when necessary. “My favorite part of being around a horse was always picking up their feet. It’s bred into me,” Melville said. “I think being a farrier is genetic.”