BACKGROUND: EM/NCO personnel holding the ranks of Schütze to Stabsfeldwebel inclusively who had achieved proficiency at a particular trade, specialty or function were distinguished, on successful completion of the appropriate training, by being issued a distinctive trade specialty badge that was most commonly worn on the lower right sleeve of the service tunic or field blouse with a few exceptions. The original trade badges were introduced in 1934 and were supplemented with additional badges right up to mid-1944. In all the German army utilized no fewer then twenty-eight assorted trade specialty badges. Some of the trades were only open to enlisted ranks while those open to NCO’s ranks were distinguished by the addition of a piping on the trade badge. Originally the trade badges were worked on a blue/green badge cloth base, but in early 1940 this was altered to a field-grey wool base or the appropriate color of the uniform it was to be worn on. Although considered highly mobilized for its time the German army still utilized a great number of horses through-out WWII with the average infantry division containing roughly five thousand horses. In 1939 the German army also had fifteen, primarily horse-mounted, Cavalry regiments that were mainly tasked with tactical reconnaissance. Even though most of the Cavalry units were mechanized by 1940 they still utilized a large number of horses through-out the war. By 1943 the Germans were experiencing fuel and vehicle shortages which resulted in an increase in the number of horses utilized in the field. Although each division, excluding Panzer and motorized divisions, were appointed a veterinarian company that were responsible for caring for horses, pack mules, dogs and even carrier pigeons there were also specially trained, individual EM/NCO Hufbeschlagpersonal, (Farrier's), personnel who were responsible for the care of horse’s hoofs and combined the basic skills of a blacksmith and a veterinarian. The primary function of the Farrier's was the balanced trimming of horse’s hoofs and the fitting of steel horseshoes. Due to the large numbers of horses utilized, hoof care was of the utmost importance to maintain mobility.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 55mm diameter, tan wool base with a machine embroidered inverted horseshoe in, golden yellow, cotton threads. The horseshoe has evenly spaced, un-embroidered, slashes revealing the base to simulate the horseshoe nails. Oval base is trimmed in olive drab cotton. Reverse of badge has a protective backing.