Classes and materials are free for veterans, active duty military, and first responders. We occasionally hold "civilian" classes on a donation basis to help us pay for our veterans' classes.

All of our classes are posted on the Black Horse Forge EventBrite page where you can also register.

Classes range from introduction to Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing, Artistic Metal to Jewlery making. We listen to what you want and we will facilitate the training.

Our board and volunteer cadre are comprised of medically retired or retired military veterans, first responders, and civilians who freely volunteer their time and, often, their own resources to further the Forge's mission.

We encourage participants to wear clothing with natural fibers. Synthetics, such as nylon, may get hot and melt to the skin. Closed-toed shoes and eye protection are required. Dress in layers - although it might be cool outside, the forge gets hot quickly. You may want to bring your own leather gloves as well.

During COVID-19 restrictions, we also ask that you bring your own face mask (not made of paper).

Feel free to bring your own food/snacks and drinks. We have a microwave and refrigerator on site.

Our mission is to provide a type of art therapy through blacksmithing for those who have put their all into our country and communities and need a little help given back. That said, we do occasionally offer classes for those who do not fit into those categories at a suggested donation price. 100% of those proceeds then go back into our veterans/first responder classes.

All classes are posted on our EventBrite page. "Civilian classes" will be labeled as such.

We are located at 29 Utah Place Ste 107 Fredericksburg, VA 22405

Black Horse Forge is a small non-profit based in Fredericksburg, VA. At this time, we do not have a forge located in another location, however we do have "affiliate forges." These are forges with a similar mission to ours who offer classes to veterans and first responders at free or reduced rates. Contact Us for a list of our affiliates.

Yes. Early on, we realized that a lot of our veterans, especially those with PTSD, do better in new environments if they bring a support person with them. We call them "battle buddies." So every veteran is allowed to sign up one non-veteran when he/she registers.

We only ask that the battle buddy only attend forge events if the veteran is with him/her.

If you have special needs, please let us know so we can make accommodations. We want you to enjoy yourself and be successful.

Yes! We have all of that! To see our merchandise and make a purchase, Contact Us for more information.

One of the great things that makes Black Horse Forge so unique compared to other programs is that it's not just a one-and-done, "see ya" kind of program. Once you take any of our classes, you then become eligible to attend Open Forge Nights on Wednesdays. (We do ask that you register at our EventBrite site so we can maintain crowds.)

Open Forge Nights enable you to hang out with other vets and work on your own project at your own pace. If you have just taken one class and don't yet feel comfortable starting on your own project, let one of us know and we'll pair you up with someone on an Open Forge until you get the hang of it. Just email info@blackhorseforge.com and let us know you'd like to do that. Our goal is to help our veterans and first responders overcome the mental stresses of their highly demanding jobs and we know it takes more than one or two afternoons to accomplish that. If blacksmithing helps you, then we want it to be a lifelong endeavor you can go to any time you feel the need to hit some hot steel.

In addition, One of Black Horse Forge's future goals is to provide beginner blacksmithing kits to those who need them most.