I am unsure if Guest Guest sees the insult to the farrier or the blacksmith. A blacksmith was required to perform many tasks including shoeing horses. A farrier is trained to do one aspect of the job. As for a horse vet that would be a strange title as a vet is a doctor trained in the medical care of many animals. A farrier performing as a vet would have to be called a quack if he does not have proper training.
However if a farrier can only perform some of the tasks of a blacksmith he should feel no insult. Historically a blacksmith would smelt ore to make metal, shape, weld and temper it. Make coke from coal to fire his forge and be able to read the glow of the metal in able to work it. In the days when the world turned on the power of horses the blacksmith shop was as important as a mechanics garage. Today a farrier fits pre-made shoes to a horse's feet but he still carries on at least part of a tradition that is only historical today.