1. "Alright now, Pip. That should hold just fine. If that nail starts to become loose again, just come right on over!"
"Thank ya fer fixin' mah shoe again, Forge. Ah'll be more careful next time, ah don't want ya ta think ah'm just here for the sucker!"
Iron Forge has quite the fitting name. Called as such as an infant for his sheer size and strength, he now owns and operates Ponyville's only smithy, on the edge of the Pie Rock Farm. In many towns in Equestria, the need for farriers has decreased due to many of the modern advancements in how ponies work. However, because Ponyville and its surrounding towns rely on agriculture and various farm work for their economy, horseshoes are essential. Keeping them safe from wear and various issues ponies can have, most of Forge's work has to do with making and repairing shoes, and doubling as a skilled farrier. Ponies have come from quite far and wide with incredibly stubborn hoof issues that, no matter how they shave, balance, or trim, they cannot get rid of. Forge can almost tell immediately if its something he can help fix, or if he's taking them to Ponyville Hospital himself, and hoping they'll come over after they've healed to get a free trim! Since shoes are required in many schools, Forge has a fondness for the foals that come by his shop. Despite his sheer size, he is incredibly gentle and his big, booming voice is very soothing as he helps them through the little pinches and stings. And, of course, there's always a lolly promised afterwards!
2. Forge's best friend is fellow-farmer (though, more of the apple kind), Chrysanthemum. Ever since they were quite little, they have always been quite close (this did encourage Big Mac and Marble Pie to reconcile their slightly-bitter feelings towards one another, and now they are casual friends). When time permits, the two love to take long walks through Chryssi's orchard or the rock farm canyons, chatting away about almost anything and everything. Forge can listen to her prattle on about her passion for her teas, or her harvesting, or her cousins, or her beloved dog Raven. In turn, Forge loves to talk to the green mare because she always listens. No matter if he has something to say about his own work, or the huge boulder he rotated nearly half a mile the other day, or something off-color his grandmother said, she always listens, and shows that she listens. When he's busy, she will often pop down to his smithy and bring him a huge pitcher of her most amazing lavender-honey iced tea (and some of June's joint cream for those ankles of his). Forge tries very hard to keep his true feelings to himself, but it can be difficult at times. Such an amazing mare should end up with a fella that deserves her…and maybe works on a farm with a little more life.
3. Iron Forge does love his father, Trouble Shoes. Trouble taught his son from an early age how to accept his mistakes and take them in stride, and it takes a lot to be a good stallion. However, with him being away on tours with his rodeo team often, Forge is incredibly close with his mother, Marble Pie. Living with a rather large family (mother, his grandparents, Aunt Limestone, Uncle Quibble, and his cousin Sandstone) can make the huge farm feel claustrophobic at times. With a simple brush of the hoof, sweeping away a stray hair, or a gentle hug, Marble can almost always return the smile to her son's face. She always lets her son know how proud she is of him, especially after her father brushes off his efforts…yet again. Marble wishes she could say something, but her little colt knows how highly she thinks of him and his work…right?
4. Truly, this fella is the definition of a gentle giant. Forge is a combination of his parent's benevolence, his father's size, and his mother's grace. A big heart beats inside that barrel of a chest, and it certainly shows. Iron Forge is a beloved member of the town, far more than he knows himself.