Forging, blacksmithing

this isn't forging per se. but a few years ago I decided to start to learn " bit and spur making". you know , read all I can, ask questions, and just start to do it! the spurs that I make are shanks welded to the band. old spurs we made out of one square bar. now this is quite a process. and takes much skill and tools (trip hammer for instance). those I don't attempt!
in my quest for knowledge, I did meet some guys that are into knife making, and some blacksmithing. you are right, its almost a lost art and very facinating. I've had some horses shod with hot shoes, custom made out of stock. but that just hits the tip of blacksmithing.
look on the net and you will find a blacksmithing site. and go from there. find a mentor. good luck