War Horse Forge is our blacksmithing program where we introduce you to the fundamentals of the craft through forging a hook, railroad spike knife, or decorative metal piece. Sign up in Eventbrite for our basic blacksmithing classes.
Must be 18 years old to attend.
Our annual event, Cookies with the Clydesdales, is held in December and welcomes hundreds of veterans, first responders, and their families to the farm. This free event is very popular. Registration begins October 1 and typically fills up in one day.
The mission of 19 Hands Inc. is to provide free, hands-on learning programs for veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families to improve their physical and mental well-being and create a community of support.
Dave Seitz and Beth Honrine
Blacksmith and President
Thank you to our volunteers and supporters, near and far, who make 19Hands possible!
We have been on our five-acre farm for 19 years and blacksmithing since 2018. We enjoy sharing the beauty of our farm and animals with others and passing on the knowledge we have gained.
Basic blacksmithing classes at War Horse Forge are free and open to veterans, active duty military, and first responders. You are welcome to bring a battle buddy. Anyone who has attended a class can come to Open Forge on Monday and Wednesday from 5-9pm. Register for all classes is through our Eventbrite page. No regist
Gordy was born in 1999 in Pennsylvania and was trained by the Amish. As a strong, young Percheron, Gordy was part of the eight-horse hitch owned by the Heinz Company (of ketchup fame). Heinz donated the entire team of black Percherons to the Old Guard at Arlington National Cemetery in 2005 where they pulled caissons of military heroes. When Gordy had a growth spurt (to 19-hands tall), the Army retired the team. In 2010, LTC(R) Dave Seitz was honored to adopt SGT(R) Gordy and bring him home to the farm.
We named our nonprofit (19 Hands Inc.) and blacksmithing program (War Horse Forge) as a nod to Gordy’s Percheron breed which served as war horses in France for hundreds of years and for the United States during WWI.
Gordy's calm and steady demeanor was felt for 11 years at the farm by everyone who visited. He passed away on December 13, 2021, at the age of 22 and is buried on a small hill overlooking the forge and farm.