Kentucky farrier Mindy King passed away April 21, 2026. She was 69.

King was a farrier and blacksmith for 43 years as well as an equine therapist and horsewoman. She learned how to shoe horses from her grandfather, after which she appenticed on the race track and was the first woman to be a licensed raceplater, according to her resumé. Over her career, she worked with Kenny McPeek, Brian House and Lloyd Gentry.

King is thought to be one of Kentucky's first female blacksmiths and farriers. The Fayette County Coroner's Offices is asking the public's help in finding her family. Her brother may be an attorney in Louisville or Cincinnati, and her second husband, John "Pete" King, passed away April 20, 2009. Anyone with information about King's relatives can call the Fayette County Coroner's Office at (859) 455-5700.