In reply to paul mitchell:
To be honest I don't see anything special about being a female blacksmith. The only real barrier to entry to it is artistic talent, you certainly don't need to be the big burly bloke that is always portraide on TV and in book's. Using the correct size hammer and a good quality anvil with a good rebound to it is 100% more important thay physical prowess.
I'm a big burley bloke who happens to be learning to Smith both in my own forge and on the odd course, the last course I did I was between 2 other people, a 78 year old bloke and a mid 20s office lass. They pretty much matched me blow for blow for the full 8 hours.