Brine Enhanced Pork Shanks

2 c. apple cider1 c. light brown sugar2/3 c. kosher salt½ c. pickling spices4 dried chiles, lightly crushed (whatever type you like)4 pork shanks (about 1 ½ lbs. each), scored on the skin3 lbs. pure lard1 head garlic, halved horizontally1…