New Requirement

We have made it easy for you to understand the new requirements with in depth articles on the new fit requirements and the new shoe modification requirements for the Shoe Board.

The new rules take effect on all certifications beginning May 1st:

"While no specific patterns are designated or specified, candidates are required to submit front and hind pattern plates. Candidates may use patterns of their own design or purchase a set of pattern plates from the AFA."

"Patterns must be submitted with the display and be metal with a clearly defined frog, bearing surface, white line and accommodation for clip fit."

"The candidate is responsible for modifying plates for clip fit."

Look for the first in a series of articles from Dennis Manning and the Certification Committee on the new rules and how it will affect your preparation. See photos of passing shoe boards and proper clip fit. Learn the best ways to cut your clip fit into the metal patterns with step by step instructions. This new Certification series will begin in the May No Foot, No Horse newsletter.

Office Notes

The AFA Membership Committee is proud to announce the return of the AFA Member Get a Member and Chapter Get a Member Programs! Both of these will begin April 1, 2012 and will run through March 31, 2013. Select the links below to learn more!

Member Get a Member Program

Chapter Get a Member Program

Reminder to our Chapters: Please provide the AFA office with chapter member e-mail addresses so all chapter members can begin receiving their digital edition of Professional Farrier magazine starting in April 2012.

Membership Reminder: For a limited time, any farrier who has never been an AFA member can get a one year trial membership for just $100.00! But hurry because this offer ends December 31, 2012.

Certification Study Guides: Copies of the 2012, 7th Edition of the American Farrier's Association Official Certification Guide are now available! Please visit the AFA online store (www.americanfarriers.org) or call the office at 859-233-7411 to order yours today!

Professional Farrier

There are several ways to view your PF. It will arrive in your inbox from Equine Veterinarian with links to both Magazines. You will also find links on the AFA web site and Facebook page. If you have been viewing the new digital PF on line and find it grainy and hard to read, just scroll over the page and click your mouse to expand and enlarge to full page view and it will be crisp and easy to read. We get both the Professional Farrier and Equine Veterinarian. There is a great article in the new Equine Veterinarian about How to build your practice in a down economy. Suggested reading for any farrier looking to grow in the business.

Click the link below to view the April 2012 Issue

http://issuu.com/bocapublishing/docs/afa_magazine_march-april_2012_opt?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

START SAVING YOUR MONEY NOW!!!

PLAN ON ATTENDING THE AFA CONVENTION IN BATON ROUGE, LA IN 2013

2013 CVT Logo

If you have never attended an AFA Convention, plan on something big to happen if you attend the AFA Convention in Baton Rouge February 27^th - March 2^nd, 2013. We are raffling off a complete set of farrier tools complements of GE Forge &Tool, a Myron McLane Apron, 2 Hurricane Forge Hoof Knives and a shoeing box from Yoder Blacksmith Supply. Over $1,200 in tools and merchandise will be given away to one lucky attendee! The lucky winner will be drawn from only first time attendees at the General Membership Meeting on Saturday during the 2013 convention. You must be in attendance to win. Those who are regulars you have not been forgotten!! We have a surprise for you also.

Follow us on Facebook, the web site, the AFA Newsletter, and the new on line magazine for continuous updates. You won't want to miss this convention.

Looking forward to seeing you in Baton Rouge!!!!!!

Greg Johnson, CF & the Convention Coordinating Committee

Private Events Liability Disclaimer:

The American Farriers Association, its officers, Board of Directors and employees will not be held liable for injury, loss or damage to personal property associated with non AFA events.

Please send your events and functions to the AFA office for inclusion in the Website Events Calendar and our facebook page.

If you have items that are farrier related we will provide limited space for a complimentary ad for our members. Please send your ad to the AFA office. Limit: two lines - no photos.

Apprentice Connection

If you are looking to work for another farrier or if you are looking to hire a helper, apprentice, Journeyman, etc, please send us a description of your needs or qualifications and we will publish your contact information. Arrangements are made privately between the individuals and the Association cannot be responsible for the outcome.

Chapter Spotlight

If you would like the Spotlight on your chapter, send a short story of a recent event your chapter held and we will give your chapter the Chapter Spotlight.

Certification Calendar

For the most current certification calendar, please select the link below.
AFA Certification Calendar

Mission of the AFA

"To further the professional development of farriers, to provide leadership and resources for the benefit of the farrier industry, and to improve the welfare of the horse through continuing farrier education."