Beating the Summer Heat:

This past week has just been brutal.  Temps in the upper nineties with near one hundred percent humidity will take a toll on both the farrier and the animals we work on in the summertime.  Any time the temperature tops the ninety-degree mark there is a high probability of suffering some sort of heat related illness.  A few precautionary measures will keep you cool and safe during your workday.

1. Work indoors with a fan or outdoors in the shade.
2. Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water and begin drinking before thirst sets in.  If you wait until you are thirsty it may be too late.  Avoid drinks containing sugar, caffeine or alcohol, as they will dehydrate your bodily tissues.
3. Avoid heavy meals or greasy foods.  Stick with fresh fruits and veggies but only eat in small quantities.  Eat often but keep it light.
4. Protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays if outside by wearing a hat with eye protection such as a ball cap.  Sunglasses are also helpful.
5. Loose fitting, light colored clothing will help keep you cool, sunscreen if you are outside in direct sunlight. Sweat band to keep salt and sweat out of your eyes.
6. Plan your day to work in the early morning hours and late afternoon into the evening.  Stay cool during the hottest part of the day.
7. Pace yourself on hot days.  Plan two hours per horse and take lots of breaks.
8. Frequently run cold water on your bare arms and head as this will help keep your body temp in check.  If you stop sweating or feel dizzy and unsteady on your feet it is a sign of potentially serious heat sickness and you should call it a day and get somewhere air-conditioned.  The horses will still be there another day.

Any day over ninety degrees is considered dangerously hot, particularly if the humidity is high.  Try to work at barns that are in the shade or have good ventilation and horses that don't require a lot of forge work.

Member Benefits Bulletin

AFA Membership Directory:  The AFA has come up with what we think is a reasonable solution for the Membership Directory.  Like the Certification Study Guide, it will be distributed by e-mail; however, the AFA will provide print copies of the Membership Directory to members who request them.  You must make your request for the printed version no later than the close of business on Friday, September 14, 2012.  The Directories will be produced shortly after the Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting and distributed no later than November 1, 2012.

Please contact the AFA office no later than September 14, 2012 if you want changes to your information that will appear in the directory.

Farnam Coupon Book:  Promote your services with a free business card horse owners are sure to hang onto!  The AFA Coupon Book has approximately $70 in Farnam horse care savings, exclusive to the AFA.  Every time horse owners save on horse care, they'll think of you for hoof care.  The coupon books include your name, address, phone numbers and e-mail  addresses, along with your professional experience, expertise, and specialties.

  To order your coupon books, go to www.horseshoerssecret.com and use your AFA ID # to log in.  The coupon books are only good until December, so act fast! 

AFA Certification Study Guide:  With the new online, downloadable, AFA Certification Guide, you can have your cake and eat it too.  Each of our Certification Guides contain all you need to know to be prepared for your AFA Certifications.  Better than ever, that's what many farriers are saying about it.  Some have printed the Certification Guide out in full page, color format and placed it in a loose-leaf binder for future reference.  This will preserve the booklet and make it easy to keep track of.  This will also make it easier to update later by only requiring the new updated pages to be printed and installed.

In keeping pace with an ever-changing world, the updated AFA Certification Guide is now available in PDF format for download to all members.  The new guide, with the most current information, rules and requirements, is now available to members at no cost, as a member benefit.  It can be viewed, downloaded or printed.

Of course, if you prefer, the guide is still available in hard copy.  The hard copy version of AFA Certification Guide may be purchased on line from the AFA store or ordered directly from the office.  The cost is $15.95.

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.

2013 Contest Rules and Shoe Drawings now available!

 Events Calendar

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

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.