AFA E-blast
Issue 24
American Farrier's Association
4059 Iron Works Parkway
Suite 1
Lexington, KY 40511
859-233-7411
Fax: 859-231-7862
The Official Farriers of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games |
Thank You to our Sponsors!
(list as of 3/16/12)
Specialty Sponsors
American Farriers Journal
Myron McLane Aprons
World Farriers Association
Anvil Brand Equine Feed Oat Project
Farrier Product Distribution
Hoof Level
Farnam
Horseshoe Level Equine Feed Oat Project
Forge Level
Vettec, Inc.
Horse Science
Thoro'Bred, Inc.
Hammer Level
Premier EquineHealth Products, LLC.
Rasp Level
Castle Plastics, Inc.
The Horseshoe Barn
Monetta Farrier Specialties
Northeast Farrier Supply
NC Tool Company, Inc.
Jim Keith Tools
Ken Davis & Sons, Inc.
Nordic Forge, Inc. Five Star Horseshoeing School
National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition Sponsors
Two Person Draft Class
Timpson Tamco, Inc.
Reserve National High Point Award
Farrier Industry Association
Vector North American Challenge Cup
Vector Horseshoe Nails
Delta Specialty Forging Class
Delta MustadHoofcare Center
Journeyman Class
Performance Horseshoeing
Vern Hornquist Memorial Class
Walt Taylor, CF
and Myron McLane, CJF
National High Point Award
Friends of the American Farrier's Association
Overall High Point Award
Friends of the American Farrier's Association
**If interested in sponsorship, please contact the AFA office**

2013 Convention Sponsors
Specialty Sponsors
G.E. Forge & Tool, Inc.
World Farriers Association
Yoder Blacksmith Supplies |
Save the date!
Mark your calendars, the 42nd Annual American Farrier's Association Convention will be February 27th through March 2nd, 2013 in Baton Rouge, LA!
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E-blast Archive
Sponsored by Farrier Academics
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Farriers Meet the "Gold Standard"
The American Farrier's Association represents the "gold standard" in excellence when it comes to hoof care certification. The AFA certification program was the first and largest of its kind in this country. Recognized around the world the AFA continues to be the leader in the Industry and is committed to promoting excellence in the farrier world.
Since its beginning, the AFA has certified more than three thousand farriers from every state and in countries around the globe. AFA certified farriers have the potential to earn far more than their non certified counterparts and we expect this trend to increase in the coming years. Farriers who make the effort to go through the rigorous process of accomplishing the necessary skills to earn this coveted credential can expect to make an estimated ten to two hundred percent more money in their lifetime farrier careers.
The American Farrier's Association continues to be the farrier's best friend, voice and biggest advocate. We're looking out for you.
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Certification Update
Please note that as of August 1, 2012, the following changes were made to the contacts for the following Certification endorsements:
Therapeutic Endorsement
Gerard Laverty, CJF, TE - 604-598-6177
Educator Endorsemen
Pat Gallahan, CJF - 602-738-0066
Specialty Forging Endorsement
Dusty Franklin, CJF - 405-209-7420
**Before a candidate takes any portion of one of these tests, they must first contact the corresponding director of that endorsement** |
Time is running out!
Membership Incentives
Take advantage of our Member get a member campaign and Chapter get a member campaign. These membership incentives will end soon.
Membership Matters
Today as we struggle through these tough economic times and uncertain future, we need you more than ever to help us maintain our powerful voice and grow our membership. For nearly the last half century the American Farriers Association has been a strong advocate and voice for farriers the world over
Strength in Numbers
Word-of-mouth is still the best way to grow AFA membership. By referring just one new member, you will make a difference. Please join us in this very important drive. Encourage someone new to join the AFA today. Educate others about the benefits of AFA membership.
Special New Member Rate
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. |
AFA Cultural Exchange Update
Follow Georgia Barry, CF on her grand adventure as this years recipient of the AFA Cultural Exchange Trip!
Select the blog link below to find out where she is and what's she's doing!
http://georgiasuktrip2012.blogspot.co.uk/
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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.
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Office Notes
The AFA office would like to thank Laura Harbour, who was our AFA Administrative Assistant from January of 2012 through August 8, 2012. Laura has left to go back to school full time. She was a great asset to the association and will be missed.
We would like to welcome new AFA Administrative Assistant Karen Wright. Karen started at the AFA on August 9, 2012 and will be working Mondays and Thursdays. Make sure to welcome her the next time you call! Her e-mail is karen@americanfarriers.org.
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
American Farriers Team Practice Dates: August 24 & 25, 2012- Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police Barn **All are welcome to attend**
August AFA Advantage Raffle Winner: Cogratulations to Samuel Zook of Ephrata, PA! Sam has won two boxes of horseshoes and two boxes of horseshoe nails, and all he had to do was being an AFA member in good standing! Make sure your dues are up to date to get your name in the hat for next months drawing.
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.
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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.
Click the link below to view the June 2012 Issue
June 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine
June 2012 Equine Veterinarian E-zine |

2013 Contest Rules and Shoe Drawings now available!
Select the link below to view the 2013 National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition rules and shoe drawings.
2013 Contest Rules & Shoe Drawings
Baton Rouge Attendee Raffles
If you are registered as a regular convention attendee, you have the opportunity to be drawn for one of two wonderful raffle prizes, valued at over $3,000! The first drawing will be for First Time Attendees, and the second will be for Regular Attendees. Both first time attendees and regular attendees will receive one raffle ticket, and the winner will be chosen at the conclusion of the General Membership Meeting on Saturday, March 2nd. You must be present to win. The list of prizes include:
First Time Attendees Raffle
- A complete set of hand tools donated by GE Forge & Tool
- A Myron McLane Apron donated by Myron McLane Aprons
- Two Hurricane Forge hoof knives donated by Hurricane Forge
- One shoeing box, donated by Yoder Blacksmith Supply
- Once Vettec start up kit donated by Vettec
Regular Registered Attendees Raffle
- One Scott Anvil donated by Scott Anvils
- One Scott Anvil tripod anvil stand donated by Scott Anvils
- One Blacksmith Model Forge donated by Forgemaster
**AFA Officers, Regional Representatives & Committee Members are not eligible to win. You must be a first time attendee or a regular registered convention attendee to be eligible to win. Single day attendees are not eligible to win. You must be present at the AFA Annual Meeting to accept the prizes.**
**If you wish to donate to this raffle, please contact Eric Nygaard, CJF, AFA Convention Coordinating Committee Vice-Chairman at newfarm2@aol.com or 941-350-5131.**
2013 Speaker Blurb
Chip Crumbly, CJF, AWCF - Do Letters and Ribbons Matter?
Does testing for farrier certifications or participating in competitions hold any benefit to the today's professional farrier? Opinions are varied and strong among farriers when discussing these subjects. I would like to examine some of the positive and negative views, dispel some myths, and share from my own personal experience. It is my belief that involvement in the certification process and competition can greatly aid farriers in the development of a variety of skill sets and the improvement of their businesses.
Both certifications and competitions force farriers outside of their comfort zones and bring to light new ideas, principles and theories. These events push professionals to develop skills in the forge, at the horse and on the foot. Simultaneously, farriers will see their strengths and weaknesses magnified so they may be judged and examined by peers. This process will sharpen and hone participants into much more proficient, confident and profitable horseshoers.
Chip Crumbly started shoeing horses in 1999. He has an associates degree in biology and a bachelors degree in animal science. Chip is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, an Approved Tester, and an Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. He also regularly competes.
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Events Calendar
Please send your events and functions to the AFA office for inclusion in the Website Events Calendar and our Facebook page.
Certification Calendar
For the most current certification calendar, please select the link below.
AFA Certification Calenda
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.
Roving Reporters:
We are looking for roving reporters from around the world. If you or someone you know travels around the globe and has a farrier related story we would like to know about it. Please contact John Blombach phantomfarrier@comcast.net or the AFA office.
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.
Complimentary Classifieds
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.
Apprenticeship Wanted - San Diego, CA - Laura Mathis, 480-313-9218, lauraquestrian@yahoo.com.
Apprenticeship Wanted - Phillip Rigolli,
I have passed an official forging course here in the U.K. and have certificates to prove it. I can provide two references from farriers here in the U.K. and have carried out many hours of work experience. I have horse handling experience also and currently volunteer at a disabled horse riding charity.
I would like to attain my CJF qualification in the U.S.A. and would like to take on an apprenticeship with a farrier.
My details are as follows: Phillip Rigolli, Raven Oak Barn, Beldam Bridge Road, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8DN, United Kingdom. Telephone: 0044 7810044148, prigolli@o2.co.uk
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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." |
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