AFA Logo

 American Farrier's Association

 

No Foot No Horse Bi-Weekly E-blast

AFA E-blast
Issue 25
 
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
 
2012 CVT Logo 

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 CVT Logo

2013 Convention Sponsors

 

Specialty Sponsors

G.E. Forge & Tool, Inc.

Scott Anvils
 World Farriers Association

Yoder Blacksmith Supplies

 
2013 CVT Logo
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! 

 

Like us on Facebook 
E-blast Archive
Sponsored by Farrier Academics
 

Flashback:  World Equestrian Games 2010 

Back in 2008, when the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) was looking to put together a team of top notch farriers to accommodate the shoeing needs of the world's finest equine athletes, they came directly to the American Farriers Association looking for AFA Certified Farriers.

 

The World Equestrian Games are comprised of the world championships for eight equestrian sports- dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para dressage, reining and vaulting. The Games are held every four years, two years prior to the Olympic Games, and are governed by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

 

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games were held in Lexington, Kentucky for sixteen days from September 25 through October 10th.  This was the sixth World Games and the first time ever held in the United States.  The next World Games is expected to be held in the Normandy region of France.

 

The only requirement to participate was you had to be an AFA member.  The word went out to all members and by the time the Games began, over 100 AFA members proudly participated in the team of farriers needed to support all the 8 disciplines of the Games for the sixteen day event.  For most, this will be remembered as a time of fellowship, education and sharing as all worked together and side by side with some of the worlds top international farriers.  A sixteen day non stop clinic of the highest caliber, the pinnacle of this farrier's career.  Thank you AFA for that very special opportunity.

 

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/


 

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.

 

 

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

 

American Farriers Team Practice Dates:  
 
August 24 & 25, 2012- Kentucky Horse Park Mounted Police Barn
**All are welcome to attend**
 
   

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.

 

 

 

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 August 2012 Issue
 

August 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine 

June 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine

June 2012 Equine Veterinarian E-zine

 2013 CVT Logo

 

 Check out our new 2013 Convention Invitation Video here!

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 $3,500! 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
  • One Vettec start up kit donated by Vettec
  • Two Paul Mitchell Knife Sharpeners, donated by Paul Mitchell Sharpeners

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
  • Two Paul Mitchell Knife Sharpeners, donated by Paul Mitchell Sharpeners

**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.**

  

 

 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 Calendar 

 

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.

Complimentary Classified:  Boggs Tool Company - Attention trimmers and farriers!  We sharpen 14" rasps - $5.00!  Recycle!  Save 75% or more!  1-800-547-5244.

  

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 - 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

Apprenticeship Wanted:  Miguel Paricio -I´m a 28 years old Spanish veterinarian and farrier. I'm graduated from the University of Zaragoza (Spain), after that I completed an equine Internship (Equine Teaching Hospital of the University of Lyon, France) and a 6 month lameness assistantship (CIRALE centre, Normandy, France). I'm a diplomated farrier (CAPA marechalerie, basic French diploma in June 2012). 

I'm very interested in lameness and podiatry.

I'm looking for working in USA as a farrier. In the future I want to do the AFA certifications (CF and CJF). For more information please contact mail : dahania@hotmail.com

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."