American Farriers Team Scores Big at Stoneleigh

 Congratulations to AFT Members Bryan Osborne, Daniel Jones, Chris Overly, Justin Fry, and Cody Gregory for their wonderful performance at The International Team Farriery Championships!
The Team finished 5th in the International Team Farriery Championship, and 4th in the Team Gas Forging.
Cody Gregory captured 1st place in the International - Individual Reserves Class!
Great job guys!

Horses For Heroes

Since 2006, Horses4Heroes, a Las Vegas-based non-profit, 501 (c) (3) has introduced more than 5,000 servicemen and women to horses and horseback riding, simply because of their sacrifice and service to our country.  Horses4Heroes serves all active duty military personnel, veterans, First Responders and their families.  Our growing national network of 190 kid-friendly, family friendly equestrian facilities in 43 states plus Canada provide affordable (sometimes free) recreational, instructional and health & wellness programs for all ages, all riding levels and all disciplines.   Horses4Heroes, through these host facilities, provides affordable, able-bodied horseback riding programs that emphasize fun and safe activities with horses, mounted and un-mounted for all ages. Participants learn valuable leadership and teamwork skills, make new friends, and develop a lifelong love of horses!  We are always looking for center to join our organization.  There is no charge for a facility to join.  The only requirement is that whatever programs and services they offer, they must charge our members/participants less.  Many of our facilities are equine rescues and others offer free programs to all veterans and their families!

We welcome your members' willingness to help be the eyes and ears for our organization and to be on the look-out for well respected, kid-friendly, family-friendly facilities in their communities!  Your farriers are welcome to contact us via the following referral link, http://horses4heroes.org/facility-referral/, email, horses4heroes@gmail.com or phone, 702.645.8446.

Thanks, again.

Sydney Knott

President/Executive Director

Horses4Heroes, Inc.

www.Horses4HeroesUSA.com

Office 702.645.8446

Empowering families ... one horseback ride at a time!

Regional News:

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas!
The New Mexico Professional Horseshoers Association is holding a clinic November 3, 2012 at the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Posse Arena, located at 10308 Second Street NW in Albuquerque.

Bill Boyd, CJF will begin with a demonstration on shoeing the chronic laminitic equine.  He will be building heart bar shoes out of concave stock and applying them to his mule Oliver.

Next will be Andrew Varela, CJF and Chase Roybal showing how they work together to get efficient and quality farrier work done.

This is a hands on clinic, so those attending are encouraged to bring a forge and hand tools.  Concave and flat bar steel will be available. 

The cost is $20 for NMPHA members and $40 for non-members, including a catered lunch.

Please contact Bill Boyd, CJF for more information - 575-760-1109

AFA Cultural Exchange Update

  Cultural Exchange Chairman Vern Powell, CJF announced at the Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting that his committee had selected the two candidates who would be taking part in the short exchange program in the Fall of 2012.  The two candidates chosen were Nichole Smith, CJF and Zachary Hickle, CF.  Both candidates will be leaving in      November for a 2-4 week short exchange in England.

  Nichole Smith, CJF is a resident of Wichita Falls, TX.  She became a member of the American Farrier's       Association in May of 2008 after completing farrier school at Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School.  She obtained her Certified Farrier status in September of 2008, and her Certified Journeyman Farrier status in May of 2011.  Shortly  after she became a Provisional Tester for the AFA Certification Program.  She won the Certified Journeyman Farrier Written High Score award at the 2012 Annual Convention with a score of 97.5%.

  Nichole is currently enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Bachelor Program at Midwestern State University.  She and her husband Stephen work together shoeing a "buffet" of types and breeds, do regular veterinary clinic work, and has a strong lameness interest.  She is also an active member of the TPFA, OFA, WCB, AAPF, ELPO and NEAEP.

  Zachary Hickle, CF is a resident of Elkhorn, NE.  He became a member of the American Farrier's Association in May of 2009 after attending Shur Shod Horseshoeing School, which he graduated from in March of 2008. He        obtained his Certified Farrier status in September of 2011.

  Zachary is part of a multi-farrier practice that works with everything from backyard horses to high level      dressage horses.  Zachary is a member of the Midwest Farriers Association, of which he is the treasurer, and takes part in their annual contest, various clinics, and certification clinics.  His plan is to complete his Certified Journeyman     Farrier status this Fall.

  The American Farrier's Association looks forward to hearing the things that both candidates have learned     following their trip, and will publish articles by both individuals upon their return.

Georgia Barry, CF has returned from her trip overseas!  Select the link below to read about her grand adventure! 

http://georgiasuktrip2012.blogspot.co.uk/

Member Benefits Bulletin

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! 

October AFA Advantage Raffle Winner:   Cogratulations to Mike Balding, CJF of Malvern, AR!  Mike has won two boxes of horseshoes and two boxes of horseshoe nails, and all he had to do was be 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.

 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.