Red Stick!

America's Preeminent Farrier Conference! Learning, laughing and growing, don't miss it! The 42^nd Annual Convention of the American Farriers Association, the longest running national farrier educational event in the country, this year will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. If you have ever attended an AFA Convention then you know why it is - the best farrier educational event of the year!

AFA announces its line-up! Keynote presentations by expert speakers will improve your knowledge and strengthen your skills to enhance your professional development in a friendly, warm atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the industry leading educators.

Take in the warm weather, Southern Hospitality and fine Cajun cuisine! Like no other in the industry, the AFA Convention has something for everyone. There will be lectures, hands on clinics, workshops plus the one and only National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition.

Huge Market Place! The Farrier Industry Association has planned a Market Place second to none.

Rest easy in the Red Stick! See you in Baton Rouge 2013, Reno 2014, and Mobile 2016. AFA, always the most bang for your buck!!

Rising Stars! AFA Communications is looking for a few good people to work on the e-blast, newsletter and magazine. If this sound exciting and interesting, contact Deb Ash at

afacommcom@gmail.com or phone 859-285-8333.

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.

Did you know you can advertise in the Professional Farrier e-zine and get your business seen by over 10,000 vets, farriers and horse owners?! Contact Dick Booth at Boca Publishing today to hear the great advertising rates available!

bocapublishing@bellsouth.net

Click the link below to view the December 2012 Issue

December 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine

December 2012 Equine Veterinarian E-zine

June 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine

June 2012 Equine Veterinarian E-zine

October 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine

August 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine

2013 CVT Logo

Convention Registration is now OPEN!

Select the link below to download your copy of the registration packet now, or visit

www.americanfarriers.org to register online. Remember, you get a special "Early Bird Discount" if you register by January 15th!

2013 Convention Registration Packet

2013 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition Rules and Shoe Drawings

Hotel Information

The host hotel is the Belle of Baton Rouge. you must book your room by Monday, February 4, 2013 in order to receive the discounted room rate. Be sure to mention the American Farrier's Association room block when making your reservation. To make reservations, call 1-800-266-2692 or select this link: Belle of Baton Rouge Reservations.

**Note - the link for the hotel in the registration packet that was mailed to the membership was incorrect. If you use this link it will try to tell you that the hotel is booked on Friday and Saturday evening. Please use the link above or the link in the registration packet pdf on the website or above to book your room**

Delta Airlines Discount

Delta Airlines is offering 5 - 10% off your airfare to convention. Reservations and ticketing is available via www.delta.com. When booking online, select "Meeting Event Code" and enter NMEXZ in the box provided on the Search Flight page. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-328-1111.

Wednesday Night Welcome Reception

Don't miss the convention welcome reception Wednesday night from 8:00pm until 11:00pm in the Atrium of the Hyatt. There will be drinks, camaraderie, and live music from Rodney Thibodeaux and Tout Les Soir Band!

band Rodney Thibodeaux and Tout Les Soir

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.

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: Max Grant, a 2011 graduate of the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School, is looking to expand his knowledge and skills (focusing on anatomy, forging and corrective shoeing) with an apprenticeship. His favorite area of shoeing is quarter horses. Currently located in Western New York, he is not opposed to moving. Max can be reached at 716-413-1250 or via e-mail at maxfield417@yahoo.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."