Dear 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.

Dear AFA Team,

I have been involved with the AFA since 2006 when I first started shoeing horses. Since that time I have received countless hours of help from dozens of AFA members. The AFA helped lay the foundation of my ever-growing knowledge of horseshoeing. I feel that this comes mainly from the fact that I participate actively in the certification process and contests. If you haven't taken a certification or been to a contest, check one out. You will be amazed at how much putting your work on the table in front of others will help you strive to get better.

I would like to thank the AFA for continuing to improve and standardize the certification process and for sponsoring the annual convention contest. The hard working Certification Committee, AFA Examiners, AFA Testers, and AFA members who donate their time and skills to help others improve, that is what this trade is all about.

A final thought: Don't forget to remember the benefits of certification and competition and thank those who have been willing to share with you.

Pass it on, pay it forward, and never stop learning!

All the Best,

Drew Morales, CF AFA #9049

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Montana State University Job Posting

Montana State University is currently looking for a Farrier School Director. Select the link below to view the job posting.

http://www.montana.edu/jobs/nttfaculty/13-264

The Northern California Classic is Coming!

May 15-18, 2013

Travis Koons, CJF and Dennis Manning, CJF are the featured clinicians and judges. Our theme is "We Shoe Horses: A Celebration of our Traditions and Innovations."

Our Farrier Conference will focus on the horse, how and why we practice farriery, health, performance and therapeutics. Each day we offer over 6 hours of lectures and demonstrations. The Thursday and Friday evening lectures are at the Hotel.

Practical skills will be addressed, tool maintenance, horse handling, anatomy and conformation to mention a few of the options you will have.

Friday afternoon we have an awesome Market Place, complete with vendor demos.

We have a Blacksmiths corner if you want to work on a project or just get some ideas. Come learn with us!

We offer 4 Divisions in our Competition; intern/apprentice up to the full blown Open Division. Also, and Eagle Eye Elimination and our Classic 3 Person Draft Class.

We offer special rates for Students, Mentors (60+) and spouses.

Early registration discount for regular participants is $25 when registering by May 1st.

Like us on Facebook, full event details including the shoe lists are posted there.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Western-States-Farriers-Association/212929475388299?fref=ts

Dennis Manning will be our examiner for certification. Contact Matt Fatchen (530)518-0359. For Sponsorship, please send Shelee Lyons an email at lyonequine@yahoo.com. For all other NCC related question call or text

Don Gustafson at (650)888-7464 or email him at dwlg@earthlink.net.

The host hotel is the Best Western Placerville Inn which can be reached at (530)622-9100. The is an $89 rate if you mention WSFA.

AFA Embroidered and Personalized Clothing Now Available!

Announcing a new member benefit! Official AFA logo wear now available! You may have your certification added (it will be verified at the AFA office) and you have an option to add your business or your personal name for a small charge!

A variety of items have been selected to allow you to show your pride in your profession.

To make it even better you can become a VIP member just by opting in to the exclusive VIP Club. Values created especially for AFA VIP members will be sent to your inbox once a week.

Select the link below to start shopping now!

AFA Clothing Store

2013 Convention clothing is also available at this time! If you didn't get a chance to stop by the on-site embroiderer in Baton Rouge, now is your chance to pick up a shirt, hat or bag! Select the link below to check it out now!

AFA 2013 Convention Clothing

2013 Achievement Award Nomination Form Now Available!

Download the 2013 Achievement Award Nomination Form below and return to Garrett Maloney, CJF, chairman of the Achievement Commitee by December 1, 2013. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to nominate someone you know who is deserving of one of these special awards.

2013 Achievement Form

2013 American Farriers Team Practice Dates

The American Farriers Team will host their first team practice on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 at the Kentucky Horse Park. The practice will be held in either the Mounted Police Barn or the Big Barn.

The second practice is scheduled for Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22, also at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Both events are open to the public, so please come out and support your team!

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 February 2013 Issue

February 2013 Professional Farrier E-zine

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

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.

Classified Ad:

2 Forge Master Blacksmith forges for sale, Dual valve (old style) with good liners. Anvils for sale, all sizes. Call Steve at 217-304-1478.

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.

See you in Reno February 25 through February 28, 2014!