"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.

Farrier Cave

Farrier's Sanctuary - Sanctum Sanctorum - Farrier's Kingdom - Farrierland - Inner Circle - Special Place. When anyone, anywhere is looking for John, Kenny or Georgia on a Monday night, it's a good bet they are at their favorite farrier cave, blacksmith shop and smithy, the Trip Hammer. Whatever you call it, you can be sure they are not indulging in watching the game or playing their hand at their favorite game of poker. No twelve-ounce curls or any other antics you might associate with the "man cave" stereotype.

We're not bending our elbows in the traditional way...up! We are bending our elbows the other way...down, swinging a rounding hammer keeping our skills and our trade alive. Farriery requires a good deal of motor skills and hand/eye coordination to stay at the top of the game and there is no other softer or gentler way to learn and maintain those skills than by continued practice. Use it or lose it! We learn best by OJT (on the job training) and I think an old Lithuanian proverb says it best; "the work will teach you the job". Brain power, so important to us as farriers will not be enough, as no money changes hands until the foot is trimmed, shoe built and fit and nailed on the hoof.

I'm always dreaming about thinking the shoes on to the horse's feet but when I awake it's only a dream...back to the anvil...the farrier cave.

43rd Annual Convention Update

Your AFA Convention Coordinating Committee recently met in Reno, NV for their pre-convention site visit. They reported that this is a venue our members will love! So plan now to attend the 43rd Annual Convention from February 25th through the 28th, 2014. These dates are a bit different from years past as we are moving everything up a day so the convention will end on Friday instead of Saturday.

Letters to the Editor

We would like to hear from our readers. If you read something that has helped you in your business, no matter how small it may seem, we want to hear about it from you. Have questions about past articles or comments about content, or perhaps there is a subject you would like covered. Please let us know. Feedback from our readers is always welcomed and encouraged.

AFA Certification Changes

1. Select the link below for an overview of the new TE changes recently approved by the AFA Board of Directors.

TE Overview

2. Dennis Manning, CJF has been appointed by the Certification Committee to be the official liaison between the American Farrier's Association and the Worshipful Company of Farriers. Dennis will handle any questions in regards to the reciprocal relationship between the AFA and the WCF.

Tennessee Farrier Supply Open House & Clinic!

2181 Murfreesboro Road
Woodbury, TN 37190
October 5th 2013
Clinician: Jeff Pauley, CJF
Sponsered by Delta Mustad
10% off all day!

Free Clinic
Free Lunch
Door Prizes

Tennessee Farrier Supply
615-464-4575

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.

Select the link below to start shopping now!

AFA Clothing Store

Because we know ALL Farriers are VIP's------

We are happy to announce another great member benefit! We have been able to negotiate special deals sent right to your emails every week! .

You must opt in to this exclusive VIP Club !!

To participate in these great values please click the link below so that we can include you in future offers.

AFA VIP Member Link

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! Even more exciting, all 2013 convention clothing is now 50% off! 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 April 2013 Issue

April 2013 Professional Farrier E-zine

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!