Look Twice

"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.

AFA DOUBLE TAKE!

According to the results of a recent AFA marketing research report, did you know that?

There are almost ten million horses in America. Of these, close to four million are used for recreational purposes.
There are about sixty five farrier schools in North America cranking out an estimated seven thousand new farriers every year.
Horse owners typically spend approximately six percent of their overall horse expenditures on foot care.
Farriers are likely to take care of about 150 clients with a total of nearly 260 horses every year.
A typical Farrier's annual salary approaches six figures.

AFA Mourns Loss

The AFA was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of longtime member Joseph Duriga of Salem, OH. Joe had been a member of the AFA for 20 years and was greatly respected.

Arrangements are pending, and cards can be sent to his wife at:

The Duriga Family

13006 W Pinelake Road

Salem, OH 44460

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.

New AFA "Links" Page

The AFA is pleased to announce that on our website at www.americanfarriers.org, we have now added a "Links" page to the upper right hand corner. Currently this section lists all the offices in the National Horse Center of the Kentucky Horse Park, all AFA chapters with websites or Facebook pages, and some of our affiliates. If you don't see your chapter listed, or know of another organization that would like to link with us, please let us know! We want this page to become the go to page for all things equine.

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 has the wonderful opportunity to have a one day clinic with Stephen Newman, MCMI, FWCF. Mr. Newman is one of the two judges for the 34th International Team Horseshoeing Championships which will run from September 27th through the 29th, 2013. Mr. Newman was scheduled to give a two day clinic at Chris Gregory's Heartland Horseshoeing School on July 11th and 12th, and then offered to give the AFT a private clinic on July 10th. This is a wonderful opportunity and the team could not be more thrilled. A huge thank you to Mr. Newman for giving them this opportunity.

For more information on the clinic, including how you can participate, please contact Chris Gregory, CJF, FWCF.

Please note that the team will no longer be practicing at the Kentucky Horse Park in June because of this special practice in July.

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!