"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.

All in the Family

The horse industry in general but farriers in particular is a relatively small group working together more like a big family. We share a commonality like no other profession. Synergy is part of our every day routine, working together for the mutual benefit of all farriers, horses and horsemen. Building on each other's experience. Balancing work and life. Helping each other.

Do you have a plan for an emergency like if you get injured or seriously ill? I had no real plan and had to have major surgery in June. I was pleasantly surprised when the many wonderful AFA folks called with well wishes and offers to fly out to Boston and help with the business and get the horses on the iron. Local farriers and many clients reached out with offers to help. Clients who have stood by me and offered encouragement and support in more ways than one. Proud to be a part of our wonderful family we call the AFA.

Shoeing Demonstrations to Cutting Edge Theories: Changes to the AFA Annual Convention

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." - Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

In 2014, the Annual AFA Convention looks to build on the strong foundation of our association by intensifying and concentrating opportunities for farrier education. From live shoeing demonstrations from industry icons, to lectures on cutting edge theories, to clinics on the practical aspects of AFA certification, there will be no shortage of informative events. In today's industry, there seems to be thriving cultures at opposite ends of the horseshoeing spectrum. The 2014 Convention will stand in the gap and unite worlds of skill and knowledge. While we are keeping the specific line up of clinicians and speakers under our hats for now, it is safe to say that if you attend this year's AFA Convention, you will find yourself face to face with an idea you've always wondered about or a top hand you have always wished to see in action. So join us in 2014 in Reno, NV.

The 2014 Convention is set to be a trade revival. With live shoeing demonstrations, more hands on clinics, live certification clinics, and lectures from exciting young talent, the convention looks to build on AFA roots of craftsmanship and application. The Convention Committee is working hard to provide a program that meets the needs and desires of our membership from the practical to the theoretical.

"The most deadly disease threatening every farrier is isolation." - Craig Trnka, CJF

The 2014 AFA Convention is set to be a trade revival. The theme of this year's convention is the integration of time tested principles presented by our trade's top hands with new research and new thoughts presented, again, by some of our trade's top hands. In 2014, the Convention is moving forward.

Live Shoeing Demonstrations from:

James Blurton, AWCF

Grant Moon, CJF, AWCF

Craig Trnka, CJF

The American Farriers Team

The Japanese Farrers Team

2014 National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition

The judge's for the 2014 National Forging and horseshoeing Competition have been announced, and they will be Travis Koons, CJF, Gerard Laverty, CJF, TE and Gene Lieser, CJF.

The shoe drawings for the 2014 National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition are just about ready! In the meantime, below is a link to get the specs on the shoes for the upcoming contest.

2014 Contest Shoes

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 be practicing again August 9th and 10th at Jim Quick's shop in Colorado. For more information, please contact Jim Quick, CJF at 303-619-8513.

The last AFT practice before Stoneleigh will be September 7-9, 2013 in Crestwood, KY at Conrad Trow's shop. Past team member Jake Engler will be in attendance to assist the team in their final preparations before The International. Contact Conrad Trow for more information.

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 June 2013 Issue

June 2013 Professional Farrier E-zine

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.

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!