"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.

IT'S YOUR TIME TO SHINE!

Have you ever wanted to enter the AFA Convention contest but you have been a little intimidated? Has the thought of donating your hard earned money to sweeten the pot for the big boys, while you build you skills, kept you on the sidelines? Well, it's your time to shine! For the first time ever in the history of the AFA National Convention, the Rules Committee, just for you, has formed an Intermediate division. This division will get you out on the main stage but you won't be competing against all those the International Competitors. To qualify for this new Division, you must have never entered the AFA National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition at any AFA Convention and competed in a forging class. (The exclusions are entering the Two Person Draft class or working as a striker) If you meet this criteria, then this is the Division for you! Come join us in Reno, get your feet wet and compete on the floor of the Convention for the first time.

Classes will start at the same time as the Open classes and run for the same amount of time. The new division will be judged by Travis Koons, CJF, Gerard Laverty, CJF, TE and Gene Lieser, CJF, just like the Open Division of our contest. BUT WAIT! If you enter right now we will include the amazing ginsu knife, it slices, it dices....... Oh no, that isn't right.. Ummm...Yes, there is an added bonus just for you. A select group of the open competitors will evaluate your shoes for you prior to your shoes going into the judges room. The shoe list, you will find, is aimed at improving your forging skills and is great as you prepare to take your Certification test, along with preparing you to compete in the Open Division one day soon. What a huge opportunity! If you have ever had the ambition to compete at Convention, but didn't think you were ready to make "those shoes" your day has come.

For more information, please visit the Contest section of our website at www.americanfarriers.org.

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 complete! Download your copy now by selecting the link below.

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 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.

Bob Wheeler, CJF/Blacksmith/Knifemaker is retiring after 40 years of service. An auction will be held September 7, 2013 for most of his work related items. See the attached flyer for more information.
Auction Flyer

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.

Seeking Apprentice: A relatively newly trained Farrier, preferably a CF or one seeking to attain that certification level and beyond, to continue his/her training within our group practice in Northern VA. The term will be for 1 year, we will provide a salary, housing and in depth mentoring on the hoofcare of sport horses and remedial work. Check out our website at forgingahead.us for contact info.

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