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AFA E-blast
Issue 58
American Farrier's Association
4059 Iron Works Parkway
Suite 1
Lexington, KY 40511
859-233-7411
Fax: 859-231-7862
The Official Farriers of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games |
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Thank You to our Sponsors!
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E-blast Archive
Sponsored by Farrier Academics
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Thank you to our 2013 American Farriers Team Sponsors!
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Mission of the 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." |
Don't Give Up, the Journey is Worth It!
I recently passed my CJF and cannot believe how it has helped me to be a better and more confident farrier. When I first heard about certification I thought it was foolish and a waste of time, and anyone that had it was just showing off and I was just as good as they were. But deep down I knew that was a lie, and I was staying clear of those guys as well as hands on clinics, but I began to realize I was wrong and I needed to make some changes. It has taken me ten years to realize my dream of becoming a CF and CJF.
I would like to share with you the mistakes I made along the way. First and foremost I really wanted those letters behind my name and thought with minimum work I could get it done, well after about six or seven tries, it was going nowhere, and I was no farther ahead with my shoe making than when I started. I needed to be honest with myself and admit even if I had a fluke passing test, I really did not deserve to be called a Journeyman Farrier. At the first couple of pre-certification workshops I still did not really tell the instructors how little experience I had in making shoes, (guess I thought they were mind readers), and it was just going to fall into place. Once I started being honest with instructors on my lack of knowledge, then they could help me, and then and only then did things start to turn around. Also I totally quit shaping shoes cold and suffered with trying to shape shoes hot on a round horn anvil without a turning cam, talk about driving myself nuts, but I figured that was the only way I was going to learn. And to top it off, I quit buying shoes with clips and started making a lot of my own shoes. So I kept at it, each test I did gave me new insight as to where I needed improving. Was there disappointment? Yes. Was there frustration? Absolutely! Did I want to give up? That was NOT an option. Oh yes, I should mention the fact that when I finally set my sites on obtaining the ``CJF`` and had passed the written portion of the certification program, the time table to complete the process had lapsed and I had to start all over again. This happened twice! Even though the test is done and behind me, there is still a lot of work I want to do, so I can hold my head high and be recognized as a Certified Journeyman Farrier.
So I urge those of you who are thinking of starting your ``journey`` don`t put it off, or for those of you who are struggling, you are not alone, try to see your failures as a learning tool, above all, don`t quit, seek the advice of the instructors, ask for help, they want you to succeed. Attaining the Journeyman certificate is a great accomplishment and truly worth all the blood sweat and tears; and I say this with all sincerity, because I`ve been there.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the American Farrier`s Association for making this program available for all of us who want to become more than we can be, also to thank the testers and examiners who give of their time and talent freely, and to all my fellow Farriers for all their help and encouragement.
Before closing I would like to thank my Wife Tonie for her love and support and when I began to doubt myself, gave me a gentle kick in the pants.
By the way I am sixty six years young. Be Safe.
Sincerely,
Tim Koelln, CJF
Nominations open in Region IV
President John Blombach has opened nominations for the Board seat recently vacated by Director Lemmon. Nominations must be emailed to the Nominations and Elections Committee at dwlg@earthlink.net by Friday, November 22, 2013. Any nominations made must be seconded. Please remember that the maker of the nomination and the 2nd both need to reside in Region 4 and be AFA members in good standing. In addition, please make sure if you are nominating someone that you have that persons permission to do so.
PAY PARTICULAR NOTICE!
It is suggested that if you are making a nomination you should also make arrangements for the second of that nomination which also must be emailed to dwlg@earthlink.net. It is not the responsibility of the Nominations & Election Committee to solicit seconds for nominations. ALL NOMINATIONS REQUIRE A SECOND!
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2014 Convention Speaker Highlight
Jeff Rodriguez, CJF
"Changing horses in midstream: Adjusting your life plan in a new economy"
I'm going to point out the fundamental changes in our economy during the last 10 years, old ideas that no longer work, new things that require additional knowledge , and a general update on how to plan and prosper in these new economic waters. This will not be a generalized rehash of talk show blather...but coming from the viewpoint that pertains to us, long term professional farriers.
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.
Updated 10/31/13 - we discovered that for the Delta Mustad Specialty Forging Class, Concave Hind Roadster Caulk and Wedge Shoe that 13" X 1/2" X 3/4" is no longer available. Therefore, the new dimensions are 13" X 7/16" X 3/4".
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
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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 August 2013 Issue
August 2013 Professional Farrier E-zine
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
August 2012 Professional Farrier E-zine |
Farrier Podiatry Internship
The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM), Virginia Tech, offers a paid 1 year advanced training program for farriers. The intern will be a working member of the Equine Podiatry Service at the VMRCVM along with farrier Travis Burns CJF TE AWCF, and Dr. Scott Pleasant DVM MS Diplomate ACVS. The program is designed to provide the intern with the training and experience to compete for high quality positions in the equine industry. The intern's time will be split between classroom, laboratory, and applied instruction. Classroom instruction will include course work in anatomy, physiology, and principles of horseshoeing. Laboratory instruction will include exercises in forging and welding. Applied instruction will include hands-on practical experience in routine and therapeutic trimming and horseshoeing.
Minimal Job Requirements: Candidates must have successfully completed a farrier training program and have a minimum of 12 months of experience or training. Candidates must have also received Certified Farrier endorsement (by examination) from the American Farriers Association.
Preferred Job Requirements: Candidates must have successfully completed a farrier training program and have a minimum of 24 months of experience or training. Candidates must have also received Certified Journeyman Farrier endorsement (by examination) from the American Farriers Association.
To apply or for more information please contact Mr. Travis Burns at btravis@vt.edu
Job Opportunity
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University is accepting applications for an Agricultural Specialist III, Certified Journeyman Farrier, for the ISU Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC). In consultation with clinical veterinarians, this position provides both advanced and basic farrier service for LVMC clients. Responsibilities of this position include teaching principles of therapeutic and basic shoeing to veterinary students; providing continuing education courses for farriers in Iowa and surrounding states; and devising and constructing therapeutic shoes for horses with a variety of equine diseases.
The candidate will be able to perform a broad range of blacksmithing including welding of steel and aluminum as well as build a variety of special shoes from scratch using a forge and bar stock.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a new state of the art farrier facility.
Requirements include a bachelor's degree and two years of related experience or a combination of education and related experience totaling 6 years. Must have attended at least a 12 week course in farrier skills and hold the distinction of AFA (American Farriers Association) Certified Journeyman Farrier.
For more information and to apply please visit: https://www.iastatejobs.com/
Search for Vacancy ID #131219
Iowa State University is an Affirmative Action employer and will take action to ensure that employment practices are free of discrimination. Iowa State University is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity, 3350 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.
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.
Bill Miller, CJF (AFA #48) has finally quit horseshoeing after 65 years. He is selling off his tools, equipment, etc. Please e-mail Bill at horseshoeguy@earthlink.net to request a price list.
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.
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See you in Reno February 25 through February 28, 2014!  |
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