AFA Welcomes New Executive Director

The American Farrier's Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Beth Daniels as the Association's new part-time Executive Director. Ms. Daniels has previously served as Executive Director of Mira Foundation USA, the only organization in the United States dedicated to providing guide dogs to blind children. She brings a strong skill set to the Association, including fund- raising, marketing, and communication.

A lifelong equestrian, Ms. Daniels has loved horses since childhood, working with saddle horses, draft horses, driving ponies, and Standardbred race horses on the family farm. She has competed in several disciplines, including hunt seat and dressage at the FEI level. and Additional, she has owned her own equestrian facility in the past. 

Ms. Daniels joined the staff of the AFA on August 1   and will serve offsite, with regular visits to the office in Lexington, the first of which will be in mid-August. 

In an ongoing effort to improve the working relationship between the farrier and veterinarian, we are asking you to fill out this brief questionnaire.

Quality hoof care and the treatment of lameness, including laminitis, require the input from two professions - veterinary medicine and farriery. The importance of the veterinarian-farrier relationship is undeniable, not only to both professions but also to the equine patient and owner. However, this relationship is often strained by such variables as differences in education and methodology, personality conflicts, and problems with communication.

This questionnaire was put together with the input of several veterinarians and several farriers to identify problematic areas between  the two professions, as well as to highlight areas that can be addressed  in order to facilitate a good working environment.

Thank you very much for your participation!  We will provide access to the results of the questionnaire to all respondents, and plan to use the information in talks and discussions at national and international meetings for both professions.

The Ohio State University Survey

2015 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition Rules Now Available!

The judges for 2015 are Craig Trnka, CJF, Iain Ritchie, DWCF, and Matthew Randles, DWCF.

The contest dates are Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 26.  Set up will be on Tuesday, February 24 with practice in the afternoon and evening. 

There will be a cut-off for the number of contestants, so when the entry forms are available, make sure to get yours in early.

 Please select the link below to view the shoe list!
 

2015 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition Rules

Delta Mustad Specialty Forging Class - Brushing Shoe

Our host hotel for the 44th Annual American Farrier's Association Convention is the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center.  Select the link below to make your reservations now!

Remember, the dates are February 25-27, 2015!

Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center