2015 Convention Speaker Highlights

 Weight Bearing Mechanics Revisited

Randy Luikart, CJF, will be presenting a thought provoking and stimulating discussion of how we traditionally perceive weight bearing mechanics on Wednesday, February 25 at 2:50 pm.  He will demonstrate that we, as a community of professionals, both farrier and veterinarian, still have a limited understanding of hoof function.  He will revisit our determination to believe the concept that we can enhance hoof function by backing up the foot, squaring, rocking, rolling, or whatever else we want to do to the hoof under the cloak of "making it easier to break-over".  His in-depth knowledge of physics, trigonometry, and anatomy will challenge you to envision the lower equine limb as a mechanically complex combination of levers and pulleys.  Be prepared to have your traditional thinking challenged as Randy's insights just might prompt you to view balance in a new and intriguing way.

 Making A Basic Pair of Tongs

Rounding out opening day, Wednesday Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m. Jim Quick, CJF, will be presenting a demonstration focused on how to make a basic pair of tongs, together with a discussion of some of the key considerations involved.

These include:

1. Selecting the right tongs for the task at hand-weighing the pros and cons of each
2.  Replacing rivets
3.  Adjusting your tongs
4.  Proper body position and usage of tongs

Jim is a five time American Farriers Team member and a highly sought after clinician. He has served the AFA in three different capacities as a member of the Rules, Certification, and Education committees.

In addition, Jim has earned innumerable accolades in national and international competition and as an international judge. Given Jim's passion for farriery and education, you can pretty well be assured that his take on tongs will leave you with something valuable to think about and take home.

News of AAEP's Expanded Veterinary Equine Podiatry Group

At their annual convention in Salt Lake City on December 05-09, 2014 the four original veterinarians who met at the 2013 AAEP convention to discuss formalizing an equine podiatry group, announced that the Veterinary Equine Podiatry Group now has a membership of thirty two veterinarians from across the country. The group's explicit mission is to standardize the qualifications of an equine veterinary podiatrist. Fran Jurga posted an excellent, concise report on the outcome of this meeting in her Hoof Blog http://hoofcare.blogspot.com/2014/12/veterinary-equine-podiatry-group.html#more

On January 31 in Wellington, FL, newly elected VEPG President Mark Silverman, DVM, will be holding an open discussion on the formation of this group and its implications for farriers. All are invited to attend, though reservations are requested, since Dr. Silverman's discussion is also part of a complimentary breakfast meeting hosted by EasyCare and PolyFlex. For more information on the location and details of the meeting, please click here. 

Western States Farriers Association Pre-Certification Clinic

Western States Farriers Association (Chapter 1 of the AFA) is proud to host the first AFA Pre-Certification Clinic on January 30th, 31st and February 1st, 2015 in Buellton, CA.  Kenny Lyon, CJF, will lead the clinic, supported by Pat Gallahan, CJF, and Steve Sermersheim, CJF, TE, AWCF.  This three day clinic is the starting point of our AFA Pre-Certification Clinic Program. The goal of the clinic is to make certain that the candidate is fully aware of what is expected  during all areas of the Certification exam. We provide the techniques and strategies for successful testing, while the candidate is expected to do the homework, thus providing the best opportunity to accomplish individual certification goals. WSFA wants to thank the AFA for their ongoing efforts to improve our educational opportunities. We are very excited to be hosting this new programs first event. There are only a few spots left if you are interested.  Contact Shelee Lyon at 

lyonequine@yahoo.com.   

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.