1 NO FOOT, NO HORSE JUNE / JULY 2023 No Foot, No Horse
2 NO FOOT, NO HORSE REGION 1 Alaska, Arizona, Asia, Australia, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Yukon Territory Lance Yohe, CJF (’23) [email protected] Brian Strelow, CJF (‘24) [email protected] Sam Durham, CJF, DipWCF [email protected] REGION 2 Alberta, Central America, Colorado, Kansas, Manitoba, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming Janelle Monroe, CF (‘23) [email protected] Lee Olsen, CJF (‘24) [email protected] Wes Sharp, CJF (‘25) [email protected] REGION 3 Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Ontario, Wisconsin Kenny Hoyle, CJF (‘23) [email protected] David Hallock, CJF, AWCF, ASF (‘24) [email protected] Travis (Vern) Powell, CJF, TE, DipWCF (‘25) [email protected] REGION 4 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia Eric Gray, CJF (‘23) [email protected] Earl Ellerbee, CJF (‘24) [email protected] Adam Fahr, CJF (‘25) [email protected] REGION 5 Connecticut, Delaware, Europe, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nova Scotia, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C. Matt Hillegas, CJF (‘23) [email protected] Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF (‘24) [email protected] Mike Licata (‘25) [email protected] Executive Committee PRESIDENT Hank Chisholm, CJF 601-947-5602 [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT Jacob Manning, CJF 435-823-3343 [email protected] TREASURER Tim Byrne, CJF 812-987-3469 [email protected] BOD REPRESENTATIVES Kenny Hoyle, CJF 937-231-3367 [email protected] Brian Strelow, CJF 360-320-8826 [email protected] SECRETARY (ex officio) Lori McBride, CJF 330-268-8197 [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Martha L. Jones 317-417-4544 [email protected] Board of Directors Cover Cover: Montana farrier Tom Peterson, CJF, at the American Farriers Team trials. Photo by Heartland Horseshoeing School. AFA Communications Chairperson: Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE Managing Editor: Martha L. Jones Our Mission Representing professional farriers, veterinarians, suppliers and horse owners, the American Farrier’s Association is the oldest and largest membership organization for the farrier industry in North America, and the only one with internationally recognized standards of competency through our certification programs. Setting the standard for excellence in hoof care, the AFA provides professional development, certification, leadership and resources for the benefit of the farrier industry and the welfare of the horse. 2201 Regency Rd, Ste 704 Lexington, KY 40503 P 859-233-7411 F 859-231-7862 [email protected] www.americanfarriers.org In This Issue 3 AFA President’s Letter 4 FIA President’s Letter 5 Executive Director’s Report 6 AFA News & Announcements 8 Certification 10 Calendar of Events 12 2023 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition 20 Thrush: Annoyance or Threat? 23 Therapeutic Endorsement Case Study: Leo 26 Event Wrap-Ups
JUNE / JULY 2023 3 AFA President’s Letter Dear AFA Members, I hope this note finds you all enjoying the beginning of summer, as you know I am! As ever, it’s a busy time at the AFA, and I’m sure you’ve heard by now that our office is “on the move”. Unfortunately, after being the first tenant in the Kentucky Horse Park over 30 years ago, they have informed us that they will be tearing our building down (along with two others), due to a lack of maintenance over many years. This affects six associations there in the Park, and while they offered a shared work space for all of those associations, that type of environment won’t work for us to ensure our members’ records are kept secure and that our office operations can continue without interruption. That said, it’s also an exciting time for us! Many of us have spoken often about the possibility of AFA-owned property, and this situation has seemed to spark interest in that once again. With that in mind, we’ll be forming a task force made up of AFA, FIA and Foundation leadership to explore what that might look like, and I’m looking forward to working with leaders of both organizations on that project. We have also found a temporary ‘home’ in Lexington while we explore permanent options, so please keep an eye out as our address is changing. We also held our mid-year Board meeting in late March, which once again reminded me how lucky we are to have such incredible volunteer leaders. Our Officers and Committee Chairs dedicate an amazing amount of time to the AFA, so join me in continuing to recognize their efforts. We are lucky to have them. During that meeting, our Board voted on an issue that’s very important to many of you – the time of year that the Convention will be held. You might recall that the change to November was necessitated first by Albuquerque not being “open for business” in March 2021 following COVID. As Albuquerque was the original site planned for our 50th Anniversary, we moved it back to try to maintain our contract with that site and to give ourselves distance from some ongoing concerns about the pandemic. Then, as the months clicked off, it became clear that Albuquerque was also not going to be available in November, and we pivoted to Arlington. Regardless of the reason, when we switched it became necessary to stay in that time slot for at least a few years due to site selection and planning. All of that said, we will be moving it back to March in 2026. We are already contracted with Chattanooga in 2024, and our staff worked hard to see if we could move those dates with them. Unfortunately, we found that they did not have our desired dates available, and that the cost to rent the Convention Center would dramatically increase in early March. So, for your planning needs, we will be in Reno this November, Chattanooga in November 2024, and at a TBD site in March 2026. I appreciate your patience with us, your feedback over the past year, the positive support that many of you have shown our leaders in this process, and of course, returning to the time of year that the majority of our membership prefers. Finally, I just want to remind you that Convention planning for Reno is in full swing, and it’s shaping up to be an awesome week. Registration opened in early June, so I hope you’ve made your plans, booked your horses around it, and that we’ll see you in Reno for the best week of the year! I’m especially excited about the Open Jackpot Class that the Rules Committee has put together, so be thinking about who your partner will be and be sure to get signed up for that “winner take all” challenge! The best part of this role is hearing from many of you, so please continue to share your thoughts with me. Until next time! Respectfully, Hank Chisholm, CJF President, American Farrier’s Association
4 NO FOOT, NO HORSE FIA President’s Letter Farrier Industry Association Mission Statement: The mission of the FIA is to provide companies in the hoof care industry with programs and services which will strengthen and grow their businesses. Have you registered for a booth at the FIA Marketplace in Reno? Over 120 booth spaces will be sold before the AFA Convention takes place November 6-10, 2023. The most recognized companies in the farrier industry (worldwide) are counting down the days for this spectacular event. Wouldn’t you want to meet with the more than 700 AFA members that have attended each year in both Arlington and Little Rock? If you haven’t attended, this is the U.S. farrier industry’s showcase event of the year and does not disappoint. See old friends and meet new ones while you spotlight what you have to offer for the busy farriers in attendance. Visit www.farrierindustry.org, call (859)233-7411, or email [email protected] for more information and registration forms. The AFA Convention program this year will include an FIA hosted event to get FIA and AFA folks in an entertaining and educational (also competitive?) environment outside of the typical Marketplace encounter. This committee wants to spotlight the FIA and AFA membership in a way that isn’t the typical lecture hall panel discussion about our businesses. We work together for the horse every day, maybe we can even have a fun hour or so together with a laugh or two! Check your AFA Convention program for this addition to a loaded schedule of great demos, discussions, and presentations that are the foundation of this event every year. Did you see that the FIA is now recognizing the superstars of the Farrier Industry Association? Since it was organized in 1986 at the AFA Convention in Jackson, the FIA has been the way to organize the Marketplace each year and join companies in our industry for a common mission. The inaugural class of FIA Hall of Legends inductees deserve the recognition that we give them and are given the task of deciding who will be the next inductee or inductees. Nominations are in and those names will be voted on soon. Thank you to everyone that submitted a name for consideration. We are couple of weeks away from the next FIA Board of Directors meeting. The time-sensitive 2023 FIA Marketplace planning duties are mostly complete so we can work as a group on the FIA “nuts and bolts” issues. Please reach out to me or another BOD member if you have a suggestion. Also, keep sending in your local event photos and FIA coffee and donuts sponsorship requests, we love supporting these events! Mark Hickcox, CF The Victory Racing Plate Company President, Farrier Industry Association Farrier Industry Association Mission Statement: The mission of the FIA is to provide companies in the hoof care industry with programs and services which will strengthen and grow their businesses. Have you registered for a booth at the FIA MarketPlace in Reno? Over 120 booth spaces will be sold before the AFA Convention takes place November 6-10, 2023. The most recognized companies in the farrier industry (worldwide) are counting down the days for this spectacular event. Wouldn’t you want to meet with the more than 700 AFA members that have attended each year in both Arlington and Little Rock? If you haven’t attended, this is the U.S. farrier industry’s showcase event of the year and does not disappoint. See old friends and meet new ones while you showcase products to the attendees. Visit www.farrierindustry.org, call (859) 233- 7411, or email [email protected] for more information and registration forms. The AFA Convention program this year will include an FIA hosted event to get FIA and AFA folks in an entertaining and educational (also competitive?) environment outside of the typical MarketPlace encounter. This committee wants to spotlight the FIA and AFA membership in a way that isn’t the typical lecture hall panel discussion about our businesses. We work together for the horse every day, maybe we can even have a fun hour or so together with a laugh or two! Check your AFA Convention program for this addition to a loaded schedule of great demos, discussions, and presentations that are the foundation of this event every year. Did you see that the FIA is now recognizing the superstars of the Farrier Industry Association? Since it was organized in 1986 at the AFA Convention in Jackson, the FIA has been the way to organize the MarketPlace each year and join companies in our industry for a common mission. The inaugural class of FIA Hall of Legends inductees deserve the recognition that we give them and are given the task of deciding who will be the next inductee or inductees. Nominations are in and those names will be voted on soon. Thank you to everyone that submitted a name for consideration. We are couple of weeks away from the next FIA Board of Directors meeting. The time-sensitive 2023 FIA MarketPlace planning duties are mostly complete so we can work as a group on the FIA “nuts and bolts” issues. Please reach out to me or another BOD member if you have a suggestion. Also, keep sending in your local event photos and FIA coffee and donuts sponsorship requests, we love supporting these events! Best, Mark Hickcox, CF The Victory Racing Plate Company President, Farrier Industry Association
5 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Executive Director’s Report Dear AFA and FIA Members, Welcome to summer! I hope the longer days are being good to you and your families and that you’re finding joy (and plenty of fans) in each and every day! As Hank mentioned in his letter, our days as AFA/FIA staff have taken on a whole new dimension lately! After being notified on the last day of March that we need to move by July, it’s been a mad dash looking for an office space that will meet our needs, getting ourselves packed (taking especially good care of all of our very special memorabilia!) and moving to a new space. But, despite all of that, I’m encouraged by leadership’s intent to look for a more permanent home and excited that we can put this behind us, settle in, and get back to our daily routines! So, please help us serve you by updating your records with our *new* address. And please stop in and see us the next time you find yourself in Lexington! 2201 Regency Road, Suite 704 Lexington, KY 40503 This time of year also means “budget time” at the AFA, and I would be remiss if I didn’t take a minute to thank our Treasurer, Tim Byrne, CJF, and his Finance Committee for the many hours of time they devote to this process! Despite several years of increasing costs in literally every area of doing business, Tim and his team have managed to keep us on track, and our Board of Directors and Committee Chairs have continued that great work by being wise stewards of our Association finances throughout the year. It’s not an easy task – or a fun one! – and I am deeply grateful for our leadership team. On to more fun topics, we hosted our first contest in the 2023 series and American Farriers Team Trials in May, and what a tough field it was! You can find the results on page 7 of this issue, but I’d like to especially congratulate Bodie Trnka, CJF on coming in 1st Overall (winning both the Euro Bar Shoe and Aluminum Bar Shoe Classes), and Chris Madrid, CJF for winning Best Shod Foot! We truly had an incredible group of competitors this time, and a good time was had by all out at Five Star. Special thanks go out to our judges, Adam Fahr, CJF and Andrew Wells, CJF, as their job was certainly not one that most people would have wanted this time around! This is such a fun issue, as we are finally bringing you information on our 2023 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition! I am always excited to get this process started, and this year may even be more exciting than normal, as we’re rolling out our brand-new Open Jackpot Class! With a winner-take-all/choose-any-partner-you-want format, I’m so looking forward to seeing some top talent in Reno! So, please be sure to take a look at all the contest information in this issue and get yourself registered to join us! It’s going to be a big time out west! Finally, our Cultural Exchange program is having a tremendous year, and I am just thrilled that we are sending four members all over the world this spring and summer! By the time this issue reaches you, Mike Paparo, CJF will have returned from his Switzerland exchange, and Cody Bogard, CJF, TE, DipWCF, Tiffany Gardner, CJF, APF-1 and Levic Rosado, CJF will be heading out to the United Kingdom and surrounding countries, so we’re wishing them all very safe travels and an experience of a lifetime! We can’t wait to hear all about these trips on social media, and of course, at Convention! With that, I’ll finish up by letting you know that we wish you all a very happy and healthy summer ahead, and that as your staff, we look forward to continuing to be of service to you! Cheers, Martha Jones Executive Director American Farrier’s Association & Farrier Industry Association
6 NO FOOT, NO HORSE WE’VE MOVED TO A NEW OFFICE We’re excited to announce that our office has moved to a new location in Lexington! Our new address is 2201 Regency Rd, Suite 704, Lexington, KY 40503. Although moving was not our choice, this move is a step in the next chapter of the American Farrier’s Association. Ultimately, we believe this space will pro - vide a comfortable, secure and modern environment for our team and the AFA family while we search for our “forever home!” Please log our new address in your records and plan to visit us at our new loca - tion if you ever find yourself in the Lexington area! Our phone number and email addresses will remain the same, so you can still contact us through those same ways. We appreciate your understanding during this transition, and we look forward to serving you from our new office space! AFA News & Press Releases NEW IDEAS AND A NEW CLASS AWAIT YOU IN RENO Not only will you find our National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition shoe list in this issue, but by now you should have received your full registration packet in the mail! Please be sure to review that in detail and sign up online through our website OR via our app! As a reminder, competition spots are limited, so the sooner you sign up, the better! New this year! Check out our Open Jackpot Class! This two-man class is open to anyone, and Draft Class rules do not apply (you can choose anyone to be your partner — wheth - er they’ve been a member of a national Team or not). $10,000 is up for grabs in this exciting winner-take-all event! Don’t miss out on your chance to split $10k with your legendary partner! Again, you can see more about this class and all of the shoes selected beginning on page 12 of this issue. Also, certification opportu - nities abound at Convention, so start practicing and continue your journey in Reno! Whether you are pursuing your CF, CTF or CJF — or even one of our higher education endorsements — be sure to sign up today! Space for the Therapeutic Endorsement is limited, so please contact Director, Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF and register online ASAP if you are interested in the TE! REMINDER: NOMINATE FOR OUR ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS It’s been a slow start with nominations for our 2023 Achieve - ment Awards, but don’t worry! The nomination period is open through August 1 (which makes this your final No Foot, No Horse reminder)! Your mailed entry must be postmarked by this date. Please take a few moments to submit nominees who are outstanding contributors to our association and the industry for our 2023 awards. All nominees will be shared with the membership for voting, which makes our awards even more spe - cial to the recipients! Submit those via the nomination form on our website which can be found here: Ameri - canFarriers.org/page/ achievement-awards. Sharon Walker Association Newsletter submissions should be submitted via PDF at the same link as above.
JUNE / JULY 2023 7 AMERICAN FARRIERS TEAM TRIALS: MAY RESULTS What a tremendous first weekend we had at Five Star Horseshoeing School for our 2023 American Farriers Team Trials! Congratulations to all of our competitors on a terrific job – there is no doubt that it was a dog fight — and will be again in August! Special thanks to our judges, Adam Fahr, CJF and Andrew Wells, CJF for shar - ing your time and expertise with us, to Dusty and Staci Franklin for once again being great hosts, to all of our sponsors whose generosity allows us to hold these contests, and of course, to our AFT Committee and Team Manager, Travis Smith, CJF for the hours they devote to a truly incredible Team selection process. Make plans now to join us for our next contest taking place Au - gust 25-26. You won’t want to miss the next round, we promise! *You don’t have to be trying to earn a spot on the AFT to com - pete against some of the very best in the nation in one of the coolest contest formats around! Big thanks to Cody Gregory, CJF, AWCF, ASF and Matt Findler for joining us this time around! Current Team Standings: Competitor Team Points Bodie Trnka, CJF 37 Chris Madrid, CJF 36 Lamar Weaver, CJF 28 Tom Petersen, CJF 28 Sawyer Spradling, CJF 26 Daniel Jones, CJF 25 Rory Bauer, CJF 15 Spencer Braswell, CJF 13 Cody Gregory, CJF, AWCF, ASF N/A Matt Findler N/A * May Trials Best Shod Foot Award: Chris Madrid, CJF! *
8 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Certification Schedule of AFA Approved Certifications & Tester Updates Craig Stark, CJF - Certification Committee Chairman, (918) 857-0771 Lucas Gilleland, CJF - Pre-Certification Committee Chairman, (678) 873-2555 Online Registration through the AFA Certification Calendar required for all Certifications July 8-9 Ontario Pre-Certification Clinic Host: Ontario Farriers Association Location: Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre 6920 Concession 1 RR2, Puslinch, ON N0B 2J0, Canada Instructors: Mike Poe, CJF; Hank Chisholm, CJF Contact: Ali Carpenter – 613-207-0112 July 21 Quebec Tester Update Host: Association des Marechaux Ferrant du Quebec Location: Les Ecuries West-Class 870 Joliette Nord, Saint-Amable, QC J0L 1N0 Canada Examiner: Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF Contact: Francis Dufresne-Cyr, CJF – 514-707-3854, francis_dufresnecyr@ hotmail.com July 21-22 Quebec Certification Host: Association des Marechaux Ferrant du Quebec Location: Les Ecuries West-Class 870 Joliette Nord, Saint-Amable, QC J0L 1N0 Canada Examiner: Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF All Levels/Areas Offered ONLINE Registration Only: AmericanFarriers.org Contact: Francis Dufresne-Cyr, CJF – 514-707-3854, francis_dufresnecyr@ hotmail.com July 22 California Certification 1 Host: Western States Farriers Association Location: Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School 5225 Carbondale Rd, Plymouth, CA 95669 Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF All Levels/Written and Shoe Exams ONLY ONLINE Registration Only: AmericanFarriers.org Contact: Tiffany Gardner, CJF, APF-I – 214- 236-6754, [email protected] July 23 California Certification 2 Host: Western States Farriers Association Location: Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School 5225 Carbondale Rd, Plymouth, CA 95669 Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF All Levels/Written & Shoe Exams ONLY ONLINE Registration Only: AmericanFarriers.org Contact: Tiffany Gardner, CJF, APF-I – 214-236-6754, gardnersequine @gmail.com September 15 Michigan Tester Update Host: Michigan Horseshoers Association Location: Detweiler’s Shop 8810 Nashville Hwy, Vermontville, MI 49096 Examiner: Jacob Manning, CJF Contact: Jennifer Horn, CJF – 906-440-2537, [email protected] September 15-16 Michigan Certification Host: Michigan Horseshoers Association Location: Detweiler’s Shop 8810 Nashville Hwy, Vermontville, MI 49096 Examiner: Jacob Manning, CJF All Levels/Areas Offered ONLINE Registration Only: AmericanFarriers.org Contact: Jennifer Horn, CJF – 906-440-2537, [email protected] October 13 Ohio Tester Update Host: Mid-Eastern Farriers Association Location: 586 Anderson Hozak Rd, Clinton, PA 15026 Examiner: Eric Gilleland, CJF, TE, FE Contact: David Bentrem, CJF – 412-580-4458, dbhorseshoeinginc @gmail.com October 14 Ohio Certification Host: Mid-Eastern Farriers Association Location: Grizzle Ridge Arena 52106 Grizzle Ridge Rd, Jerusalem, OH 43747 Examiner: Eric Gilleland, CJF, TE, FE All Levels/Areas Offered ONLINE Registration Only: AmericanFarriers.org Contact: David Bentrem, CJF – 412-580-4458, dbhorseshoeinginc@ gmail.com
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10 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Calendar of Events We encourage you to contact the local host of any event you were planning to attend to see if it is still taking place. The AFA does not necessarily receive notification of all event postponements and cancellations. Thank you! July 20-22 Colorado Classic Forging and Horseshoeing Competition Host: Rocky Mountain Farriers Association Location: Middlepark Fairgrounds 210 11th St, Kremmling, CO 80459 Judge: Bodie Trnka, CJF Contact: Jake Maestas, CJF, EE – 505-614-4678 July 28-29 Minnesota Farrier’s Association Contest Host: Minnesota Farrier’s Association Location: 26950 Lyons St NE, North Branch, MN 55056 Judge - Adam Fahr, CJF Contact: Josh Ramsey, CJF 940-765-6979 [email protected] July 28-29 Land of Lincoln Horseshoers Association Summer Clinic Host: Land of Lincoln Horseshoers Association Location: 13210 State Rte 17, Wyoming, IL 61491 Judge - Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF Contact: Brandon Stubbs CJF, 217-320- 9775, [email protected] August 4-5 Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association Contest Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association Location: Miami University Equestrian Center 4950 Oxford Trenton Rd, Oxford, OH 45056 Judge: Stan Mullen, CJF Contact: Nate Crumley, CJF – 330-464-0664 August 18 SWOFA Hammer-In Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association Location: 4870 Hanson Hill Rd, Stockport, OH 43787 Contact: Mike Augenstein, CJF – 740-525-0529 August 26 Empire State Farrier’s Association 2023 Clinic Location: Southlands Foundation, 5771 Rt 9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Host: Empire State Farrier’s Association Clinician: Caleb Swarr, CJF Contact: Tom DuBois tomdubois109@ gmail.com (845) 800-3656 August 27 ESFA 2023 Contest Location: Dutchess County Fairgrounds, 6636 US-9, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Host: Empire State Farrier’s Association Judge: Caleb Swarr, CJF Contact: Tom DuBois tomdubois109@ gmail.com (845) 800-3656 September 15 SWOFA Hammer-In Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association Location: 11958 Sigal Rd, Germantown, OH 45327 Contact: Jacob Burall, CF – 870-715-5370 September 22-23 We Can Ride Educational Clinic Host: We Can Ride Location: 4301 County Rd 24, Medina, MN 55359 Clinician: Esco Buff, PhD, APF-I, CF Contact: Erin Larson, fundraising@ wecanride.org 612-268-2736 September 22-23 Derby City Annual Contest & Clinic Host: Derby City Horseshoeing Association Location: Stone Place Stables, 7718 Rose Island Rd, Prospect, KY 40059 Judge/Clinician: Jake Engler, CJF Contact: Conrad Trow, CJF, 502-321-0979 [email protected] September 23 Northeast Farrier Supply Clinic Host: Northeast Farrier Supply Location: 210 Holabird Ave, Winsted, CT 06098 Clinician: Daniel Jones, CJF Contact: Vin Giannetti – 413-348-4867, [email protected] October 6-7 GPFA Fall Clinic & Contest Host: Georgia Professional Farriers Association Location: TBD Clinician/Judge: Edward O’Shaughnessy Contact: Eric Gray, CJF – 770-238-2951, [email protected] October 6-7 MFA Competition and Clinic Host: Mideastern Farriers Association Location: Foster Equine Boarding and Rescue, 60500 Parch Rd, New Concord, OH 43762 Judge: Stan Mullen, CJF Contact: Cecil Booth – 740-644-3228 October 20-21 Rocky Mountain Farriers Association Fall Clinic Host: Rocky Mountain Farriers Association Location: Grand Junction, CO Clinician: TBD Contact: Bill Heflin, CJF – 575-313-1882 October 21 Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing Clinic Where: Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing 400 Lewis Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904 Host: Alabama Professional Farriers Association Clinician: Bobby Menker, CJF, APF-1 Contact: Tom McNew 256 490 3788 November 3-5 Fall Conference & Competition Host: Western Canadian Farriers Association Location: Chilliwack, BC Canada Judges: Chad Chance, CJF, Travis Burns, MSc, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF, Marie MacQuarrie, CJF, AWCF Contact: Kim Lacey, [email protected] or visit wcfa.ca
\ WINBIGINRENO Improve your practice by being part of the education, competition and networking at the AFA Convention November 6-10, 2023 SPEAKER LINEUP • Diego Almeida, CJF, TE, EE, FE, AWCF • Jacob Butler, CJF, AWCF • Danny Elliot, DipWCF • Jake Engler, CJF • Cody Franklin, CJF • Steve Kraus, CJF • Caleb Owens, CJF • Jim Poor, CJF • Derek Poupard, CJF, DipWCF • Andy Reader-Smith, AWCF • Dr. Ellen Staples, DVM, CJF • Garrett Stark, CJF • Mike Wharton, CJF Jim Linzy Memorial Speaker: Aksel Vibe, AWCF REGISTER ONLINE AT AMERICANFARRIERS.ORG OR BY CALLING 859-233-7411. You also can find information about registering for the competition, and making reservations at the Atlantis Casino Report Spa, the AFA Host Hotel.
12 NO FOOT, NO HORSE 2023 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition in Reno, Nevada Competition Judges Intermediate Division Open Division: (Pictured left to right) Jake Engler, CJF Jim Poor, CJF Andrew Reader-Smith, AWCF Elevate your education to new heights and compete this year at the 2023 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition! The contest will be conducted in rounds of 20 AFA provided forging stations which means competitors have opportunities to take in a lot of the convention lectures, demos and other activities. Competitors do not need to haul a station to compete. The Intermediate Division is open to farriers who have never won the Intermediate Division or competed in the Open Division (2-Person Draft excluded) at a prior convention competition. Open Division competitors wishing to be considered for the American Farriers Team must have attained the AFA CJF certifi cation, have previously qualifi ed during 2023 Team Trials, be a citizen of the United States (or have attained permanent resident status), and must have a valid passport. The contest will be conducted in rounds of 20 AFA provided forging stations. The Top 20 will be determined by the overall average of all 3 individual classes. Please see all of the competition rules at the end of this document. Chairman: Justin Fry, CJF Members: Phillip Box, CJF; Troy Colglazier, CJF; Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWCF; Bryan Osborne, CJF; Tom Petersen, CJF; Matthew Shaklee, CF; Travis Smith, CJF; Conrad Trow, CJF, DipWCF; Andrew Wells, CJF Rules Committee 2023 American Farriers Team: (Pictured left to right) Tom Petersen, CJF Chris Madrid, CJF Bodie Trnka, CJF Daniel Jones, CJF Sawyer Spradling, CJF Hank Chisholm, CJF (AFA President) Travis Smith, CJF (Team Manager) 1
JUNE / JULY 2023 13 Journeyman Class Forge a full set of shoes, one pair of front shoes and a pair of hind shoes. Time Limit: 45 minutes PAIR OF FRONTS • 12” x 3/8” x 3/4” • Fullered & toe clipped, hammer finished • Punched for six Kahn Forge 5 city slim nails • Measures 5 3/16” wide x 5 3/16” long PAIR OF HINDS • 11 1/2” x 3/8” x 3/4” • Fullered with quarter clips,, hammer finished • Punched for six Kahn Forge 5 city slim nails • Measures 4 3/4” wide x 5 3/16” long Roadster Class The Roadster Class, open to all open division competitors, requires forging two shoes: Concave Front Roadster with Inner Web and Fullered Hind Plate. Time Limit: 45 minutes 1. CONCAVE FRONT ROADSTER WITH INNER WEB • 11” x 1/2” x 1” • Masselotte toe clip • Punched for six Liberty E6 Slim Nails • Measures 5 1/2” wide x 5 1/2” long 2. FULLERED HIND PLATE • 11 1/2” x 3/8” x 3/4” • Fullered, hammer drawn toe clip • Punched for six Liberty 5 City or 5 Slim Nails • Measures 5” wide x 5 1/4” long
14 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Specialty Forging Class The AFA Rules Committee will select three shoes from a list of six. Competitors will learn during the on-site competitors meeting which shoes they will make. Time Limit: 90 minutes 1. CAULK AND FEATHER • 12-1/2” x 3/8” x 3/4” • Punched for six Mustad E4 Nails • Measures 4-7/8” wide x 6” long 2. SLIDING PLATE • 10” x 1/4” x 1 1/4” • Punched for eight Mustad 4.5 Race Nails • Measures 4 5/8” wide x 5 1/4” long 3. ROCKER BAR • 12 1/2” x 1/2” x 3/4” • Punched for six Mustad 5 Combo Nails • Measures 5 1/4” wide x 5 3/8” long • Bar measures 3” 4. HIND PREVENTER BAR • 14 1/2” x 3/8” x 3/4” • Punched for five Mustad 5 Combo Nails • Measures 5” wide x 5 5/16” long • Bar measures 3 3/16”
JUNE / JULY 2023 15 6. OMNIDIRECTIONAL BREAKER EGGBAR • 14” x 1/2” x 3/4” • Masselotte toe clip, hammer finish • Punched for six Mustad E5 Nails • Measures 5 1/4” wide x 6 1/4” long 5. HIND CAULK AND WEDGE • 10” x 1/2” x 3/4” • Bob punched, toe clip, 3/4 fullered • Punched for six Mustad E4 Slim Nails • Measures 4 5/8” wide x 5 1/4” long Live Shoeing Class: The Capewell North American Challenge Cup The top twenty from the high score averages of the Journeyman Class, the Roadster Class and the Specialty Forging Class will compete in The Capewell North American Challenge Cup Live Shoeing Class in reverse order, with the competitor in 20th place competing first and the competitor in 1st place competing last. You will forge the same shoes as made in the Roadster Class. Contestants will be allowed a striker; the striker may not rasp or hold the hammer and tongs at the same time. A front or hind foot will be shod with a hand-forged shoe made from 14” X 3/8” X 3/4” bar stock (provided). 14” X 3/8” X 1” bar stock will also be available for bigger feet should the 3/8” X 3/4” not be appropriate. The toe-clipped shoe will be fullered and punched with 6 nail holes for appropriate Capewell city head or slim nails, which will be provided by the stewards. Competitors must use the nails provided and the required number of nails per shoe. The roadster shoe will be forged for the same side as in the Roadster Class and made from 11” X 1/2” X 1” bar stock. The shoe will be punched with 6 nail holes for E6 slim nails. The specimen shall be 5 1/2” wide (tolerance +/- 1/8 of an inch), with the width measured on the ground surface. A time limit of 15 minutes is set for hoof preparation, and to facilitate the judging process competitors will begin at specific intervals. The competitor will notify the steward when the foot is ready to be judged. The first judge will score the dressed foot. The next judge will score shoe quality and fit. Stewards will notify the judge when this portion is ready to be judged. Competitors should allow enough time to nail and finish. After time expires, the third judge will score nailing and finish. A finished job is defined as a foot with nails clinched which by definition means the nails are at least bent down against the hoof wall. A competitor will be disqualified if the time limit is exceeded. The competitor must still complete the horse, even if time has expired. A scoreboard will show names and scores of the competitors; however, specimen shoe scores will be kept confidential until the Grand Finale Banquet. Score sheets will be emailed after the banquet for competitor review.
16 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Awards In addition to the awards mentioned with the specific classes, other awards include: Overall High Point Award National High Point Award Intermediate Overall High Point Award Reserve National High Point Award Two-Person Draft Class One competitor will make a pair of front shoes from 17” x 1/2” x 1 1/4” bar stock, hammer-drawn toe clip, scotch heels, fullered, and punched for eight E-10 nails. The other will make a pair of hind shoes from 16” x 1/2” x 1 1/4” bar stock, hammer-drawn toe clip, scotch heels, fullered, punched for seven E-10 nails. No filing and sanding, flatters and bob punches are allowed. Intermediate Journeyman Class Intermediate Bar Shoe Class Time Limit: 45 minutes 4 PLAIN STAMPED SHOES 3/8” x 3/4” • Front 11 1/2” – Punched for six 5 Slim Nails, toe clips • Hind 11” – Punched for six 5 City Slim Nails, quarter clips ONE PLAIN STAMPED HIND SHOE • 11" x 3/8" x 3/4" • Quarter Clips • Punched for six 5 Slim Nails Time Limit: 45 minutes ONE FRONT STRAIGHT BAR SHOE • 14” x 3/8” x 3/4” • Fullered • Punched for six 5 Slim Nails
JUNE / JULY 2023 17 Judge - William J Lewis, CJF (Winner of the 2022 Vern Hornquist Memorial Class Time Limit: 60 minutes ROLLED TOE STRAIGHTBAR • 15 1/2” X 3/8” X 3/4” • Rolled toe, hammer finish, open end crease • Punched for six Liberty LX 50 Nails • Measures 5 1/8” wide x 5 3/4” long Intermediate Specialty Forging Class The AFA Rules Committee will select 2 of the 3 shoes. Competitors will learn during the on-site competitors meeting which shoes they will make. Time Limit: 90 minutes Vern Hornquist Memorial Class 3. HUNTER FRONT • 12 1/2” x 1/2” x 3/4” • Masselotte toe clip • Punched for six Liberty E5 Nails • Measures 5 1/2” wide x 5 1/2” long 1. COLLATERAL LIGAMENT SHOE • 12” x 3/8” x 1” • Punched for six Liberty E4 Nails • Measures 5 3/4” wide x 5 3/4” long 2. REVERSE SHOE • 12” x 3/8” x 3/4” • Punched for six Liberty E4 Nails • Measures 5 1/4” wide x 5 1/4” long
18 NO FOOT, NO HORSE The Open Jackpot Class is a two-person class. Two of the four shoes shown below will be selected and announced at the Competitors Meeting on Monday evening. Each competitor must make a shoe. Two-person teams may be comprised of anyone, there are no restrictions on past Team participants. Time Limit: 45 minutes Open Jackpot Class 1. DRAFT DOBBER HIND • 17 1/2” x 1/2” x 1 1/4” • Hammer drawn toe clip, plain stamped • Punched for seven E10 nails • Measures 7” wide x 7” long 2. HIND BEVEL • 16” x 1/2” x 1 1/4” • Masselotte toe clip • Punched for seven E8 nails • Measures 7 1/4” wide x 7 3/8” long 3. TOOL & FULLERED FRONT • 2 pieces, 4 1/2” x 5/8” square • Toe clip • Punched for six E4 nails • Measures 5 3/8” wide x 5” long 4. DRAFT STRAIGHTBAR HIND • 22” x 1/2” x 1 1/4” • Toe clipped, fullered • Punched for seven E10 nails • Measures 7 5/8” wide x 7 1/4” long • Bar measures 4 3/8”
JUNE / JULY 2023 19 Competition Rules Judging Rules: Judging is based upon rules set forth here, rules and information provided at the on-site competitor’s meeting, photos, and drawings presented by the AFA Rules Committee, and by information forwarded in Chapter Nine (9) of the AFA Certification Study Guide. Forging and/or shoeing that fails to align with these rules and specifications will be disqualified immediately and will not be scored or judged. During judging, competitors are not allowed to talk to judges. Doing so will be grounds for disqualification. Spectators may watch the judging process, but may not interfere with or question the judges. When possible, horses and/or shoes will be available for inspection upon completion of judging. Judge’s score sheets will not be available to competitors or spectators before the announcement of class winners. Entry Fees for Contest: Forging competitions are open to everyone on a first come, first served basis according to the date received in the AFA office. This will apply when contest space is limited. AFA Members: $350 plus the $150 station and propane fee to enter all classes. Non-AFA Members: $500 plus the $150 station and propane fee to enter all classes. The Draft Class is a separate entry. The Open Jackpot Class is a separate entry. All entries must be received in the office by September 15, 2023. Refund Policy: Within 4 weeks (by October 6, 2023): 100% refund less a $25 fee • Within 2 weeks (by October 20, 2022): 50% refund • Less than 2 weeks before the start of competition: No refund except in case of injury, then money is applied to next year. Email refund request to: info@ americanfarriers.org. On-Site Veterinarian: A veterinarian will be present during all live shoeing activities. If a medical condition occurs during shoeing, time will be stopped and an examination completed. If the competitor causes such a condition, he/she will be disqualified. If the competitor does not cause such a condition, he/she may continue without penalty. Horse Handlers: Each competitor is responsible for supplying his or her own horse handler for the live shoeing classes. The handler will not aid, assist, advise, or in any way be involved with the competitor during shoeing. No restraining device, such as a twitch or war bridle, is permitted. The use of lip, mouth, nose or bar chain is allowed, provided no abuse to the animal is rendered by its use. Stewards: A steward will be assigned to each competitor. The steward shall ensure compliance with the competition rules by the competitor and notify the Chief Steward for any breach of rules. In live shoeing classes, the steward will bring the horse to the competitor’s horse handler and return the horse to the holding area after competition. Propane and Safety Glasses: In the interest of safety, propane cylinders are rented at the competition site, and no outside cylinders are allowed. All persons on the competition floor will be required to wear safety glasses. Competitors who fail to do so will be immediately disqualified from the respective class. Handlers, stewards, or other persons on the competition floor who refuse to wear safety glasses will be asked to leave the competition floor immediately. AFA Team Membership: To be eligible for the American Farriers Team, a competitor must be an AFA member in good standing, an AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier, have previously qualified during 2023 Team Trials, be a citizen of the United States (or have attained permanent resident status), and must have a valid passport. Foreign Materials: All shoes and feet must be completely free of foreign material. Waxing, oiling or otherwise treating shoes or hooves will result in disqualification. Disqualification: Prior to judging, the Chief Steward has the final authority to disqualify competitors for non-compliance with stated rules and/or for other inappropriate actions, including but not limited to using abusive or profane language, evidencing general conduct unbecoming of a professional farrier, laming a horse during live shoeing, and/or abusing a horse during live shoeing. Bar Stock: All bar stock will bear the mark of the AFA and will be furnished to competitors just before the Chief Steward calls for the competition to begin. Bar stock may not be marked or cut by the competitor before starting the class. Tools and Devices: Hand tools and top anvil tools are allowed. No mechanical benders are permitted. A top anvil toe bender that is non-mechanical, non-hydraulic, or non-electric, or any other device powered by the competitor, is considered a top anvil tool and is permitted. Grinders, stall jacks, portable anvils or devices other than a stationary anvil are not allowed. A shoeing block or foot stand shall be used only to rest hooves. Site Information: For set up, competitors will be on rubber mats provided by the American Farrier’s Association. All stations include an anvil, forge, vise, and tray table provided by the American Farrier’s Association.
20 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Thrush: Annoyance or Threat? By Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE, AWCF Thrush is perhaps one of the most common pathologies that we see in horses, and it is one of the easiest issues to ignore. Yes, it smells bad, and yes, it looks unsightly. But the horse is sound and the hoof looks fine from the top, so it’s out of sight, out of mind for many horse owners. Even farriers who understand the negative effects get burned out on telling clients to treat the thrush over and over with no results: eventually they just stop mentioning it at all. So is it worth the hassle to convince the client, and is it worth the horse owner’s time to treat it every day? We all know what thrush looks and smells like. Thick, black discharge, often along with a tattered, weak frog, and a foul scent that you only have to smell once to recognize for the rest of your life. We know that it damages frog tissue, but if the horse isn’t lame, is it really a big deal? The answer, of course, is yes, from multiple different perspectives. Although thrush itself doesn’t cause lameness, it destroys the protective insensitive frog that covers the sensitive structures underneath. Where a horse used to be able to walk across rocks with no problem, a single stone putting pressure on the sensitive frog will cause severe, if short lived, lameness. Even working in a sand arena can be painful for a horse with severe thrush. If the central sulcus is infected and splits up past the heels, grit and sand can work its way deep into the foot, made more painful with every movement of the heel bulbs. And if something as large as a rock or sand can get through to sensitive structures, imagine the bacteria found in everyday dirt and manure getting crammed up into the frog corium, solar corium, or even the digital cushion1 . Although uncommon, severe thrush can open the door for infections similar to those seen with puncture wounds. Worst case? Blood infections or sepsis are on the table2 . Especially in hooves with severe central sulcus thrush or such a severe infection that the frog is structurally almost absent, the hoof mechanism is certainly compromised. The healthy frog is an important shock absorber, allows for the expansion and contraction of the heels under load, and acts as a flexible connection between the two heels. When it’s nonfunctional, shock transfers to deeper structures, the heels may begin to contract, and the heels are allowed far more independent movement. Deep central sulcus thrush is often seen in conjunction with sheared heels, although what is cause and what is effect in that scenario has not yet been proven. It stands to reason though that a horse with a compromised frog would have less resistance to imbalance and uneven stress than a healthy, robust frog. So what is thrush and where does it come from? Why do some horses in the same barn get it while others are fine, or even one hoof is effected and the rest are healthy? Thrush is an anaerobic bacteria that attacks insensitive tissue. There are several different bacteria that have been cited as the offender, including Spherophorus necrophorus3 and Dichelobacter nodosis, but most commonly Fusobacterium necrophorum. Fusobacterium necrophorum4 is commonly found in both horse and cow manure, and can survive in the soil for months, meaning that it is impossible to prevent exposure. Since it is an anaerobic bacteria, meaning it cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, a hoof packed full of manure is the perfect environment for a population explosion. On the other hand, it cannot invade structures that have blood flow since oxygen is carried in the blood.
JUNE / JULY 2023 21 Another fascinating, if unhelpful, feature of Fusobacterium necrophorum is its ability, once established, to release enzymes to degrade the frog5 . It’s the perfect way for the bacteria, which struggles to attack healthy tissue, to give itself a constant food source. Given the bacteria’s difficulty in attacking healthy frog tissue, why do horses with otherwise healthy hooves sometimes get thrush? One possible answer is urine’s ability to damage horn. Horses who are stalled frequently may end up standing on urine-soaked bedding for long periods of time, and uric acid is known to break down horn, allowing easier access to opportunistic bacteria6 . Horses who are exposed to moisture, especially mud and manure, are also prone to thrush, as well as horses who wear pads. All of these situations easily create anaerobic environments, perfect for bacterial growth. Long footed horses7 , horses with upright or club feet, or horses with long neglected feet are also at risk. The deeper the frog is in the hoof and the deeper the sulci are, the less likely the hoof is to “self clean” as the horse moves. This is why often a high-low horse will have recurrent thrush in the high foot while the low foot is rarely affected. It also becomes more difficult for a horse owner to thoroughly pick out a deeper hoof. Some sources also suggest that general poor hoof quality from factors including lack of exercise, regular trimming, or poor blood flow might lead to a weaker frog that is ripe for an opportunistic infection8 . So if a horse has thrush, what can be done about it? Although the farrier’s role is important, it is really the horse owner (or groom) who will be the deciding factor when it comes to the success or failure of thrush treatment. The farrier will carefully debride any loose, undermined, or ragged frog tissue, being sure to open up any pockets of infection. During the debridement, the farrier should take care not to knife any sensitive tissue. Of course, an open cut on the bottom of a horse’s hoof is a prime area for infection. The debridement is an important step, first because it exposes all areas of infection to oxygen, and secondly because it opens these areas to treatment by the horse owner. The next step the farrier should take is to educate the client. There is no minimum standard test that a horse owner has to take to get their first horse, and relatively few horse owners have any formal training regarding horse care. It is easy to make the assumption that because someone has owned horses for many years that they will know the basics of thrush treatment, but they may have been very lucky and never run into it in the past. Start the explanation with the basics: what thrush is, how to recognize it, and what the possible effects of it are. It is also helpful to demonstrate for the owner how your thrush medication of choice should be applied. Many people find a thrush remedy ineffective simply because they are using it incorrectly. The next steps rely on the client. First, try to improve any environmental factors that can be changed. If the horses are stabled in dirty stalls, a complete strip of the stall may be in order. Non-absorptive bedding such as straw can be changed to pine shavings. If horses are normally turned out in muddy paddocks, they might have to be turned out in a drier environment until conditions improve. The client should rethink drainage if the mud is a habitual problem.
22 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Educated and armed with a topical thrush treatment, it is now their job to carefully pick out the hoof every day. The hoof picking can be the make-or-break moment of whether treatment will be successful or not: the best medication will not work if it’s applied to a half inch of dirt that is covering the frog. Hoof picking should be thorough but careful, especially if the thrush is severe enough that sensitive tissue is exposed. An exposed frog corium may be easily bled with a hoof pick. If the central sulcus is very deep and is difficult to clean, new gauze 4x4s can be used to gently “floss” the central sulcus. When the hoof picking occurs also makes a difference. Picking feet directly before turning the horse out in the mud isn’t as effective as picking out feet when the horse comes in. Once a day is good but if the horse owner is handling their horse more than once a day they will get faster results by doing it even more often. When the frog is very clean, thrush medication can be applied. What medication is used is probably best left up to the farrier. Certain medications work better for surface thrush vs very deep pockets, so the farrier can observe the individual case and pick an option. One rule that should be observed is to avoid caustic treatments if there is exposed sensitive tissue as these may be very painful for the horse and lead to the horse becoming uncooperative. Regardless of the chosen medication, getting it to the infected area is important. In very deep pockets, using a plastic syringe with a long tip (without a needle) and injecting the medication down into the fissure insures thorough medication. For severe central sulcus infections, it may be helpful to soak a cotton ball in the medication and push it into the central sulcus as far as possible, allowing the medication to seep out into every part of the fissure. Treatment should be continued until there are no longer deep pockets or cracks in the frog and the signs of thrush are gone. At that point, regular hoof picking should be continued although medication may be stopped. Thrush is an infection and should be taken seriously, but the prognosis is good if the horse owner is consistent with the treatment plan. The outcome is truly in the hands of the horse owner. References 1. The Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse, Mike Ross and Sue Dyson, 2003 pg. 277 2. Adams’ Lameness in Horses, Ted Stashak, 1987, pg. 541 3. Adam’s Lameness in Horses, Ted Stashak, 1987, pg. 540 4. The Hoof of the Horse, Simon Curtis, 2018, pg. 137 5. Equine Podiatry, Andrea Floyd and Richard Mansmann, 2007, pg. 237 6. The Hoof of the Horse, Simon Curtis, 2018, pg. 137 7. The Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse, Mike Ross and Sue Dyson, 2003 pg. 277 8. Equine Podiatry, Andrea Floyd and Richard Mansmann, 2007, pg. 237 AND FootPro CS PLUS Hoof Treatment ■ Clay based ■ Easily spread, leaves no stain on your fingers ■ Hoof treatment with copper sulfate, iodine, venice turpentine and tea tree oil ■ Treats hoof separations or surface pockets in the sole and frog Diamond Frog Dressing ■ Gel formula that does not run ■ Flexible tip applicator ■ Bonds to the hoof protein to form a barrier between thrush and healthy tissue ■ Reduces bacteria and fungi without harming the surrounding tissue Find an FPD dealer near you online at farrierproducts.com or call (800) 468-2879. facebook @farrierproductdistribution | instagram @fpdinc | youtube @farrierproducts USE KERCKHAERT HORSESHOES AND LIBERTY HORSESHOE NAILS WITH YOUR HOOFCARE REGIMEN. FootPro DIM Impression Material ■ Non-toxic, non-allergenic, moldable two-part dental grade silicone ■ Use with a pad to provide either a soft cushion (DIM20), or a firm supportive material (DIM40) ■ Available in 2lb or 4lb PREVENTION TREATMENT FOR THE SOLE & FROG FPD IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE AFA AND ITS EVENTS
JUNE / JULY 2023 23 Case Study: Leo By Jamie Secoura, CJF, TE This article was submitted as a requirement of the Therapeutic Endorsement. For the Therapeutic Endorsement exam, we are required to present two case studies. One of my case studies was part of the qualification process and featured a 20-year-old Thoroughbred gelding named Leo. He had a history of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) and chronic laminitis. Endocrinopathic laminitis can develop in horses with endocrine/metabolic issues such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and PPID. PPID can cause hormone dysregulation leading to a hyperglycemic state, ultimately causing insulin dysregulation. Insulin dysregulation interferes with cellular signaling causing an overproduction of the insulin-like growth factor 1. This causes an increase in mitotic activity of epidermal basal cells, leading to the lengthening and stretching of the secondary lamellae. Over time this can lead to the signs we associate with chronic laminitis such as dorsal wall flare/ distortion, abnormal growth rings that are compressed at the toe and wider at heels, and distal displacement of the third phalanx (P3) within the hoof capsule. According to the attending veterinarian, Leo had been acutely lame for the last two shoeing cycles. He was trimmed and shod 2 weeks prior to my first visit and had been kept on a 5-week cycle (Image 1). Radiographs were taken at the time of the last farrier visit (Images 2 and 3) showing excessive divergence of the dorsal wall from P3, remodeling at the tip of P3, and subjectively there appears to be minimal sole depth. Upon my first evaluation with the attending vet, Leo presented with a grade 4/5 lameness (on the AAEP scale) on the left front limb. He had been shod with an Equicast EVA wood shoe and Equicast casting material. He was missing the right front shoe. After removal of the left front shoe a subsolar abscess was discovered in the medial heel. 1 2 To learn more about the therapeutic endorsement and how to apply, visit AmericanFarriers.org.
24 NO FOOT, NO HORSE 3 4 5 9 10 11 6 7 8
JUNE / JULY 2023 25 Our initial treatment plan was to achieve a balanced hoof trim and to address the subsolar abscess. Our trimming goals were to align the hoof capsule with the coffin bone by addressing the dorsal wall distortion, reducing the excessive toe length and elevated heels, and bringing breakover point closer to underneath the tip of P3 (Images 4 and 5). The trimming principles are meant to reduce stress and strain on the laminar interface that occurs as the deep digital flexor tendon pulls on the coffin bone to flex the digit. Due to Leo’s discomfort and the owner’s cost, we did not take additional radiographs prior to trimming. The subsolar abscess tract was opened up to allow for drainage. The owner was then instructed to continue treatment by soaking the hoof in warm Epsom salt water, packing with sugar and iodine paste, and wrapping with bandaging materials. This was done once daily for 7 days. Leo spent two 4-week trimming cycles barefoot in Softride hoof boots while the abscess was resolving and for ease of frequent trimming. After this, his lameness had greatly improved. On my third visit with Leo, we decided to apply Sound Horse Technologies Series One glue-on shoes (Images 6 and 7). We went with these shoes because of Leo’s weak and poor quality hoof wall left little to nail to, he was extremely sensitive to the concussion of nailing, and he was historically a chronic shoe puller. Leo responded well to this shoeing set up and was very comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. Two weeks after the previous shoeing, we got a call from the owner that Leo was non-weightbearing on his right front limb. The owner let us know that the horse came up lame after he was galloping around the field. The veterinarian examined the horse and found that Leo had elevated digital pulses and was positive to hoof testers across the entire solar surface of the right front foot. New radiographs were taken including a 65 degree dorsoproximal-palmarodistal view (Image 8) and 65 degree dorsoproximal 45 degree lateral-medial palmarodistal view (Image 9) which showed a type II sagittal articular fracture of P3. This was likely to have occurred secondary to the coffin bone demineralization due to chronic laminitis combined with the trauma of the horse running around the field. A new treatment plan was devised with the additional goal of stabilizing the hoof capsule and the coffin bone. Since the Sound Horse Technologies glue on shoes were previously applied we chose to add a urethane pour-in pad (Equipak) to limit distal displacement of P3 (Image 10). Due to the horse’s discomfort, we decided to also apply Equicast to cast around the shoe and foot to further limit expansion of the hoof capsule while weightbearing (Image 11). Unfortunately due to financial constraints of the owner and the poor prognosis for return to soundness the owner elected to humanely euthanize the horse. Although the outcome was less than desired, this case challenged me with many obstacles to work through and think outside the box. I am always grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with veterinarians on cases and work as a team to further the welfare of the horse.
26 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Event Wrap-Ups North Carolina Horseshoers Association Certification The North Carolina Horseshoers Association had a great turnout for their Spring Certification on April 28-29 in Winston Salem. A good number of people were able to pass and achieve their certification goals this weekend. Thank you to Examiner Alan Larson, CJF, as well as Testers, Joey Hite, CJF, Rick Lankford, CJF, and Marcus Evans, CJF. Your dedication in appreciated. Thanks also to Steve Allred for sharing your, horses and your terrific team. The North Carolina Horseshoers Association had a great turnout for their Spring Certification on April 28-29 in Winston-Salem. A good number of people were able to pass and achieve their certification goals this weekend. Thank you to Examiner Alan Larson, CJF, as well as Testers, Joey Hite, CJF, Rick Lankford, CJF, and Marcus Evans, CJF. Your dedication is appreciated. Thanks also to Steve Allred for sharing your horses and your terrific team.
JUNE / JULY 2023 27 Oregon Farrier’s Association Certification The Oregon Farriers Association held a certification on April 28-29 at Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic. Justin Frank, CJF, DipWCF, was the Examiner and the group appreciates him. Amanda Smith drove up from California and passed her CF practical and completed her CF. Anthony Moore passed the CF shoe board and practical, the forging demonstration and has also completed his CF. Charlie Sayer passed the bar shoe demonstration for the Journeyman. Jesse Hunter from BC completed his Journeyman. Safe to say it was a huge success! Thank you to Testers Scott Smith, CJF, Butch Whitaker, CJF, and Josh Cotton, CJF, as well as Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic for being able to host such a great event! Thank you to those still working on all aspects of certification and showing up! Finally, thank you Scott Depalo for supplying a handful of wonderful horses to work on. The Oregon Farrier’s Association held a certification on April 28-29 at Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic. Justin Frank, CJF, DipWCF, was the Examiner and the group appreciates him. Amanda Smith drove up from California and passed her CF practical and completed her CF. Anthony Moore passed the CF shoe board and practical, the forging demonstration and has also completed his CF. Charlie Sayer passed the bar shoe demonstration for the Journeyman. Jesse Hunter from British Columbia completed his Journeyman. Safe to say it was a huge success! Thank you to Testers Scott Smith, CJF, Butch Whitaker, CJF, and Josh Cotton, CJF, as well as Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic for being able to host such a great event! Thank you to those still working on all aspects of certification and showing up! Finally, thank you Scott Depalo for supplying a handful of wonderful horses to work on.
The FIA MarketPlace: Where Farriers Learn, Connect & Shop! MarketPlace Friends: F.LLI Bassoli, FarrierBox, Indian Creek Forge, Kawell USA, The Shoein’ Shop, Aun�e Em’s High Performance Products LLC Is my farrier missing someone? If so, please visit www.farrierindustry.org to fill out an applica�on to become a MarketPlace exhibitor! We want to thank our MarketPlace sponsors for their help making this event a success!
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30 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Event Wrap-Ups Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association Certification The Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association's Certification took place on April 21-22 at the beautiful facility of Liz Loves in Germantown, Ohio. Thanks to Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF for being an excellent Examiner and running a smooth certification. Thanks to Nate Crumley, CJF, Jared Brown, CJF, and Troy Price, CJF for hustling your butts off testing some great candidates. Also, thanks to Thom Gabel, CJF for providing an absolutely delicious brisket for lunch Saturday. Thanks to Mike Ratermann, CJF, Jacob Burall, CF, Megan Oberer, Kayla Herring and Heather Caplinger for providing some really good horses to take the practicals on. SWOFA wants to give a huge tip of the hat to the candidates! The AFA certification program is completely voluntary and those who pursue their certifications do it to make themselves better farriers. Going through the process can be expensive, stressful and time consuming. It’s a journey that is well worth the effort. The skills picked up along the way and the friendships forged along the way make it all worthwhile. There was some stellar work turned in with tears of happiness and lots of hugs. There was disappointment in falling short on aspects of the tests. For those who may have fell a little short, it’s just a bump in the road and a resolve to go home, study more, practice more, and show up at the next one with a good attitude and the resolve to do better. Overall. the horse is the greatest benefactor from these events because AFA CF and CJF farriers care and strive to do good work. The Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association’s Certification took place on April 21-22 at the beautiful facility of Liz Loves in Germantown, Ohio. Thanks to Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF for being an excellent Examiner and running a smooth certification. Thanks to Nate Crumley, CJF, Jared Brown, CJF, and Troy Price, CJF for hustling your butts off testing some great candidates. Also, thanks to Thom Gabel, CJF for providing an absolutely delicious brisket for lunch Saturday. Thanks to Mike Ratermann, CJF, Jacob Burall, CF, Megan Oberer, Kayla Herring and Heather Caplinger for providing some really good horses for the candidates to take the practicals on. SWOFA wants to give a huge tip of the hat to the candidates! The AFA certification program is completely voluntary and those who pursue their certifications do it to make themselves better farriers. Going through the process can be expensive, stressful and time consuming. It’s a journey that is well worth the effort. The skills picked up along the way and the friendships forged along the way make the challenge all worthwhile. There was some stellar work turned in with tears of happiness and lots of hugs. There was disappointment in falling short on aspects of the tests. For those who may have fell a little short, it’s just a bump in the road and a resolve to go home, study more, practice more, and show up at the next one with a good attitude and the resolve to do better. Overall, the horse is the greatest benefactor from these events because AFA CF and CJF farriers care and strive to do good work.
32 NO FOOT, NO HORSE 4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 1 Lexington, KY 40511 P 859-233-7411 F 859-231-7862 [email protected] www.americanfarriers.org Education – Certification – Communication – Innovation – Research The Official Publication of the American Farrier’s Association Registration Is Now Open for the Convention Don't wait until the last minute. Make your plans for Reno to attend the 52nd Annual American Farrier's Association Annual Convention, November 6-10, 2023. All educational sessions and competitions will take place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Make sure to book your hotel room before the special AFA member price goes up on October 13 or they sell out of rooms. The host hotel is the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. If you call to make your reservation, call 800-722-6500 and reference "2023 American Farrier's Association." You can find a direct link to reserve your room at AmericanFarriers.org in the Convention section. Don't wait until the last minute. Make your plans for Reno to attend the 52nd Annual American Farrier's Association Convention, November 6-10, 2023. All educational sessions and competitions will take place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Make sure to book your hotel room before the special AFA member price goes up on October 13 or before the hotel sells out of rooms. The host hotel is the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. If you call to make youe reservation, call 800-722-6500 and reference "2023 American Farrier's Association." You can find a direct link to reserve your room at AmericanFarriers.org in the Convention section. 2201 Regency Road, Suite 704 Lexington, KY 40503 P 859-233-7411 F 859-231-7862 [email protected] www.americanfarriers.org