DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 No Foot, No Horse Read Our Special Convention Coverage Beginning on Page 8
REGION 1 Alaska, Arizona, Asia, Australia, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Yukon Territory Claude Lyman, CJF (’26) [email protected] Brian Strelow, CJF (‘24) [email protected] Sam Durham, CJF, DipWCF (‘25) durhamfarrierservice@ gmail.com REGION 2 Alberta, Central America, Colorado, Kansas, Manitoba, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming Pat Hall, CJF (‘26) [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 (‘26) [email protected] David Hallock, CJF, AWCF, ASF (‘24) [email protected] Travis (Vern) Powell, CJF, TE, AWCF (‘25) [email protected] REGION 4 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia Marcus Wise, CJF (‘26) [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 (‘26) [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 jacobmanningcjf@hotmail. com 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 Just a few “postcard” views from the 52nd Annual AFA Convention, held in Reno, Nevada. Read our special Convention coverage beginning on Page 8. Photos: Hannah Gunderson 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 Your Membership Benefits 8 Special 2023 Convention Coverage 18 Hobby or Business? 20 Test Yourself: Hoof Capsule Trauma 22 Stoneleigh 2023 24 FIA Member Spotlight 26 Certification 28 Calendar of Events 30 Event Wrap-Ups DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 No Foot, No Horse Read Our Special Convention Coverage Beginning on Page 8
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 3 AFA President’s Letter Dear AFA Members, It seems like just yesterday that we were all heading to Reno for our 52nd Annual Convention, but as I’m writing this, it’s already been nearly a month! Not sure where the time goes anymore, but I am sure that if you missed this year’s Convention, you missed out! It was another awesome week filled with outstanding lectures, an all-star competition, educational opportunities every time you turned around, and my personal favorite, getting to see all of you again. Reno is far for some of us and close for others, and we realize that, but if you have feedback on the site itself, please share that with us. We are looking for a place we can return to out west and would like your thoughts on if the Atlantis and Reno-Sparks Convention Center should be “it”. I can’t talk about the Convention, though, without mentioning our outgoing Convention Committee Chair, Phillip Box, CJF. Phillip has served us so very well in this position for many, many years, and I hope you all will join me in thanking him. He has dedicated an enormous amount of his personal time and energy to ensuring we all have a great week each and every year, and there is absolutely no doubt our Convention is better because of him. He will be missed, but I know he will enjoy some much-deserved time off! Thank you for everything, Phillip! I would also like to thank our outgoing Board members, Lance Yohe, CJF, Janelle Monroe, CF and Eric Gray, CJF. We owe a great deal of gratitude to individuals who decide to serve our association in a leadership capacity, as they both donate their time and help guide us forward with integrity and passion. Not everyone steps up to this plate, and I understand that. But we come from a long line of leaders who have done so selflessly, and without them, I don’t know where we would be. If you see any of these individuals, please join me in thanking them for the time and dedication they’ve given to the AFA. Finally, I have another year remaining in the term I was elected to, and I want you to know I take that privilege very seriously. Throughout the next year, I hope to be a good and faithful representative for each of you, to help leadership and staff carefully steward the upcoming dues increase to the very best of my ability (and answer any questions you may have related to that), to continue to promote our Certification and Pre-Certification programs, and to support all of our Committee Chairs as much as at all possible. I realize not everyone may share the passion I have for the AFA, but without this organization I simply don’t know where I would be. Giving back to each of you is one of the great honors of my lifetime, and I have been humbled by this opportunity. As always, if there’s something on your mind, please feel free to call me any time. Your ideas, concerns and thoughts make our Association better. I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 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. ENERGY! Did you feel it? The AFA 52nd Annual Convention in Reno was energized with AFA and FIA members coming together for learning, competing, and business building. It was great to see and spend time with so many friends and colleagues. FIA MarketPlace growth continued in 2023. Over 100 booths were sold this year, which is more than the last time that we held our event in Reno (2018). This popular western United States location allows our west coast, pacific northwest, desert southwest, and rocky mountain friends a shorter drive and we get to see FIA members that are strong in those regions. The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa offers food and fun to suit anyone’s taste, and didn’t disappoint. Kimberlyn Gilchrist of Kawell USA is the winner of the FIA new logo contest! The new logo had its debut in Reno and Rayzin Kane Business Solutions was stitching it on swag all week. Thank you to everyone that submitted a design. Kawell USA will receive a FIA MarketPlace booth at the 2024 AFA Convention in Chattanooga. Visit Rayzinkane.com to order AFA and FIA branded merch from our official embroiderer. Bob Schantz, CJF, was our 2023 FIA Hall of Legends inductee in Reno. Bob’s farrier career and industry achievements are well known with Forgemaster and Spanish Lake Blacksmith Shop. The International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame member was honored at the annual FIA member breakfast. Thank you to former FIA President Scott Colson, for receiving the award on Bob’s behalf. The FIA member breakfast had another lively panel discussion, hosted by Rob Michel of Oleo Acres Farrier and Blacksmith Supply. It’s great to hear from manufacturers and suppliers about farrier industry issues. How about the FIA contribution to this year’s AFA program? Farrier Family Feud! Thank you to Rob Michel for hosting, and Erin Baayen from Rusty Brown Jewelry for impersonating Vanna White on stage, for this fun and farrier-focused game show. We had a packed hall and some fierce competition, but Jennifer Horn, CJF, had the winning team in this inaugural fun-filled event. Bragging rights, casino chips, and some sweet first place medals were awarded to Jennifer’s team. Thank you to all who competed. We hope to continue this new AFA/FIA tradition in Chattanooga. The next FIA Board of Directors meeting is January 17. Goodbye Reno and hello Chattanooga in 2024. This FIA BOD will have a year “under it’s belt” and build on the success of 2023 while planning next year’s event. I am thankful for the contributions from each board member and the endless FIA energy that Martha and Margie bring to our group. Merry Christmas and happy New Year! Mark Hickcox CF The Victory Racing Plate Company FIA President
Hello and Happy Holidays, AFA and FIA Members! I hope this note finds you all feeling well rested (and possibly recovered, if you got the bug!) from Convention and enjoying a beautiful holiday season with your families and loved ones! Reno was good to us this year, and while it typically takes me several days to feel back in the “swing” of things after Convention, I always come home feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for each and every one of you. Of course, it’s deep gratitude for our legions of volunteers whose energy and passion for helping others throughout the week both inspires and motivates me! But it’s also gratitude for all of our attendees. There are too many instances to count where I’ll pass one of you in the hallway or on the competition floor or in a meeting room, and your encouraging words, your jokes and your smiles always lift me up. So, please know how thankful I am for you and how you make all of my days brighter. And now here we are, rolling into 2024, and while our President thanked our outgoing Board members, I’d like to welcome our incoming! This year our elections included the office of Vice President and a Director in each of our five regions, and we’re so looking forward to their contributions throughout their terms! With that said, please join me in welcoming Jacob Manning, CJF, elected to his first full term as Vice President, Claude Lyman, CJF, newly elected Region 1 Director, Patrick Hall, CJF, newly elected Region 2 Director, Kenny Hoyle, CJF, returning for a second term in Region 3, Marcus Wise, CJF, newly elected Region 4 Director, and Matt Hillegas, CJF, returning for his second term in Region 5! As ever, should you have any questions, concerns, thoughts or ideas, please feel free to reach out to any member of our leadership team! We are also so very thankful for our Committee Chairmen, who devote a mind-blowing number of hours every year to their respective areas. With that in mind, I’d also like to thank Phillip Box, CJF, for his leadership, wise counsel and dedication to leading Convention each year. While he has big shoes to fill, I am sure our newest Chair, Adam Fahr, CJF, is up to the challenge! Secondly, Travis Smith, CJF is turning over the reins of Team Manager to Andrew Wells, CJF, and while I will always be thankful for all I’ve learned from Travis in the past few years, I know Andrew brings a great deal of experience and passion to the position, as well. Good luck to both Adam and Andrew as they embark upon their new roles! Of course, by the time you read this it will be close to the beginning of 2024, so I do want to talk about our upcoming dues increase. While I am well aware this is not everyone’s favorite topic, and I share that feeling with you, our Finance Committee and Board of Directors closely reviewed our finances during the annual budget period and made the difficult decision to make a minor increase to member dues for the first time since 2014. I know you have all seen increases in the cost of doing business over the last few years, as have we. From the paper we use to the printing of materials, and from postage to office supplies, utilities, software, and every area in between — we have been hit over and over with increases, most particularly post-COVID. And just like you are aware what your true costs are per client, simply adding clients (or in our case, growing our membership) does not offset those per client hard costs. So, while our leaders have been incredibly good stewards of our finances, we realized — after 10 years — that it was time. With that being said, I encourage you to remind yourself of our outstanding member benefits on Page 6 of this issue, as well as on our app and on our website, to take advantage of those as you can, and of course, to reach out and ask us if you have questions on any of the benefits or this dues increase. And as your association leaders, we will continue to work towards adding to that list, and to be wise and careful with the annual dues you entrust us with. With that conversation behind us, I’d like to wrap up by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It’s hard for me to believe that 2023 will quite quickly be in our rearview mirror — it was a tough year, and we sadly lost many members of our AFA and FIA family — but it was also one that brought great joy, success and happiness in both the small and the big moments, and for that, we are grateful. So, here’s to 2024… may it bring each of you and your families nothing but happiness, prosperity and continued inspiration! Cheers, Martha Jones Executive Director Executive Director’s Report OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2023 5
6 NO FOOT, NO HORSE We Have Awesome Member Benefits! Being an AFA Member means that you are a part of a community that cares about the hoof care industry. As part of your membership, you have access to benefits, discounts and resources. Check out our members only page with instructions and codes for redeeming your benefits and discounts: americanfarriers.org/ page/redeeming_member_benefits AD&D INSURANCE — FREE! Active Regular, Associate, Lifetime and Student Members of the Association receive an automatic $50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Cigna Insurance Policy. The policy covers members 24 hours a day on and off the job. Roughly a $600 a year policy — FREE! AFA MEMBER FINANCIAL SERVICES The AFA is pleased to offer a variety of products to our members through Kennedy Financial Services. The Common Cents Resources website is an exclusive resource for AFA members. You may use the website's online tools for customized quotes, explore learning resources, or you may contact the Kennedy Financial Services representatives to create custom plans just for you. AMERICAN HORSE COUNCIL ADVANTAGE PLAN Our AHC membership provides discounts to our members with discounts from the following groups: • John Deere • Big Ass Fans • Sherwin Williams Paints • Office Depot • Farmers Insurance DISCOUNTED FARRIER INSURANCE Receive an AFA members only discount from already great rates: Allen Financial Insurance Group • Farrier Liability & Care Insurance • Custody & Control with an Equipment Suppliers Floater Contact Brent Allen at 800-874-9191 or email. [email protected]. Receive a 10% credit towards liability premium as an AFA member from Markel as well as access to other insurance options. Markle Insurance • Farm property • Inland marine • Auto — available only for applicant's farm vehicles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PLAN The $29 activation fee is waived for AFA members. Call USRider or go online to learn about their 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance for you and your rig. Plans start at $149 a year. DISABILITY & OTHER INSURANCE Members and their spouses receive 15% lower premiums for Disability Income Insurance. Other product benefits are Universal Life Insurance, Single Premium Annuity, and Long-Term Care. LIVE ONLINE INSTRUCTION Exclusive member access to video Q&As, demos, pre-certification instruction, and more via the Equine Research Journal Club and our YouTube page. CAR RENTAL — SPECIAL RATES AFA Members enjoy special member rates, value-added discounts and the latest in technology, products and services with Avis and Budget. EQUIPMENT & APPAREL DISCOUNTS Discounts from Equine Equipment Company on products from Exmark, FarmPaint, New Holland, Tenda Horse, and Toro. Save 30% on Ariat brand apparel and footwear. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES The AFA Certification Program is dedicated to the welfare of the horse. Those that participate in the program increase their knowledge and hone their skills through accepting the challenge of the certification process. “The AFA Certification Guide” and hoof templates are available for purchase. Members receive reduced testing fees. Members can also take a Certified Farrier practice test and access two sample TE questions on our website under the Membership tab. The AFA Annual Convention offers farriers a 4-day event with in-depth lectures, demonstrations and hands-on stations coming from top farriers and equine veterinarians. Members receive a discounted registration and competition fee. The AFA's No Foot, No Horse magazine is published every other month and mailed to all members. A digital copy can be found on our website under the Resources tab. We are very pleased to share digital access to Forge and Forge Knowledge magazines with our members. These are highly regarded magazines from the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association. Members can access these magazines, as well as Horse, Vet, & Farrier from the Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners, under the Resources tab. FIND A FARRIER DIRECTORY The AFA website has a Find-A-Farrier section for horse owners to search for and find AFA Member Farriers. COMMUNITY ADVANTAGES The farrier world is like no other, and the friendships you forge will last a lifetime. Volunteer and help build the community! Get involved with these community resources: • Communications are released through the Website, No Foot, No Horse Newsletter, Emails, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. • Association Chapters are a resource to build a supportive network locally. There are 50 AFA Association Chapters to get involved with. • AFA Committees need volunteers to continually provide support to farriers.
8 NO FOOT, NO HORSE The Biggest Little City in the World Did Not Disappoint Special Coverage What a year in Reno! While the location was convenient for some and not so for others, our attendance was still fantastic, our guest speakers provided an incredible, diverse and informative week of education, our competitors in the National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition wowed us once again with their talent and determination, our Certification Examiners and Pre-Certification Instructors provided an abundance of learning opportunities all week long, we welcomed the return of Roundtables with two topics focused on challenging yourself, and of course, we were highly entertained on Thursday night by Reno’s own, Country Kickers! We were also excited this year to include the new Open Jackpot Class — a winner-take-all format where competitors could choose any partner they wanted. With that, another big congratulations to Chris Madrid, CJF, and Tom Petersen, CJF, on an unbelievable win against some fierce competition! Beyond that, we had well over 30 Chapters represented at our Chapter Presidents’ breakfast, an outstanding FIA MarketPlace where farriers gather annually to learn, connect, and of course, shop (!), an FIA Business Conference featuring the inauguration of Mr. Bob Schantz to the Hall of Legends and an informative and engaging business panel representing manufacturers, retailers and suppliers in our industry, and last but certainly not least, an incredible Grand Finale where we announced our 2023 Achievement Awards recipients, our contest all-stars, our 2024 AFT and Apprentice Team, and our single largest annual fundraiser (for which we are so grateful) — the live and silent auction! What a full, but remarkable, week we had! But our favorite part of Convention every year is that we get to see all of you – which brings us more joy than you know. Being able to reconnect with our members and spend time enjoying our farrier family is something that we look forward to every year. So, if we didn’t get to see you, here’s your early bird notice — mark your calendars for November 11-15, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee! Finally, we can’t wrap up our 52nd Annual Convention without one last (and massive!) THANK YOU to our volunteers. Some of you donate hours, some of you donate days, and some of you donate much of your year to making sure everyone leaves Convention having learned and achieved a great deal. And we are so deeply grateful for each of you. Onward to our 53rd in Chattanooga!
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10 NO FOOT, NO HORSE 2023 NATIONAL FORGING & HORSESHOEING COMPETITION RESULTS Intermediate Overall High Point Award Elvin Smoker, CJF Intermediate Journeyman Class 1. Jack Trainor, CJF 2. Elvin Smoker CJF 3. Brian Reynolds, CJF 4. Clint Micaletti, CJF 5. Sam Sellers, CF 6. Jose Berumen Intermediate Bar Shoe Class 1. Aaron Warner, CF 2. Elvin Smoker, Cjf 3. Brian Reynolds, CJF 4. Daniel Gunderson, CJF 5. David Pfefer, CJF 6. Joe Phillips, CJF Intermediate Specialty Forging Class 1. Daniel Gunderson, CJF 2. Elvin Smoker, CJF 3. Aaron Warner, CF 4. Clint Micaletti, CJF 5. David Pfefer, CJF 6. Allison LeGeyt, CJF INTERMEDIATE CLASSES 2024 American Farriers Team National High Point Award
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 11 OPEN CLASSES Open Journeyman Class 1. Bodie Trnka, CJF 2. David Reed, CJF 3. Tom Petersen, CJF 4. Chris Madrid, CJF 5. Adam Fahr, CJF 6. Mason Mileski, CJF Open Roadster Class 1. Chris Madrid, CJF 2. Daniel Jones, CJF 3. Juan Berumen, CJF 4. Tom Petersen, CJF 5. Bodie Trnka, CJF 6. Mike Poe, CJF, AWCF Open Specialty Forging Class 1. Cody Gregory, CJF, AWCF, ASF 2. Chris Madrid, CJF 3. Bodie Trnka, CJF 4. Tom Petersen, CJF 5. Juan Berumen, CJF 6. Sawyer Spradling, CJF Open Jackpot Class Chris Madrid, CJF and Tom Petersen, CJF Vern Hornquist Memorial Class Bruce Worman, CJF Capewell North American Challenge Cup Live Shoeing Finals: 1. Chris Madrid, CJF 2. Tom Petersen, CJF 3. Bodie Trnka, CJF 4. Juan Berumen, CJF 5. Adam Fahr, CJF 6. Sawyer Spradling, CJF NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Reserve National High Point Award Bodie Trnka, CJF National High Point Award Chris Madrid, CJF Overall High Point Award Chris Madrid, CJF Two-Person Draft Class 1. Mason Mileski, CJF & Bodie Trnka, CJF 2. Rory Bauer, CJF and Tom Petersen, CJF 3. Adam Fahr, CJF and Lyle Shepherd, CJF 4. Chris Madrid, CJF and Weston Newsom, CJF 5. William Lueth, CJF, TE and Heath Poyner, CF 6. Daniel Russo, CJF and Robert Jukes, CF 2024 American Farriers Apprentice Team Jose Berumen Sam Sellers, CF Jaycie Steger, CF Aaron Warner, CF 2024 American Farriers Team Rory Bauer, CJF Daniel Jones, CJF Tom Petersen, CJF Sawyer Spradling, CJF Lamar Weaver, CJF (alternate) 2024 Apprentice Team
12 NO FOOT, NO HORSE MARKETPLACE WAS A WINNER FOR ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS The 2023 Farrier Industry Association MarketPlace proved once again this year to be the place to be for farrier industry vendors! The 3-day show, November 8-10, 2023, in Reno, Nevada, hosted approximately 60 vendors, welcoming some new exhibitors, as well as our industry faithful retailers and manufacturers that are the backbone of our industry. Hosted with the 52nd American Farrier’s Association Annual Convention, the FIA MarketPlace was filled with eager farriers looking for new, innovative products as well as filling orders to re-stock their supplies. The FIA Business Conference & Membership meeting, held November 9, 2023, moderated by Rob Michel of Oleo Acres Blacksmith & Farrier Supply, hosted a panel of industry experts in the retail and manufacturing side of our business. The panel included Remco van der Linden (Kahn Forge/Thoro’Bred), John Harshbarger (Well-Shod), Peter Werkman (Werkman USA), Chuck Milne (Texas Farrier Supply), Eric Nygaard (New Farm Farrier Supply) and Mark Hickcox (The Victory Racing Plate Company). These discussions addressed topics crucial to our industry — terms & conditions, climate issues, trends, advertising and how the new HISA rules are being managed and projections for the future. During this event, Bob Schantz was inducted into the FIA Hall of Legends. Due to Mr. Schantz not being able to attend, Scott Colson accepted the award on his behalf. The winner of the FIA logo contest was also announced. Kimberlyn Gilchrist of Kawell USA was announced as the winner of a MarketPlace booth at the 2024 FIA MarketPlace. New to the lineup of events this year, was the Farrier Family Feud. Hosted by our own, Rob Michel of Oleo Acres Blacksmith & Farrier Supply, this event was both fun and educational. Jennifer Horn, CJF, led her team to victory. Other team leaders included Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWFC, ASF, Hank Chisholm, CJF and Jeff Gartner, Visby Products Farrier Supplies. The audience members had as much fun as the teams competing. We look forward to having this event again in 2024! We want to thank everyone that participated in the FIA MarketPlace and look forward to seeing you in Chattanooga, Tennessee!
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 13 Don’t miss out in Chattanooga! Learn more about exhibiting in November 2024 American Farrier’s Association Convention by calling (859) 233-7411, x2 or emailing [email protected].
2023 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS & ELECTION RESULTS AWARD WINNERS 2023 Allen Smith Excellence in Administration Award Brian Strelow, CJF, TE, FE, EE 2023 J. Scott Simpson Outstanding Educator Award Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF 2023 Jim Linzy Outstanding Clinician Award Jacob Manning, CJF 2023 Edward Martin Humanitarian Award Jim Keith, CJF 2023 Journalism Award Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE, AWCF 2023 Walt Taylor Award Lori McBride, CJF 2023 Technical Writing Award Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF 2023 General Interest Article Award Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE, AWCF 2023 Sharon Walker Newsletter Award Texas Professional Farriers Association, Hannah Gunderson ELECTION RESULTS 2024 Vice President Jacob Manning, CJF 2024 Re-elected and Newly Elected Board Members Region 1: Claude Lyman, CJF Region 2: Patrick Hall, CJF Region 3: Kenny Hoyle, CJF Region 4: Marcus Wise, CJF Region 5: Matt Hillegas, CJF 2023 Walt Taylor Award 2023 Allen Smith Excellence in Administration Award 2023 Journalism Award 2023 J. Scott Simpson Outstanding Educator Award
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Winter Nutrition and Hoof Health Recommending Nutrition for Hoof Health Below are eight of the most common scenarios we see during winter months that impact hoof health from a nutritional standpoint. Scenario 1: Wet and Dry Hooves Winter months mean mud and soft ground turning to harder surfaces with ice and snow, all of which have a big impact on hoof health. Farriers know how rapidly the hoof wall can expand and contract from wet mud and snow. Then, going into a dry stall can lead to cracks, chips, and/or other structural issues. The best nutritional support in this situation is a well-balanced diet with nutrients like biotin, zinc, calcium, methionine, fatty acids, and other amino acids. Scenario 2: Decreased Exercise, Decreased Nutrition As the weather gets colder, many horse owners back off riding or quit exercising their horses altogether. As a result, these horse owners also tend to feed less, not realizing that they still need to provide the recommended feeding rate to meet nutritional requirements. If your client is worried about too many calories while their horse is in lower activity, you can recommend a diet balancer that only requires 1 – 2 lbs per day. For example, Nutrena’s Empower® Topline Balance® allows for a low feeding rate while still providing enough vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to support a healthy hoof. Scenario 3: Less Grass, More Hay Another common scenario is if your clients’ horses have transitioned from pasture grazing to hay when seasons changed. Where a diet balancer may have been suitable while there was unlimited grass, that same horse may be struggling to maintain weight and body condition when limited to hay. In this situation, a horse may need a higher-calorie feed, such as Nutrena® ProForce® or Nutrena SafeChoice® feeds to maintain a healthy weight and balanced nutrition. Scenario 4: More Stall Time In the winter, some horses get stalled more with limited exercise or turnout. Sometimes this can increase stress, and in turn, cause gastric upset. If horses experience any gastrointestinal issues that impact digestion and absorption of nutrients, this can lead to poor quality hooves. Nutrena SafeChoice feeds are a great recommendation for digestibility because it has Nutri-Bloom Advantage® for an increase of up to 15% higher fiber digestion. SafeChoice feeds also have Digestive Shield™, which is a proprietary combination of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and calcite to support digestion and absorption, epithelial tissue integrity, immunity, and overall health of the horse. Scenario 5: Higher Calorie Requirements Horses kept outside or turned out daily may need a highercalorie feed during winter months to meet the increased energy requirements to keep them warm. Likewise, horses staying on the same riding schedule may require an increase in hay during temperatures below freezing or some extra fat in their diet. Fat is a safe energy source that helps maintain a barrier in the hoof and keeps out bacteria and fungi. The Nutrena ProForce feed line has excellent options for working horses during winter months to provide that healthy source of fat. Winter is here. And while horses require balanced nutrition year-round, changes in activity level, forage, environment, and weather conditions may impact your clients’ horses’ nutrition, and ultimately, their hoof health. As a farrier and one of the most trusted sources of information for many horse owners, you can help identify seasonal changes and make recommendations to help a horse’s diet and hoof care routine.
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 17 To learn more, visit www.NutrenaWorld.com © 2023 Cargill, Incorporated. All rights reserved. • Farrier Recommendation Coupon Book • Free Equine Nutrition Consultations • Online Feed Selector • Educational Blogs About Hoof Health and Nutrition Resources to Help Farriers and Your Clients With balanced nutrition and proper management, healthy hooves can be maintained during winter months. If you notice a change in not only a client’s horse’s hooves but also weight and body condition, it is important to keep an open dialogue with the owner and learn what has changed for their horse. Some resources that Nutrena offers to farriers and/or horse owners are: Scenario 6: Overweight, Under Nutrition It’s possible for horses with unlimited hay from free choice round bales or big, square bales to become overweight from the all-you-can-eat buffet, which can put more strain on the hooves and legs. In addition to recommending controlled feeding, you can recommend a ration balancer for overweight horses. Nutrena Empower Topline Balance has a low feeding rate and can balance the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids along with controlled feeding. This way, they are getting the balanced and guaranteed amino acids (protein) to provide structural strength and function for hoof tissues without the excess calories. Scenario 7: Metabolic Horses, Laminitis Prone Horses with metabolic issues are more susceptible to laminitis, and laminitis may be more likely to occur from trauma to the sole due to walking, running, or tearing around on rough, frozen ground during winter months. For metabolic horses, you can recommend a SafeChoice Special Care, which is a great, low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) diet option to get the balanced nutrition they need to keep hooves strong and healthy. Scenario 8: Over Supplementing It’s common for owners to want to add supplements when they feel something is missing from their horse’s diet. However, it’s important to watch for over-supplementation and to be careful when adding ingredients to an already balanced feed. Always encourage clients to consult with an equine nutritionist to ensure ingredients or supplements added do not cause an imbalance in the ration or possible toxicity which can be harmful to the horse and hoof health. S:10.5" T:11" B:11.25"
By Tyler Joos, CJF The task of calculating our cost to run a business can be overwhelming and easy to brush off. The fact is for most of us the skills of trimming, fitting, nailing, etc. are much easier to focus on than running a business. I would suggest the skills to run a business are just as important. Figuring out your costs to do business is one of the most vital skills to hone in running a farrier business. I know, I know, its not anywhere as interesting as forging a shoe or doing a spanky finish job but if you're not profitable in your business you own a hobby not a business. So, let's get to it! Around 5 years ago in the middle of winter I was in a quandary. I was thinking I needed/wanted to raise prices. I hadn’t raised for several years. I was talking to my wife about it, and she didn’t think I needed to. We were paying our bills and it seemed like I was making money. I wasn’t realizing I was in the place my friend Andrew Devisser (I didn’t know him yet) called “subsidizing your shoeing with your trims.” I had tried a couple times in my career to figure costs but never had much success. Half the horses I care for are trims only and half of the remaining get front shoes plus some horses get shoes pulled for the winter which made it complicated. I decided to give it another try, only this time with a different twist than I had tried before. Here’s how I did it. Step 1. Figure out how many horses are in the books. This can be done with your accounting software or for me I just went through my book for a six-week period and figured up what each client had. I figured out full sets, half sets and trims. For example, I have 105 trims, 45 front sets and 40 full sets. Step 2. Figure out what schedule your horses are on. On average the horses in my book are on a six-week schedule year-round. A fair amount go to an 8 week schedule for two cycles in the winter. It is important to figure out the average times you do each horse per year. I figured in my business each one gets done 8 times a year. Step 3. Calculate how many units of each service you do per year. Take the amount of each service in a six-week period or whatever you schedule and multiply it the number of times you do each horse per year. I also accounted for the ones that get shoes pulled for winter, so they get added to the trim numbers for the two 8-week cycles in the winter. Example: 40 full sets x 8 times per year=320 full sets per year. However, 3 of them get shoes pulled for two cycles so that means a total of 6 sets need to be taken off that number and added to the trims. 320 sets – 6 pull and trims = 314 total full sets for the year. Do this for front sets as well. Write all your numbers down. Here’s mine currently. I’m sharing my numbers not for a comparison game but to help make sense of what I’m talking about. 864 trims 336 half sets 314 full sets per year. Step 4. Take your number of units times your current price. For example, 864 trims x $60 =$51,840. Again, do this for each category listed above (trim/ half set/ full set) with your respective prices. Step 5. Figure your percentage that each service makes up your gross income (income before expenses). So, if you grossed $150,000 a year, you’d need to figure what percent $51,840 is of $150,000. I’m not a math person so I plug it in to google and it comes out to 34.56% annual income comes Farrier Article Determining What It Costs You to Trim or Shoe a Horse Hobby or Business?
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 19 from trimming. Repeat for each service. Trims 32% Half sets 30% Full sets 39% Now for the fun part! You're ready to figure costs of each service Step 6. Write down each expense you have total for a year in your business. I mean everything. This goes far beyond shoes and nails: • Supplies • All insurance • Your salary • Rig replacement/rig payment • Cell phone • Accountant fees • Shirts/hats/business cards etc. • Continuing education • Retirement savings For this example, we will use cell phones. If your cell phone is $50 a month, which is $600 a year. Now, go back to your percentages. Take yearly expense and multiply each percentage divided by total units. Trims - $600 yearly phone bill x 32% = 192 divided by 864 trims = $0.22. This means that each trim costs me $0.22 for my cell phone. I know this looks like peanuts, but when you add it all together the number is staggering! On consumables like propane, nippers, rasps, forge liners, and everything else you can figure it roughly accordingly to your business. So back to the beginning and my story. Remember how I thought I was making money? The truth was I was profitable on my trims, breaking even on my front sets and losing $7 on every full set. I was charging $110 at the time, and it cost $117. The result was I immediately raised prices, it was a no brainer! I recently did this exercise again to prepare for this article and I found for my business the following cost: • Trims: $37 • Half sets: $90 • Full sets: $140 This is what it cost me to perform each of these services. I hope this makes some sense, as I’ve found it difficult to write it in article form. If anyone has questions don’t hesitate to contact me. Remember this should be a business, NOT a hobby. If you want to know more about running a financially viable business, check out The Blacksmith’s Guide to Financial Freedom by Andrew DeVisser, CJF. His book is available for purchase on Amazon.com This article was originally published in the Land of Lincoln Horseshoers Association Newsletter. Thank you to the LLHA for sharing! Visit us online: americanfarriers.org
20 NO FOOT, NO HORSE TEST YOURSELF: Hoof Capsule Trauma 1. What are two conditions that could result from a wound to the coronary band region? A. Quittor B. Fracture of the navicular bone C. Coronary band scarring leading to weak hoof growth D. Canker 2. When blood or injury is observed, there is one vaccination that it is important that the horse be up to date on. Which vaccination should you ask the horse owner in case of injury to the horse? A. Rabies B. Encephalitis C. Tetanus D. Potomac Horse Fever 3. If you arrive to shoe a horse and find that it has stepped on a roofing nail which is now puncturing the sole, what should you do? A. Remove the nail and shoe as planned B. Remove the nail and call a veterinarian C. Trot the horse to assess lameness D. Leave the nail in place, keep the horse still, and call a veterinarian 4. What is the purpose of the proximal sesamoid bones? A. A puncture wound to the deep flexor tendon B. Infection and/or severe inflammation C. Further injury has occurred D. Laminitis is developing due to the hoof being non- weightbearing 5. In addition to removing the inciting cause if possible, what should always be done if a horse has a complete, penetrating hoof crack? A. Shoe with a heartbar shoe B. Shoe with a multi clip or cap shoe C. Use modern materials such as glue and Kevlar fabric to patch the crack D. Immobilize the crack 6. If a nail is driven into sensitive tissue, what should the farrier do? A. Pull the nail, disinfect the nail hole, and check the horse’s tetanus vaccination status B. Pull the shoe, fit a full pad to the shoe, and reattach shoe C. Call a veterinarian immediately D. Pull the nail and pack the hole with hoof clay or similar material 7. If a farrier is patching a bleeding quarter crack, what steps should they take for maximum effectiveness? A. Use glue to fill in the crack B. Stabilize the crack by patching it but leave a channel to allow flushing and drainage C. Wash the hoof thoroughly to prevent infection, then use glue to patch it D. The crack should never be patched, trimming and shoeing alone will stabilize it 8. Taking a pulse is a common way to assess a horse’s health, inflammation, and stress level. What is the normal resting heart rate of an adult horse? A. 30 beats per minute (BPM)
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 21 B. Between 15 and 35 BPM C. Between 25 and 40 BPM D. Between 50 and 80 BPM 9. In cases of traumatic hoof wall avulsion (a section of the hoof wall being ripped off of the sensitive lamina), what course of action is usually recommended? A. Remove damaged horn, prevent infection, and stabilize the hoof capsule B. Flush the injury with antiseptic, use glue to reattach damaged horn, and apply frog or sole support C. Immediately apply a full cast to the foot to stabilize it, then after 2 weeks remove the cast and remove any damaged horn D. Soak the injured foot and maintain the hoof in a boot for protection 10. Why are major injuries to the hoof such as lacerations and avulsions often very slow to heal? A. They are at high risk of infection due to constant exposure to bacteria and manure B. They are at a high risk of infection due to poor circulation in the hooves meaning that oral antibiotics do not reach the foot C. Hooves are constantly moving with loading and unloading, making it difficult to fully immobilize the injury D. B and C E. A and C Test Answers: A and C. Quittor and Coronary band scarring 1. Understanding the leading to weak hoof growth. , John Stewart, pgs. 153-154 Horse’s Feet , Advanced Farriery Knowledge C. Tetanus. 2. Sarah Logie, pg. 68 D. Leave the nail in place, keep the horse still, 3. , Gregory’s Textbook of Farriery and call a veterinarian. Chris Gregory, pg. 404 B. Infection and/or severe inflammation. 4. , Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse Mike Ross and Sue Dyson, pg. 279 The Principles of D. immobilize the crack. 5. , Doug Butler, pg. 541 Horseshoeing (P3) A. Pull the nail, disinfect the nail hole, and 6. The check the horse’s tetanus vaccination status. , Chris Colles and Ron Ware, pg. Principles of Farriery 295 B. Stabilize the crack by patching it but leave 7. Equine a channel to allow flushing and drainage. , Andrea Floyd and Richard Mansmann, pg. Podiatry 242-243 The C. Between 25 and 40 beats per minute. 8. , Chris Colles and Ron Ware, pg. Principles of Farriery 91 A. Remove damaged horn, prevent infection, 9. Adams’ Lameness in and stabilize the hoof capsule. , Ted Stashak, pg. 544 Horses They are at high risk of infection E. A and C. 10. due to constant exposure to bacteria and manure and hooves are constantly moving with loading and unloading, making it difficult to fully immobilize the Simon Curtis, Corrective Farriery (Volume 1), injury. pg. 180 Stock up on traction devices and snow pads at an FPD dealer near you. READY FOR WINTER Look for our new packaging! KERCKHAERT SNOW PADS Kerckhaert Snow Pads feature a rim style for front or hind shoes in rubber (black) or urethane (clear). These pads help dislodge packed snow from the bottom of the hoof. FOOTPRO DRIVE-IN STUDS Provides traction and confidence for trail riding, blacktop or concrete. Tapered shaft for excellent seating. DIAMOND TUNGSTEN PINS Provides good traction. 4.5mm and #17 drill bit included with package. Tapered shaft for excellent seating. ALSO TRY THESE NEW PRODUCTS PLEXUS CAUDAL SUPPORT PADS FOOTPRO DIM 20 IMPRESSION MATERIAL View product photos, specifications and videos and find an FPD dealer near you at farrierproducts.com. FPD IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE AFA AND ITS EVENTS Do you have a challenge for “Test Yourself?” Email your suggestion to info@ americanfarriers.org
Stoneleigh 2023 Photography by Melissa Petersen Every year, top competitive farriers in the USA duke it out for a coveted spot on the American Farriers’ Team and a chance to represent our country both nationally and abroad. With only four team spots and one alternate selected, many farriers with aspirations of making the team spend late nights and weekends practicing every detail of the competition shoes, burning through fuel and steel and gaining a mastery of the shoemaking process. But for the top five competitors, the work has only begun. Selection for the team means intense preparation, weekends away from home for team practices, and a commitment to hold up their end of team skillset. Many team members say that working so closely with other skilled farriers and never wanting to be the weakest link pushed them to grow by leaps and bounds. But all that determination and practice leads to one competition to end the year on the team: The BFBA International Team Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Forge. It is an intense two day competition with 4 open division classes as well as an apprentice team competition. Twelve teams from Europe and North America competed this year in the open competition, with another eight apprentice teams competing. The American Farriers Team this year was made up of Tom Petersen, CJF, Chris Madrid, CJF, Bodie Trnka, CJF, and Daniel Jones, CJF, with Sawyer Spradling, CJF, as the alternate. The American Apprentice Team was represented by Wesley Auker, CF, Shamus Mangan, Ty Zehms, and Justin Daley. Travis Smith, CJF, was team manager for both teams. And all the work paid off with a fantastic showing from both teams! The American Apprentice Team placed third overall and Shamus Mangan placed first as the Apprentice Individual Champion. Meanwhile, Ty Zehms was awarded Best Apprentice Specimen Shoe. Great job to all the competitors on the apprentice team, what a wonderful representation of young farriers in America! The American Farriers Team did an amazing job and came away with some big wins this year! They started out strong by taking first place in the International Team Gas Shoemaking class. Next
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 23 they scored two third places in Class 2 and 3, the live shoeing classes. And in Class 3, Tom Petersen won Best Specimen Shoe and Daniel Jones won Best Dressed Foot. Finally, in Class 4, the International Reserve Team Member class, Sawyer Spradling took first place. In the Overall Individual Championship, scored over classes 1, 2, and 3, Tom Petersen won first. All that stacked up to put USA in second place behind England in the BFBA International Team Horseshoeing Championship 2023. We are so proud of our 2023 American Farriers’ Team and American Apprentice Team. Every team member pushed themselves, sacrificed, and gave their all to get where they are today. Without a doubt, they proved themselves as dedicated representatives for the American Farrier’s Association and our country. Congratulations to our fantastic teams!
24 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Business Article FIA Member Spotlight As the Farrier Industry Association (FIA) continues its reach to our expansive industry, we will be introducing you to some of the dedicated professionals that volunteer their time as the driving force behind the FIA’s loyal membership. 1. What career path led you to Hanton Horseshoes? I have been involved with horses my entire life. My mother rode and we foxhunted together when I was growing up. I also played and worked in polo, rode show hunters, evented, and taught lessons. After college I worked in research and development for a pharmaceutical company but a desire to work in the horse industry brought me to Kentucky. I spent five years at the United States Equestrian Federation and after starting a family I was looking for an opportunity that would let me travel less. Pat, my husband, and Matt Spoerlein developed Hanton Horseshoes, but are both full time farriers. My background working for various companies and my strength in organization led me to be the point person for managing the new product and company. 2. What has been your biggest challenge since joining Hanton Horseshoes? I excel in administration and my strengths lie with managerial tasks like bookkeeping and customer service. With the growth of social media and other promotional platforms I have discovered that marketing is one of the things I struggle with the most. I have found it challenging to assess which types of arenas would be most beneficial when it comes to reaching potential new customers and which marketing avenues are the best investments. I am so fortunate to have a great colleague, Bailee Sheehan, who has taken over many of those responsibilities, so we both work where our strengths lie. 3. What has been your biggest achievement since joining Hanton Horseshoes? As a team, our biggest achievement was surpassing the notorious 5-year mark that many small start-up businesses hope to reach. The longevity of our company is an achievement that we are all extremely proud of. 2024 will mark 9 years of operation and growth as Broadline Farrier Solutions. In that amount of time we have added new team members, expanded our product line and steadily increased sales. 4. Who has been your greatest influence/mentor throughout your career? My father, Nick Nahorniak, was my biggest mentor, motivator, and supporter. He had a long career running various businesses and was instrumental in guiding us through the set up of Hanton Horseshoes. He passed away in 2021, and I miss being able to pick up the phone for his guidance and advice every day. 5. What business lessons have you had to learn the “hard way?” Being a smaller company, we sometimes find it difficult to have our parts manufactured by outside industries because of our volume needs. We work with manufacturers who provide services for companies such as Sharpie and Brown-Forman. Our volume is nowhere close to what they are producing. We have been fortunate to find some awesome individuals who are willing work with us to fulfill what we need but we now know we need to have long term plans on their schedules to make sure we can keep our inventory numbers where they need to be. 6. If you had it to do all over again, would you take the same path? I love running a small business and the opportunities it affords me! I have me the most amazing people through this company and feel very fortunate to be a part of the farrier industry from this side of it. If I could go back in time I would have started with a stronger foundation of business education that way I could have identified my weaknesses and started improving much earlier. Torri Broadus Hanton Horseshoes
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 25
Certification and Tester Update Schedule 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 January 12 Texas Tester Update Location: North Central Texas College 685 CR 304, Gainesville, TX 76240 Examiner: Alan Larson, CJF Contact: Bear Reed, CF – 903-456-3097, [email protected] January 12-13 Texas Certification Host: Texas Professional Farriers Association Location: North Central Texas College 685 CR 304, Gainesville, TX 76240 Examiner: Alan Larson, CJF All Levels/Areas Offered ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: Bear Reed, CF - 903-456-3097, [email protected] January 23 Summit Certification Host: American Farriers Association Location: International Hoof-Care Summit, Duke Energy Center: Room 209, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 Examiner: Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF Written Exam Only, ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: AFA Office – 859-233-7411, [email protected] March 14-15 Iowa Certification Host: Iowa Professional Farriers Association Location: 2955 205th St, Seymour, IA 52590 Examiner: Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF All Levels/Areas Offered, ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: Andrew Kempf – 641-895-0324 March 15-16 Florida Certification Host: Florida State Farriers Association Location: JM Farms 10600 NW 125th St., Reddick, FL 32686 Examiner: Daniel Jones, CJF All Levels/Areas Offered, ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: Calvin Campbell, CJF – 863-944- 2978, [email protected] April 12-13 North Carolina Certification Host: North Carolina Horseshoers Association Location: The Lesson Barn 3789 High Point Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27107 Examiner: Eric Gilleland, CJF, TE, FE All Levels/Areas Offered, ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: Kathy Walker – 336-407-1081, [email protected] April 12-13 North Dakota Certification Host: High Plain Farriers Association Location: Allan Voeller’s Shop 12294 10th Ave. SE, Bismark, ND 58504 Examiner: Justin Frank, CJF, FE, DipWCF All Levels/Areas Offered, ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: Jake Stonefield, CJF – 605-690-4517, [email protected] April 26-27 New York Certification Host: Western New York Farriers Association Location: If Only Farm, 459 Wood Rd., Freeville, NY 13068 Examiner: Mike Poe, CJF All Levels/Areas Offered, ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF – 315-345-3464, [email protected] Wishing You, Your Family, and Your FarrierBusiness a Safe and Prosperous 2024!
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 27 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! January 4-6 MHA 54th Annual Clinic and Competition Host: Michigan Horseshoers Association Location Michigan State University Livestock Pavilion 4301 Farm Ln., Lansing, MI 48910 Judge: Daniel Jones, CJF Contact: Jennifer Horn, CJF – 906-440-2537 January 5-6 OFA Winter Clinic Host: Oregon Farriers Association Location: Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic 31730 Sport Horse Way, Tangent, OR 97389 Clinician: Iain Ritchie, DWCF Contact: Jason Smith – 209-605-6099, [email protected] January 11-13 FSFA Contest Host: Florida State Farriers Association Location: World Equestrian Center 1750 NW 80th Ave. Ocala, FL 34482 Judges: Todd Walker, CJF, and Eric Gilleland, CJF Contact: Katie Stollar – 321-720-1030 January 13 IFA Winter Clinic Host: Indiana Farriers Association Location: Janssen Veterinary Clinic 2420 W 236th St., Sheridan, IN 46069 Clinician: Mark Thorkildson CJF, AWCF Contact: Lydia Mudd indianafarriers [email protected] 317-741-5274 January 14 IFA Hoof Knife Making Workshop Host: Indiana Farriers Association Location: Janssen Veterinary Clinic 2420 W 236th St., Sheridan, IN 46069 Clinician: Mark Thorkildson CJF, AWCF Contact: Lydia Mudd – indianafarriers [email protected] 317-741-5274 January 19-20 RMFA Winter Clinic Host: Rocky Mountain Farriers Association Location: 10386 N. 65th St., Longmont, CO 80503 Clinician: WCB Team Contact: Call/text (970) 297-9944 January 26-27 Hoof House Annual Clinic and Contest Host: Hoof House Location: 698 Clover Dr., Social Circle, GA 30025 Judge: Hank Chisholm, CJF Contact: 678-873-2555 January 26-27 MAPF Annual Horseshoeing Contest Host: Missouri Association of Professional Farriers Location: Longhorn Arena 8802 State Hwy M, Mt Vernon, MO 65712 Judge: Gene Leiser Contact: David Pfefer, CJF – 816-694-4904 January 26-27 SNEFA Contest Host: Southern New England Farriers Association Location: Amherst Equestrian Center 50 Station Rd., Amherst, MA 01002 Judge: Jeremy Scudder, CJF Contact: Mike Paparo, CJF – mbpaparo@ hotmail.com, 401-651-3282 January 27 WFA End of Year Clinic and Meeting Host: Wisconsin Farriers Association Location: Centaur Forge 117 N Spring St., Burlington, WI 53105 Clinician: Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF Contact: Katryna – 414-202-9083 February 3 Leg Dissection with Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWCF, ASF Host: MidEastern Farriers Association Location: 259 S Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, OH 44622 Contact: Lori McDade – 330-447-7534 February 9-10 SCFA Contest Host: South Carolina Farriers Association Location: Crescent High School FFA Arena 415 Parker Bowie Rd., Iva, SC 29655 Judge: Chris Diehl, CJF, FE, AWCF Contact: Carley Steele – 803-246-2659 February 16-17 OFA Annual Memorial Contest Host: Oklahoma Farrier’s Association Location: Darlington Campus of Redlands Community Collage 5005 Darlington Rd. NW, El Reno, OK 73036 Judge: Sawyer Spradling, CJF Contact: Tom Trosin, CJF (405) 546- 0482 February 16-17 NCHA Forging Clinic Host: North Carolina Horseshoers Association Location: Forging M Farm 5545 Sparks Rd., Hamptonville, NC 27020 Clinician: Gavine Cooper, CJF Contact: David Moose, CF – 704-500-5321 February 24 SWOFA Winter Clinic and Membership Meeting Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association Location: The University of Findlay Equestrian Complex 11178 Township Hwy 201, Findlay, OH 45840 Clinician: Dr. Lydia Mudd, CF Contact: Nate Crumley, CJF – 330-464-0664 March 15-16 2024 Forge of A Lifetime Contest Location: 900 Big Mount Rd., Thomasville, PA, 17364 Judge: Caleb Swarr, CJF Contact: Chris Diehl, CJF, FE AWCF – [email protected], 717-855-0776 APRIL 13 IFA Spring Clinic Host: Indiana Farriers Association Location: 5667 N 900 E, Montgomery, IN 47558 Clinician: Conrad Trow, CJF, DipWCF Contact: Nate Gingerich, CJF – 859-314- 1560, [email protected]
28 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Event Wrap-Ups Mexico Certification Farrier MX hosted their 2023 Certification on October 13-14. They had a great turnout and were able to help more farriers progress along their farriery journey. A big thank you to examiners David Sierra, CJF, and Craig Stark, CJF, for making the trip and putting on such a great international event for our Mexican farriers! Also thank you to Vern Powell, CJF, TE, AWCF, for organizing the event! Well done to all who participated and a special congratulations to our two newly Certified Farriers, Juan Manuel Vazquez Lorenzo, CF, and Carlos Meneses Rodriguez, CF!
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 29 Indiana Farrier Association Certification Another fantastic Indiana Certification took place on October 6 and 7 and they have so many people to thank for making it happen. Thank you to Richard Gingerich, CJF, and Troy Price, CJF, for organizing everything. Richard graciously hosted again and they couldn’t imagine a location with better facilities and horses to give each candidate the chance to shine. Richard’s family also kept them well fed, and honestly the food alone was reason enough to attend! Thank you to examiner Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF for making the long journey down to lend your expertise. Thank you also to testers Kenny Hoyle, CJF, Vern Powell, CJF, TE, AWCF, Troy Price, CJF, and Travis Florence, CJF, for making the time to come support the candidates and keep things running. You all had a couple of long days and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you to everyone who came to take the tests. Whether you officially passed or not, spending your time, money, and energy to voluntarily put yourself out there for the betterment of yourself and this great profession is a win. Learning is an uncomfortable process but a noble venture for sure.
30 NO FOOT, NO HORSE Event Wrap-Ups Southern New England Farriers Association Certification Southern New England Farriers Association held its annual fall AFA Certification at Ocean State Equine Associates in North Scituate, Rhode Island on September 14th and 15th. Their largest number of Candidates to date registered to take part in one or all of the exams and tests respectively for CF, CTF, or CJF. Friday’s test began with registration and review of partial completion forms. The CF candidates also turned in their shoe boards for review. Written examinations followed with 1 hour to complete their written test portion. After lunch the candidates went back to their rigs to forge shoe modifications for CF or a bar shoe for CJF. 11 horses were trailered into the clinic for Saturday’s Practical Examinations which ran the remainder of the day, CF had 1 hour to complete, CJF had 2 hours to complete. Saturday’s practical portion of the test went smoothly and extremely efficient thanks to their Examiner Alan Larson, CJF and Testers Georgia Barry, CJF, Craig Stark, CJF, Katie Panos, CJF and Provisional Testers, Nathaniel Bruss, CJF, Betsy Lordan, DVM, CJF, TE, and Jack Trainor, CJF. Thank you for stepping in to help out. Congratulations to all candidates who passed parts of their examinations! For those still working towards their Certification goals, never give up, it’s a journey of education and partnership with others that benefit the welfare of our horses. Thank you very much to Vinny and Northeast Farrier Supplies for breakfast on Saturday and all the help and support! Thank you, Werkman Horseshoes, for sponsoring a fantastic BBQ food truck lunch on Saturday afternoon. Huge appreciation to those who donated to the silent auction to benefit SNEFA this year. Thank you to Jamie Badeau, CF, for all his hard work organizing a successful silent auction and for all the volunteers that helped both days. A very special thank you to the entire staff at Ocean State Equine, especially the owners Dr. Enda Currid and Dr. Hollie Stillwell, who graciously donated their facility and resources for both days.
Rocky Mountain Farriers Association Clinic The Rocky Mountain Farriers Association held their fall clinic with Pat Broadus, CJF, as clinician. It was one amazing weekend! They spent the first day in the classroom discussing the business side of the farrier industry. On the second day, Pat led us with his insight for working on a horse and ways to improve efficiency while trimming and shoeing. Thank you to all who attended what turned out to be a amazing clinic! Another huge thank you to Victory Racing Plate Company and Oleo Acres Farrier & Blacksmith Supply for their sponsorship of the clinic!
2201 Regency Rd., Ste. 704 Lexington, KY 40503 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 Silent Anvil Jerry Langdon, CJF (North Carolina) Another anvil goes silent far too soon. Jerry Langdon, CJF, who was the longtime president of the North Carolina Horseshoers Association, lost his battle with cancer on the evening of November 20, 2023. He was a fierce proponent of farrier education and the AFA Certification Program. Jerry mentored several young farriers through the years and was always available to offer his advice and expertise to anyone who asked. Upon his retirement from shoeing horses, he focused his efforts on producing handcrafted Damascus knives and became active in the American Bladesmith Society. He will be missed. Rest in peace, friend. — North Carolina Horseshoers Association