AFA NL OctNov 2022p4

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022

NNoo HFooorts,e

Little Rock, Arkansas

November 7-11, 2022

Registration is still open!

ThIins 3 AFA President’s Letter 12 2022 AFA Convention
Issue 4 FIA President’s Letter 20 Test Yourself
5 Executive Director’s Report 24 Journal Club Roundup
6 AFA News & Announcements 26 Learning How to Learn:
8 Certification
10 FIA Member Spotlight Strategies for Acquiring
11 Calendar of Events Knowledge and Building
Skill in Farriery

31 Event Wrap-Ups

Board of Directors

REGION 1 REGION 3 REGION 5 TREASURER
Alaska, Arizona, Asia, Australia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Tim Byrne, CJF
California, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Europe, Maine, Maryland, 812-987-3469
Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Ontario, Wisconsin Massachusetts, New Hampshire, [email protected]
Yukon Territory Travis (Vern) Powell, CJF, TE, New Jersey, New York, Nova BOD REPRESENTATIVES
R.T. Goodrich, CJF (‘22) DipWCF (‘22) Scotia, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF
[email protected] [email protected] Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, 315-345-3464
Lance Yohe, CJF (’23) Kenny Hoyle, CJF (‘23) Washington D.C. [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] Mike Licata (‘22) Lance Yohe, CJF
Brian Strelow, CJF (‘24) David Hallock, CJF, [email protected] 916-509-5671
[email protected] AWCF, ASF (‘24) Matt Hillegas, CJF (‘23) [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] SECRETARY (ex officio)
REGION 2 Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF (‘24) Lori McBride, CJF
Alberta, Central America, REGION 4 [email protected] 330-268-8197
Colorado, Kansas, Manitoba, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, [email protected]
Montana, Nebraska, New Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Executive EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mexico, North Dakota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Committee Martha L. Jones
Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, 317-417-4544
South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Tennessee, West Virginia PRESIDENT [email protected]
Wyoming Rittner Goff, CF (‘22) Hank Chisholm, CJF
Kim Lacey, CJF (‘22) [email protected] 601-947-5602
[email protected] Eric Gray, CJF (‘23) [email protected]
Janelle Monroe, CF (‘23) [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT
[email protected] Earl Ellerbee, CJF (‘24) Jacob Manning, CJF
Lee Olsen, CJF (‘24) [email protected] 435-823-3343
[email protected] [email protected]

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 Cover Our Mission

NNoo FHooorts,e Cover: 2022 American Farriers Representing professional farriers, 4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 1
Team member, Brian Buckner, veterinarians, suppliers and horse Lexington, KY 40511
Little Rock, Arkansas CJF, competes at the 2021 owners, the American Farrier’s P 859-233-7411
National Forging & Horseshoeing Association is the oldest and largest F 859-231-7862
November 7-11, 2022 Competition. membership organization for the [email protected]
AFA Communications Chairperson farrier industry in North America,
Registration is still open! Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE and the only one with internationally www.americanfarriers.org
Managing Editor recognized standards of competency
2 Martha L. Jones through our certification programs.
Graphic Design Setting the standard for excellence
Scott Dudgeon 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.

NO FOOT, NO HORSE

AFA President’s Letter

Dear AFA Members,

Well, we’ve made it to fall, and while I know this excites many of you, it really only means winter is right
around the corner. So, I sure hope you’ll all be happy when it gets COLD!

Before it gets too cold, though, we’ll be in Little Rock, and I can honestly say that it’s going to be another
great year. I’ve participated in as many Convention Committee calls as I’ve been able to, and once again,
Phillip Box, CJF has proven he’s the ‘man for the job’. He puts in a remarkable number of hours in the
months leading up to the event, and while he’s onsite, so I wanted to take a moment to thank him for all
he does. I’ve said it before, but I can’t say it enough. We have an outstanding group of leaders both on our
Board of Directors and as our Committee Chairs, and I hope you all realize how very lucky we are that they
share their time and talent with us all year long.

As our 51st Annual Convention approaches, I know many of you have registered to attend, registered
to compete, or signed up for a booth in the FIA MarketPlace, and we are all looking forward to seeing
you. Our speakers this year are outstanding, we’ve added an evening of roundtables, and we’ll all be
entertained, once again, on Thursday night by my personal friend, Huey Walker. I’ve also been fortunate to
get to know Mr. James Butcher, with the Arkansas Horseshoeing Association, and I am confident that our
host Chapter will help us put on a great show.

If you haven’t yet signed up to attend – you still can – and it is my hope that you will! We look forward to
this week all year long, and our venue in Little Rock will have something for everyone. So please look at
your schedule and plan to join us if you haven’t already!

Moving along, we’ve been impressed with the number of you who voted online for Achievement Awards,
and our Elections voting is coming along, too. That said, if you’d prefer not to vote online, you can still do
so onsite in Little Rock, but either way – make sure you do! Our current Board of Directors has tremendous
vision and is always working on continuous improvement, and I look forward to the ideas and energy that
our 2023 candidates will bring.

Finally, it is my sincere pleasure to be able to accompany our 2022 American Farriers Team and Apprentice
Team to the International Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh later this month, and I hope you’ll
follow the trip on their Team and individual Facebook pages. We have a terrific group of guys on both of
these teams, so please take a moment to wish them well as they travel to the UK to represent our country.
It is a privilege to be able to field the United States team, and it will be one of the great honors of my
lifetime to join them and visit with our friends and peers at the BFBA.

As this is my last letter before our 51st Convention, I’ll end this by saying I am extremely excited to see you
all soon… and safe travels on your way to Little Rock!

Respectfully,

Hank Chisholm, CJF

President, American Farrier’s Association

FIA President’s Letter

Hello, FIA and AFA Members!
How time flies! As I come to the end of my term, I would like to sincerely thank
all the Board members, Martha Jones (who was such a great help running our
Board meetings), and Melanie Fransen (always at my side making sure things
happened as planned). Always such an enjoyable time spent together coming
up with workable ideas for our Board members to consider with the help of
these two very capable women. Their assistance at getting ideas on paper was
invaluable so that we had something to vote on!
Our Board worked very well together, coming up with many excellent new
concepts. I want to thank our hardworking Board members over the last two
years - Emily Bull, Jeff Gartner, John Harshbarger, Allen Horton, Rob Michel,
Eric Nygaard, Marguerite Paige, Audrie Salsbury, Susan Thomas, Mark Hickcox,
and Nolan Walker. We now have a Finance Committee and a Hall of Legends
dedicated to those continuously serving in different capacities for our industry.
We are proud to note that we have one great convention behind us and
another exciting one coming up soon. I hope that you will find time to stop by
for a chat if you see me at that event in November.
I want to say many thanks to all FIA members, committee members and
colleagues, and the entire AFA membership. It has been my pleasure to serve
in this role, and I wish much success to all those working for our wonderful
organization in the exciting future ahead.
Chuck Milne
FIA President
Texas Farrier Supply

4 NO FOOT, NO HORSE

Executive Director’s Report 5

Hello, AFA & FIA Members!
Can you believe it? By the time you read this, we will be just about three weeks out from
gathering in Little Rock! I’m not 100% sure what’s happened to 2022, but it will be in our
rearview mirror before we know it!
We’ve said it before, and it’s still true – our 50th Anniversary Convention will be tough to
beat; it was an incredible experience filled with so many of our favorite legends and icons!
But, even with that special anniversary behind us, I feel certain that the 51st will not let you
down!
We were excited in September to close registration for the National Forging &
Horseshoeing Competition with nearly as many competitors as last year (75), and especially
excited to (finally!) be welcoming back some of our competitor friends from overseas, such
as Hans Meier from Switzerland and Masafumi Shibata and Masato Yoshikawa from Japan!
It’s been far too long since we’ve seen them, and there’s no doubt they will add so much
joy to our competition.
With our Early Bird deadline having come and gone, our registration numbers are rivaling
last year (which was an incredible turnout), and we’ve already added rooms to our hotel
block twice! So – although this year’s travel woes and increasing expenses have gotten
us all down – we are absolutely thrilled that you have made your plans (and maybe even
saved your money!) to join us. We never, ever take that for granted – so please know how
much we appreciate you (and truly cannot wait to see you!).
Of course, none of this would be possible without our member volunteers who devote
their time and talent into pulling off an outstanding event. They collectively spend
hundreds of hours in various committee meetings planning the week, they help us by
ordering supplies and materials, and they develop and work on our event schedule
before we ever even arrive, and then they go on to share their entire week helping others
onsite. From Pre-Certification workshops to Certification testing, and from setting up the
Competition Hall on Monday to helping with the auction at Grand Finale – everything you
see and experience at Convention, our members have helped produce. They should be
pretty easy to spot in Little Rock, so please give them a shout out when you see them. We
are so very, very fortunate for each and every one of them.
Finally, just a few final reminders for you!
• There is still time to vote in our Director and Officer elections! You can do so online

by visiting here: https://americanfarriers.org/page/2021-candidate-statements and
signing in, OR while you are onsite in Little Rock – but whichever you choose, just vote!
• Although the Early Bird deadline has passed, you can still register to attend up through
Friday, November 4 – and of course, when you’re onsite! (So, it’s not too late!)
• If you haven’t booked your hotel room yet, not to worry - there are still rooms
remaining at the Marriott! Please visit our Hotel & Travel page here: https://
americanfarriers.org/page/2022-convention-hotel for booking details, travel
information and parking in downtown Little Rock!
With that in mind, I’ll sign off this time by saying – See you in Little Rock, AFA and FIA!

Cheers!
Martha Jones
Executive Director
American Farrier’s Association & Farrier Industry Association

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022

AFA News & Press Releases

AFA App:
As a reminder, our App rocks during Convention!! If you haven’t
done so already, download it from either your Apple or Android
store before you get to Little Rock! You just need your email
address to log in (it’s easy peasy) – and you won’t regret it!
Schedule:
Our schedule only continues to get more awesome! Be sure
you check it on the regular for updates, additions and what’s
happening where in Little Rock!

2022 DIRECTOR AND OFFICER ELECTIONS

If you haven’t done so already, voting is still open for our
2022 elections, and we want to hear your voice!! Please
visit our candidates’ statements page on the website here:
americanfarriers.org/page/2021-candidate-statements, read
each person’s goals, and log in to vote – (Pro Tip: You are also
welcome to vote onsite during Convention!

51ST ANNUAL CONVENTION: EQUINE RESEARCH: GRANT APPLICATIONS
REGISTRATION, NEWLY CERTIFIED & KNOW (STEP 1) DUE OCTOBER 21
BEFORE YOU GO!
The AFA research grant is a teaching grant designed to help
Registration: farriers learn the scientific method while creating peer-review
As you can see in this issue, we have an extraordinary lineup worthy data relevant to the practice of farriery, and we have
of speakers and events for our 51st Convention in Little Rock, some awesome recipients of these grants, Cody Bogard, CJF, TE,
and there is still time to register to attend! Although the Early Scott Bushaw, CJF, and Brian Strelow, CJF, who will be updating
Bird deadline has passed, we still want you to join us! Check our us on their tremendous work in Little Rock!
website and app for all the information you need to register, The application for the grant is a two-step process, and the
travel, book your hotel, etc.! first step, which includes a project summary, resume and cover
Newly Certified Recognition: letter, is due October 21. If you have an academic mentor,
In case you haven’t been to Convention in a few years, we please include his/her resume with your first step. If not, you
have started recognizing our members who achieved their will be paired with a mentor for the second step. For more
Certification goals in the past year (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) information on submitting an application, please contact Katie
during Grand Finale. They will each walk across the stage to be Panos, CJF at [email protected] or 603-660-
honored by their peers – and, once again, receive a special gift 8126, or visit the AFA website here: americanfarriers.org/page/
from Mustad USA (big thank you, Mustad team!). If you achieved afa-research-grant
a level of Certification within the year, please plan on coming to
Little Rock – as you deserve it!
Know Before You Go:
To all of our friends traveling in from far and wide – we can’t wait
to see you!
Travel Tips:
If you are flying:
There IS a shuttle from the airport to the hotel should you need
it; however, you will need to call 501.906.4000 (Marriott’s General
Line) and press “0” to reserve your seat!
If you are driving:
If you prefer not to pay hotel rates for parking (OR if you have
an oversize vehicle) – there are plenty of public parking options
within walking distance of the Marriott! Please review the map
to find your perfect spot here: statehouseconventioncenter.com/
directions-and-parking

6 NO FOOT, NO HORSE

CURRENT TEAM STANDINGS AS OF
SEPTEMBER 2022

Competitor Total Points Earned

Juan Berumen, CJF 28

Brian Buckner, CJF 22

Adam Fahr, CJF 34

Daniel Jones, CJF 53

Chris Madrid, CJF 68

Bryan Osborne, CJF 38

Tom Petersen, CJF 68

Sawyer Spradling, CJF 55

Bodie Trnka, CJF 62

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 7

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

October 14-15 October 21-22
Ohio Certification South Carolina Certification
Host: Mideastern Farriers Association Host: South Carolina Farriers Association
Location: Grizzle Ridge Arena Location: Palmetto Equine
52106 Grizzle Ridge Rd, Jerusalem, OH 43747 451 Jenkins Circle, Townsville, SC 29689
Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF Examiner: Eric Gilleland, CJF, TE
All Levels/Areas Offered All Levels/Areas Offered
ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org
Contact: David Bentrem, CJF – 412-580-4458 Contact: Dusty Newby – 864-992-0020, [email protected]

October 14-15 October 27
Oregon Certification Arizona Certification
Host: Oregon Farriers Association Host: Arizona State Farriers Association
Location: Oregon Farrier School Location: Triple 3 Farm and Events
13000 Finlay Rd, Silverton, OR 97381 764 W Road 1 South, Chino Valley, AZ 84704
Examiner: Brian Strelow, CJF Examiner: Jacob Manning, CJF
All Levels/Areas Offered All Levels/Areas Offered
ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org
Contact: Beau Whitaker, CJF – 541-777-2110 Contact: David Pedersen, CJF – 520-465-5837

October 14-15 November 8-11
Missouri Certification Convention Certification
Host: Missouri Association of Professional Farriers Host: American Farriers Association
Location: Heartland Horseshoeing School Location: Statehouse Convention Center
327 SW 1st Ln, Lamar, MO 64759 101 E Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Examiner: David Sierra, CJF Written & Shoe Exams Only
All Levels/Areas Offered ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org
ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: AFA Office – 859-233-7411, [email protected]
Contact: Chris Gregory, CJF, FWCF, ASF – 417-682-8484
January 24
October 15-16 Summit Certification
Missouri Certification Host: American Farriers Association
Host: Missouri Association of Professional Farriers Location: International Hoofcare Summit
Location: Heartland Horseshoeing School Duke Energy Center, 525 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
327 SW 1st Ln, Lamar, MO 64759 Examiner: Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF
Examiner: David Sierra, CJF Written Exam Only
All Levels/Areas Offered ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org
ONLINE Registration Only – americanfarriers.org Contact: AFA Office – 859-233-7411, [email protected]
Contact: Chris Gregory, CJF, FWCF, ASF – 417-682-8484

October 21-22
Mexico Certification
Host: American Farriers Association
Location:
Rancho Hacienda de Guadalupe
Carretera el Castillo - La Boca 100
Cadereyta, Nuevo Leon 66444 Mexico
Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF
All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Manuel Gutierrez – 811-804-6019, [email protected]

8 NO FOOT, NO HORSE

Certification & Endorsement Accomplishments

Congratulations on this Achievement!

LIST OF CERTIFIED: JULY 2021 – JUNE 2022

ALABAMA Chris Gilham, CJF MASSACHUSETTS Jacob Simoni, CF VIRGINIA
Riley Gullion, CF Tylor James, CF Luke Batista, CF OKLAHOMA Bryan Lester, CF
Melinda Lewis, CJF IDAHO James Freeman, CF Jesse Darrow, CJF Meredith Martin, CF
Sam Sellers, CF Tucker Egan, CF MICHIGAN Robert Gormley, CJF Storm Myers, CF
Aaron Krieg, CF Patricia Powell, CF Brian Reynolds, CF Kevin Ritter, CF
ALASKA Maxwell Smith, CF Corey Sheets, CF
Hannah Calbick, CF ILLINOIS MINNESOTA OREGON Victoria Solzbach, CF
Mason McAllister, CJF* Julia Lundeen, CF Brian Bauer, CF WASHINGTON
ARIZONA Matthew Ostergard, CJF MISSOURI Mackenzie Delahunt, CF Brandyn Davis, CJF
Cole Looper, CF INDIANA Reuben Glick, CF Erin Dong, CJF
Cody Bogard, CJF, TE William Kennedy, CF Tobias Ellis, CJF
CALIFORNIA Richard Gingerich, CJF Seth Larsen, CF
Ben Bishop, CF Sam Hogan, CJF* David Pfefer, CF PENNSYLVANIA WYOMING
EmmaLee Cisneros, CF Will Krafsig, CF Dalton Thompson, CJF Joe Phillips, CJF Patrick Fargnoli, CF
Robert Clubb-May, CJF Aaron Lapp, CF MONTANA Justin Sieber, CF
Rodney Deck II, CF LaVerne Mast, CF Eli Chisholm, CF David Wilson, CF CANADA
Brandon Hernandez, CF Lydia Mudd, CF Neil Duede, CJF TENNESSEE ALBERTA
Parker Irvine, CF Brandt Walden, CF Grace Lohrmann, CF Sam Carter, CF Kailey McIntosh, CJF
John Machamer, CF KANSAS NEBRASKA Scott Doner, CF BRITISH
Justin Rathert, CF Jeff Jones, CF Jarrett Oestmann, CF TEXAS COLUMBIA
William David Reed, CJF NEVADA Kori Agin-Batten, CF David Comer, CJF
COLORADO KENTUCKY McKay Magoon, CJF Marcus Appleyard, CJF* ONTARIO
Chris Comroe, CF Elias Bacon, CF NEW JERSEY Charles Beauregard, CJF Ali Carpenter, CF
Garrett Dillon, CF Pat Broadus, CJF Yisroel Tkatch, CF Colton Childs, CF Jordan Levisky, CF
James Dudley, CF Adam Burnett, CF NEW YORK James Cockrell, CJF Stephanie Spilsbury, CF
Carrey Gunderman, CF Jesse Chavez, CF Alisha Ewanos, CF Logan Felix, CJF QUEBEC
Chase Hallquist, CF Meghan Coyle, CJF Mickey Lancto, CF Chad Finley, CF Julia Jaworski, CF
William Lueth, CJF, TE Colton Ellis, CJF Aiden Nicholas, CF Lior Harbi, CF Charles-André Lemieux,
Robert Middlemas, CJF Javier Jimenez, CF Philippe Stuart, CF Kelton Harris, CJF CF
Dillan Murphy, CJF Trevor Martinelli, CF NORTH CAROLINA Jeb Hunt, CJF* Vanessa Morency St-
Heath Poyner, CF Landon Morrow, CF Jacob Dale, CF Mike Matt, CJF Pierre, CJF
Levic Rosado Jr, CJF* Galen Stanger, CF Joe Eisen, CF Clinton Oliver, CF
Jeremy Soronen, CJF MAINE OHIO Tyler Patrick, CF JAPAN
Talon Turner, CJF* Scott Hickey, CF Jacob Burall, CF Ally Plunkett, CF Marie Miyake, CF
Ian Walker, CJF Eli Miller, CF Carly Peters, CJF Charlie Putnam, CF
Alexeea Wilson, CF Bear Reed, CF ISRAEL
MARYLAND Brandon Rogers, CF Segev Lazarovitz, CJF
CONNECTICUT Morgan Carter, CF Benjamin Schroeder, CF Oz Shalom, CF
Bud Dore, CF Bayly Cogan, CF
UTAH SWITZERLAND
FLORIDA Dillon Jacobs, CF Andre Estermann, CF
Calvin Campbell, CJF VERMONT Andrin Graber, CF
Edward Calle Torres, CF Elizabeth Longworth, CF
Brendan Paulson, CF
GEORGIA Rachel Richardson, CF
Zayd Davies, CF

A huge note of thanks to all of CERTIFIED JOURNEYMAN
the AFA Examiners and Testers, FARRIER
facility hosts and the legions of
volunteers it takes to manage a
successful certification.

*Earned Certified Farrier and Certified Journeyman Farrier between July 2021 and June 2022

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 9

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.

What lead you to decide to open FarrierBox, and when did you do so?  Shannon Deterding
Being a momma was my main motivation! 
I really wanted to be able to work on a project with Bodie and Rachel FarrierBox
and we all thought a subscription box would do well in the farrier FIA MarketPlace Committee
industry. Plus, it was a way to give farriers access to great tools, with
insight from Bodie and other top farriers in the industry. 
We also thought it would be an opportunity to expose great
toolmakers to a bigger customer base and to get new products
into the hands of more farriers, a win for our customers, a win for
toolmakers, and a win manufacturers. Plus, a way for our family to be
more involved in the farrier industry.
We started the business in 2020. 
What have been your biggest challenges since opening your
business?  
Probably learning all the technology. Back during my sales career, I
had “people” who took care of all that, now I am the “people”!
And each box is a puzzle, we have to consider the price of each item,
try to make the products in each box all make sense together and
actually physically fit them into the box. 
Supply was tricky for a bit, so we had to adapt to ordering early and
risking a surplus. 
Who were your greatest influencers/mentors in your career?  
My mom and dad raised me with a good work ethic, and I was
blessed to grow up in a small town where being polite and kind to
others was the rule. My first real boss, Bob Healey, Sr., Taught me
the ins and outs of running a business and how to make decisions
quickly. John Harshbarger has been a great help with industry
specific information. 
What is the best business advice you could give someone who is
just starting out?  
Stick with it. We shared a quote awhile back that I think captures
it pretty well. “First it will feel like a sacrifice. Then it will feel like a
grind. Then it will feel like life. Then it will feel like freedom.” (@Buffet
Success)
What business lessons have you had to learn the “hard way”? 
To be flexible. I’d prefer things to be predictable and to work out just
like I plan. Ha! That just isn’t real life. 
Don’t over promise. You can only control what you can control,
and if you want to keep your customer’s trust, you have to realize
that. Even when you do everything you can, a customer can still be
disappointed with the outcome. 
If you had it to do all over again, would you take the same path?  
Absolutely. I feel very blessed to be a part of an industry with such
hard-working men and women. They inspire me to set personal
goals and try to get better each day! 

10 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

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!

October 14-15 October 27-30
OFA Annual Fall Clinic ASFA Contest & Clinic
Host: Oklahoma Farriers Association Host: Arizona State Farriers Association
Location: Nature Farms Farrier Supply Location: 764 W Rd 1 South, Chino Valley AZ 86323
3541 National Dr, Norman, OK 73069 Clinician/Judge: Travis Koons, CJF
Clinician: Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF Contact: Logan Salcito – 928-899-7982
Contact: Craig Stark, CJF – 918-857-0771 October 28
October 14-16 VHA Clinic
ALPFA Annual Contest Host: Virginia Horseshoers Association
Host: Alabama Professional Farriers Association Location: Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Location: Escambia County Equestrian Center 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121
7750 Mobile Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32526 Clinician: TBA
Judge: Bodie Trnka, CJF Contact: Russell Hite, CJF – 804-240-2296
Contact: Sam Howard, CJF – 601-394-8065 October 28-29
October 15 Forge at the Farm
Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing Location: Meader Supply
Annual Clinic 23 Meaderboro Rd, Rochester, NH 03867
Sponsor: Delta Mustad Clinicians: Pat Broadus, CJF and Nick Denson
Location: Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing Contact: Meader Supply – 603-332-3032
400 Lewis Road, Gadsden, AL 35904 October 28-29
Clinician: Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF Dr Simon Curtis Clinic
Contact: Lookout Mountain – 256-546-2036 Location: The Hoof Redevelopment Center
October 21-23 375 T Johnson Road, Carthage, NC 28327
Farrier Business Success Academy Clinician: Dr Simon Curtis, FWCF
Host: American Farriers Journal Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dr-simon-curtis-fwcf-bsc-
Free online educational event hons-honassocrcvs-tickets-365683056867
https://www.americanfarriers.com/ October 29
FarrierBusinessSuccessAcademy-2020 FSFA Clinic
October 22 Host: Florida State Farriers Association
RMFA Fall Clinic Location: Equine Performance Innovative Center
Host: Rocky Mountain Farriers Association 5590 NW Hwy 225, Ocala, FL 34482
Location: Iron Forrest Forge LLC Clinicians: Alberto Rulan, DVM; April Volling, DAEP; Jason Miner; Bruce
693 25 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505 Martin, CF
Clinician: Vince Vesley, CJF Contact: Cody Lamberton, CF – 813-388-7316
Contact: Contact Bill Helfin, CJF – 575-313-1882 November 7-11
October 22 AFA 51st Annual Convention
Sweet River Equine Fall Farrier Clinic Host: American Farrier’s Association
Host: Sweet River Equine Clinic Location: Little Rock, AR
Location: 200 Weyer Rd, Modesto, CA 95357 https://americanfarriers.org/page/2022-convention
Clinician: Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWCF, ASF Contact: AFA Office – 859-233-7411, [email protected]
Contact: Dan Sweet – 209-524-9191, [email protected] December 10
October 24 MEFA 2022 Clinic Series
Hoofcare Essentials Clinic Host: MidEastern Farriers Association
Host: Yoder Blacksmith Supply Location: Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds
Location: 8900 Township Rd 652, Fredericksburg, OH 44627 259 S Tuscarawas Ave, Dover, OH 44622
Contact: Henry Yoder – 330-471-1940 Clinician: Ben Hupp, CJF
October 26-28 Contact: Lori McDade, CF – 330-447-7534
AWCF Higher Examinations
Location: Kentucky Horseshoeing School
3612 Lexington Road, Richmond, KY 40475
Contact: The Worshipful Company of Farriers - [email protected]

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 11

Convention

See you soon
in Little Rock

There is still time to register and attend the 50th Annual
AFA Convention!  Register at www.americanfarriers.org
or call (877) 268-4505

12 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor:

*( ) 2 5 * ( 7 2 2 /
3 5 ( & , 6 , 2 1 ) $ 5 5 , ( 5 7 2 2 / 6 p

Hoof Level:

TOP 5 REASONS TO ATTEND Forge Level Sponsor: Specialty Level Sponsor:

Expert Educational Lectures and Demonstrations Horseshoe Level:
Raise your level of expertise by learning from these speakers and
demonstrators!
Roy Bloom, CJF , Ben Casserly, DWCF, Chad Chance, CJF
Nigel Fennell, CJF, DWCF, AWCF, Cody Gregory, CJF, AWCF
Jennifer Horn, CJF, Tim Hoover, CJF, John McNerney, CJF
Lydia Mudd, CF, DVM, Katie Panos, CJF
Dr. Sammy Pittman, CF, DVM, Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF
Tim Shannon, CJF, AWCF
Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl.ACVS, Dipl.ACVSMR
Andrew Wells, CJF

The 2022 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition Social Sponsors: Hammer Level:
Watch & learn from the best-of-the-best!
Open Division Judges: Rasp Level:
Ben Casserly, DWCF
John McNerney, CJF Edward Martin Products Patton Hoof Ruler
Andrew Wells, CJF Ken Davis & Sons Texas Farrier Supply
Intermediate Division Judges: NC Tool Company
Juan Berumen, CJF Nordic Forge
Brian Buckner, CJF
Adam Fahr, CJF (alternate) Educational Partners:
Daniel Jones, CJF
Sawyer Spradling, CJF FPD, Inc. NAEP
New Products and the Must Have Items for your Business at the
The FIA MarketPlace is always “the place to be” during the In-Kind Sponsors:
Convention! We are excited to welcome an outstanding group of
vendors that will have all of the new products on the market for American Farriers Journal Mustad USA
you to try out and we want to extend a warm welcome to the new Anvil Brand Texas Farrier Supply
vendors participating this year! FPD, Inc.
Certification: Presentations, Demonstrations, Testing
Opportunities and Recognition! Thank You to Our Competition Sponsors
There is a full week of Certification opportunities including
Hands-On Stations, TE Presentations, Written Exams, Certification
Workshops, CF Shoe Display, TE Modern Materials Examinations,
and much more!
NEW Roundtable Discussions & AFA Research Rapid Fire
Be sure to stop by the exciting new presentations on the schedule!
The Roundtable Discussions will offer two topics to discuss among
your peers: Journey to the Journeyman and Shoeing for Different
Surfaces.
The AFA Research Rapid Fire, hosted by AFA Equine Research
grant recipients, Cody Bogard, CJF, TE, Scott Bushaw, CJF and Brian
Strelow, CJF will give attendees an overview of, and update on,
their current research projects.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 13

Thank you FIA MarketPlace Vendors

American Farriers Journal BOOTH: 224 Livingston Tech, LLC BOOTH: 326

Anatomy of the Equine, LLC BOOTH: 122 Madrid Forge/Salcito Knives BOOTH: 402

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Lieser Land Forge, LLC BOOTH: 308 World Championship Blacksmiths BOOTH: 118

Life Data Labs, Inc. BOOTH: 121

14 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

2022 AFA Convention Speakers

Roy Bloom, CJF Ben Casserly, DWCF ROY BLOOM, CJF
Chad Chance, CJF Nigel Fennell, CJF, DWCF, Topic: Every Day Basics for the Every Day Farrier
Cody Gregory, CJF, AWCF Roy is renowned for his creative yet simplistic approach to everyday
Jennifer Horn, CJF AWCF basics. FUNdamentals that you can put into your practice right away.
Tim Hoover, CJF BEN CASSERLY, DWCF
John McNerney, CJF Topic: Discussing the Pros and Cons of Concave
Making every day shoeing a little easier using Concave.
CHAD CHANCE, CJF
Topic: Omni Directional Approach to Horseshoeing
How to combine shoeing for the public and shoeing for a contest. Going
through a detailed journey of 38 years of shoeing for the public alongside
14 years on the competition trail. Can these two journeys complement
each other? Yes, they can, come hear how!

NIGEL FENNELL, CJF, DWCF, AWCF
Topic: Rock ‘n Roll: Forging Using Various Breakover Designs &
Modifications
Shoe modifications aimed at all levels with key basic but effective skills for
both everyday applications and higher-level examinations.
CODY GREGORY, CJF, AWCF
Topic: For the Want of Anatomy
This lecture will uncover the mechanics hidden by the skin. These
mechanics, when studied, bring a new passion for something that is seen
daily. Cody will go over things, from the expansion of the foot to the
suspension of the back, of this amazing animal that always has something
new to teach us!
TIM HOOVER, CJF
Topic: Bar Shoe Basics with Hooter
Join Hooter as he walks through his process of forging and fitting bar
shoes in a live demonstration
JENNIFER HORN, CJF
Topic: Prepare to Perform: Points to Perfect Your Presentation
This presentation is about presentations and is designed to provide
tips and tools for making AFA Endorsement presentations or preparing
to present for a group as a guest speaker. It will cover gathering your
information; assembling a demonstration, PowerPoint, or lecture;
and then performing the presentation. Making presentations can be
challenging, get to this presentation to learn how to overcome the
difficulties! 
JOHN MCNERNEY, CJF
Topic: 10 Things that Take NO Talent
The “10 Things that Don’t Take Any Talent” is a leadership class I took a few
years ago.  This was a very inspirational lecture to me, and I would like to
pass it on to my farrier family.  I will shape the lecture into how each of us
can use these principles to be a leader in the industry and community as a
farrier.  It will be a PowerPoint lecture while I forge a shoe. 
LYDIA MUDD, CF, DVM
Topic: Diagnostic Imaging for Farriers: Radiographs and Beyond
Radiographs have become heavily integrated into the farrier world, but
as diagnostic imaging advances beyond x-rays, an understanding of new
technology will become increasingly helpful for the practicing farrier. But
what really is the difference between a bone scan and a PET scan? The
goal of this presentation is to provide attendees with clear explanations
to build a basic working knowledge of current imaging modalities, from
radiographs to MRI and beyond!

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 15

2022 AFA Convention Speakers

Lydia Mudd, CF, DVM Katie Panos, CJF KATIE PANOS, CJF
Dr. Sammy Pittman, CF, DVM Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF Topic: Does Hind-End Soundness Improve when Shod?
Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS, Katie will discuss how her group found that horse’s hind limb gait quality
Dipl.ACVS, Dipl.ACVSMR Andrew Wells, CJF improves with shoes using two different lameness methods.
DR. SAMMY PITTMAN, CF, DVM
Topic: Understanding the Spectrum of Biomechanics in Our Daily
Practice from Low Heel to Club Foot.  
This lecture will dig into the anatomy and mechanics of the crushed heel/
low foot and club foot.  Example based discussion of how these hoof
profiles exist and management from foal to adult horses.
DOUG RUSSO, CJF, AWCF
Topic: Static Versus Dynamic Balance
There has long been an argument within the industry - do we shoe
horses to stand, or do we shoe horses to move? I believe most farriers
agree, horses sustain acute or repetitive strain injury while moving. Based
on my experience, I hypothesize that radiographs are not appropriate for
determining balance. I look forward to explaining my theory as well as
how we might determine dynamic balance.
TIM SHANNON, CJF, AWCF
Topic: What Defines the Modern Professional Farrier
There is an abundance of educational opportunities, tools, research,
and modern materials available to a farrier today. So how, then, do we
define today’s professional farrier? I will be going over the skills needed
to be a professional farrier today, and why they are important to today’s
practitioner.
TRACY A. TURNER, DVM, MS, DIPL.ACVS, DIPL.ACVSMR
Topic: What Imaging Tells Us About the Horse’s Foot
This is a comprehensive discussion of the imaging modalities used
to examine the equine foot. The discussion details the need for an
accurate diagnosis and therefore, accurate imaging. Discussions follow
on the difference between film radiography and digital radiography.
This is followed by a discussion of using ultrasound to examine the
foot, followed by discussing the added value that scintigraphy and
thermography bring to imaging the foot. Finally, a discussion of magnetic
resonance imaging and how that has changed how we look at the foot.
ANDREW WELLS, CJF
Topic: With Great Art to Copy All that He Saw:
An Interview with Craig Trnka
Andrew Wells will interview Craig Trnka live on stage in the lecture hall.
Topics of conversation include the beginning of Craig’s career, his first
experiences traveling abroad to compete, and making a transition from
being in competitions to producing competitions. Beyond question and
answer, there is sure to be storytelling along the path to discovering
Craig’s thoughts on making a life as a farrier. 

AFA RESEARCH RAPID FIRE
Cody Bogard, CJF, TE, Scott Bushaw, CJF and Brian Strelow, CJF will give
attendees an overview of, and update on, their current research projects.
Cody is studying how various variables effect pour in pad hardness over
a six-week time period, Scott is studying the effects of bacterial load and
moisture content with copper sulfate under a pad versus not, and Brian
is studying the measurements of radiographs taken with limbs “evenly”
loaded versus fully loaded. These summaries will provide you insight on
our grantees’ progress, as well as what you can expect when they are
complete!

16 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

2022 AFA Convention Speakers

ROUNDTABLES
Journey to the Journeyman (Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF)
What steps did you take to get through AFA testing? Have you asked
yourself, how can I get through the process? Here’s a chance to help
others on their Journey to the Journeyman and to talk to those that have
been through the process.
Shoeing for Different Surfaces (Tim Shannon, CJF, AWCF)
What is your experience working with different surfaces? Do you need
some ideas for your horses? Join us to contribute and learn about
shoeing for different surfaces in a variety of environments.

Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF Tim Shannon, CJF, AWCF

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 17

Dave Farley Demonstrates
Modifications Using the
Kerckhaert SX-10

Dave Farley, APF-I CF visited the FootPro Shop and did a variety of shoe modifications using
the Kerckhaert SX-10 unclipped shoes. The SX-10 is a 3/8” thick shoe that allows you to do
various modifications without sacrificing the strength of the shoe. You can find videos of these
modifications on the FPD YouTube channel – youtube.com/farrierproducts.

HEEL CLEAN OUT ONION MODIFICATION DOUBLE LATERAL HEEL
MODIFICATION MODIFICATION
The onion modification is
The heel clean out done by forging and The double lateral heel
modification is used to displacing steel, widening the modification is done similar
promote the sole to naturally material to cover or protect to a trailer but we take
clean out or unload the an area of the sole, especially almost an inch or more of
material that collects or at the seat of corn at the material to forge a longer
packs into the foot and juncture of the bar and hoof trailer, forging it more
sometimes snowballs. Open wall. There are many ways to outward or more laterally.
the heels by hammering the accomplish this modification. Then, using the horn,
inside of each heel, or This demonstration was done hammer it back into the heel
grinding bevels on each heel. by placing the shoe on the area of the shoe. This
Taper the material from the horn and simply hammering provides more lateral support
ground side of the shoe. This the SX10 material inward to without as much length as a
shoe modification helps the cover the area of the corn. trailer. It can be forged wider
foot to clean, especially if the This forging exercise can be by hammering from the hoof
horse is working at higher forged on any area of the side of the shoe outward.
speeds. shoe where the foot is This modification is used for
compromised by a puncture, horses with run under
bruise or being cut too short. bilateral heels or contracted
run under heels. For
example, the type of hoof
conformation that loses
traction or support on tight
fast turns.

18 facebook @farrierproductdistribNutOionF O| OinTst, aNgrOamH@OfRpSdiEnc | youtube @farrierproducts 1

ROLLED TOE LATERAL SUPPORT TRAILER MODIFICATION
MODIFICATION MODIFICATION
A trailer modification is made
The rolled toe modification is The lateral support by turning the end of the
a very simple one. It requires modification is made by branch of the shoe to line up
forging the toe of the shoe forging the steel at the heel with the diagonal toe of the
approximately from the of the shoe from the hoof shoe. It can be medial or
center or middle of the side. Placing the ground side lateral but most often is used
branch from the second nail of the shoe on the edge of the laterally. The trailer
hole outward to the second anvil and holding the modification should extend
nail hole of the opposite hammer at approximately 45 farther back and outward to
branch. This forging of the degrees, hammer the alter the landing of the foot.
toe area will widen the width material outward. This will This modification, if used
of the branch as it thins the widen the branch or heel laterally, will widen a horse’s
material the direction it’s area. This modification is landing. Useful for a horse
being hammered. This forged to help support a that rope walks.
thinning and widening of the contracted or run under
toe encourages the foot to heel. It is very commonly
break over easier and helpful on hind feet but can
sometimes faster. This also be used for fronts.
modification is helpful to
take stress off the soft This article is provided by Farrier Product Distribution.
tissues in that limb at the You can find other informative articles at
break over of the foot. If you www.farrierproducts.com/natural-angle.
have a horse that naturally
breaks over either laterally or
medially, you can adjust the
roll to allow that breakover in
that direction.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 19

2

TEST

YOURSELF

The History of Horseshoeing

1. In what year was the AFA founded? 2. This Roman forerunner to the nailed on horseshoe
A) 1893 was tied on the hoof with leather straps, but would
B) 1970 have been ineffective at high speeds or for long
C) 1971 distances:
D) 1985 A) The dove shoe
B) The hipposandal
C) The woven grass sandal
D) The equisandal

20 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

3. Who was traditionally considered the patron saint 7. What type of shoe was traditionally used in munitions
of farriers? factories and mines and why?
A) Saint Ferrus A) Borium shoes to prevent horses slipping while
B) Saint Peter pulling heavy loads
C) Saint Rita B) Horses were not shod since shoes could strike sparks
D) Saint Eloi against the ground
C) Copper shoes, which would not produce sparks
4. Who is thought to be the first to nail on horseshoes? against the ground
A) The Celts and Gauls around 400 CE D) Wide section shoes to protect horses from
B) The Romans around 100 BCE rough ground
C) The Mongols around 500 CE 8. When did the equine population peak in America?
D) The Normans around 1300 CE A) 1915 at 21.5 million horses
B) 2019 at 7.5 million horses
5. What year was the first patent for a horseshoe making C) 1899 at 76 million horses
machine issued? D) 1941 at 10 million horses
A) 1785 to Benjamin Franklin
B) 1834 to Henry Burden 9. When was the Worshipful Company of Farriers formed?
C) 1873 to Peter Pheonix A) 1066
D) 1937 to George Capewell B) 1356
C) 1809
6. What year saw the first American Farrier’s D) 1975
Association convention?
A) 1972 10. When did the AFA’s Certification program begin?
B) 1983 A) 1971
C) 1895 B) 1975
D) 1992 C) 1981
D) 1992

Test Answers:

6 A. 1972, 1. C. 1971
A history of the history of AFA conventions, by Walt Taylor The American Farrier’s Association Certification Guide, pg. 3
•
7 C. Copper shoes, which would not produce sparks against the ground, 2 B. The hipposandal,
The Hoof of the Horse, Simon Curtis, pg. 170 Hickman’s Farriery, John Hickman and Martin Humphrey, pg. 3
• •
8 A. 1915 at 21.5 million horses, 3 D. Saint Eloi,
The Principles of Horseshoing (P3), Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler, pg. 20 The Hoof of the Horse, Simon Curtis, pg. 169
•
9 B. 1356 4 A. The Celts and the Guals around 400 CE,
The Principles of Horseshoing (P3), Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler, pg. 18 Hickman’s Farriery, John Hickman and Martin Humphrey, pg. 4
• •
10 C. 1981 5. B. 1834 to Henry Burden,
The American Farrier’s Association Certification Guide, pg. 3. The Principles of Horseshoing (P3), Dr. Doug Butler and Jacob Butler, pg. 219

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 21



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convention for details!

Farrier Article

Journal Club Roundup

This month’s Journal Club, a free AFA program spearheaded instead of every 8 weeks is a variable that could really effect the
by the Equine Research Committee, looked at the paper final data.
“Comparison of the trimming procedure of six different farriers Radiographs were taken with the horse evenly loading
by quantitative evaluation of hoof radiographs”, by Martin its hooves, both DP and LM views, taken at the end of the
Kummer, Diego Gygax, Cristoph Lischer, and Jorg Auer. The shoeing cycle and after the trim. The protocols for taking the
online session was led by Katie Panos, BS, CJF, one of the radiographs were very specific to make sure that the images
Equine Research Committee co-chairs. would be consistent and repeatable.
The experiment compared the trims of six different farriers The farriers were not told how to trim the hooves, allowing
using radiographs. Each farrier’s trim was compared to trims each farrier to make their own decisions as we would most of
by the other farriers, and to subsequent trims performed by the time in the field.
that same farrier. In other words, when we trim, do we trim the So what were the results of this study? To start with, looking at
same as other farriers and do we trim the same hoof the same hoof measurements they confirmed that horses in the group
way every time? had significantly different hooves at the outset. This is helpful
In the introduction to the paper, the writers pointed out that because it acknowledges that horses are individuals and that
the term “balance” is used a lot, but doesn’t have a standard every horse cannot be trimmed to the same angle or the same
definition and hasn’t been studied much. Since different hoof measurements.
farriers have different definitions of balance and different ways Half of the farriers had significant statistical differences
of getting there, the researchers wanted to know if the farriers between their trims and the trims of other farriers. Also,
in the study would be consistent in their attempts to reach two of the farriers in the group had significantly different
balance, and if different farriers would see that goal differently. measurements between their own trims, while four had no
In order to test these two ideas, the researchers used 40 significant differences.
warmbloods from 6-12 years old who were used for dressage Does this mean that the two farriers with significant differences
or show jumping. 38 of the 40 horses had hooves within between their own trims were just going around trimming feet
normal parameters, but two had poor hoof wall quality and with no reference to the horses anatomy or their own ideas
were put on a biotin supplement. Those 40 horses were of balance? This is where the term “statistically significant”
divided into groups of 6 or 7 and each group was assigned to requires a little explanation.
a different farrier. The farrier began working on that group of As Katie Panos explained to the group, statistical significance
horses one year before the study, so in theory, no drastic hoof is different than clinical significance. Clinical significance
changes should have been necessary during the study. is what we mean when we use the word significant every
The horses were shod every 8-10 weeks during the study, day- something that is important or makes a difference.
a longer shoeing interval than most of us would consider Clinically significant would be trimming a hoof a quarter of an
normal. Additionally, having a two week range in which the inch higher medially than laterally. It’s noticeable. Statistical
horses were done might add a significant amount of hoof significance, on the other hand, is what researchers mean when
growth and distortion, so having horses done at 8-10 weeks they use the word significant. Statistical significance refers

24 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

to the likelihood of something being repeatable no matter backgrounds or if some had 30 years of experience and others
how many times you run the test, but it could be measuring were fresh out of school. It would have been interesting to
something tiny, a difference that wouldn’t be observable by know if any of those factors influenced accuracy.
the average person. So for instance, statistical significance It also would have been interesting to see each farriers’
could be trimming one millimeter high medially on every hoof. accuracy broken down on a per horse basis. Were they very
Does it make a difference to the horse? Probably not. It’s not accurate on six horses but the seventh was a nightmare to
clinically significant. But will it continue to show up if they work on so they were less accurate? With all the horses lumped
measure a hundred more feet that you trimmed? Probably so. together it’s impossible to know, but one badly behaved horse
It’s statistically significant. could skew the results for the whole group.
So statistically significant differences between the farriers’ What measurement had the most variability between farriers?
own trims might mean a millimeter difference here and there, The breakover measurement. This make sense because some
not wild pendulum swings in the trim. In fact, many of the farriers like to dress toes back more, some perimeter fit, and
measurements that showed statistical significance between some pull shoes back.
farriers or between trims were extremely close. The farrier Although there are always more questions and factors to
who had the most differences between trims and with the look into, this was a fascinating and well done study, showing
trims of other farriers was “Farrier F”, but the majority of their that accuracy in trims is absolutely possible. Even the least
measurements were only 1 to 2 millimeters different, while accurate farrier in the group was well within safe limits, while
the most consistent farriers had many measurements that the most accurate farrier was within a millimeter in all their
were exactly the same between trims. When you get into the measurements. We should all strive for that kind of accuracy in
numbers in this study, it’s actually a remarkable testament to our work!
how accurate many farriers truly are. Factoring in changing If you’re interested in reading and discussing papers like this in
seasons and environments, possible variations in how well the future, watch your inbox for AFA Eblasts! They will contain
horses were behaving, and an 8-10 week trimming cycle, it information about upcoming Journal Clubs. You can also view
becomes even more impressive. recordings of past discussions at Americanfarriers.org, then
One missed opportunity in this study was that the researchers click Programs> Equine Research> Journal Club.
did not record the experience levels, education, or certification
of the farriers involved. We don’t know if the group had similar

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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 25

Farrier Article

Learning How to Learn:

Strategies for Acquiring Knowledge
and Building Skill in Farriery

By: Jake Maestas, CJF

The American Farriers Association (AFA) certification program skill follows three steps: expose, recall, and apply. This article
offers farriers a standard of excellence to test their knowledge will explain concepts of how humans learn, and then describe
and skills against. As with any high standard, the tests are how the expose, recall, and apply strategy can be used not
intentionally quite difficult to pass. Most farriers who have any only to pass AFA certification, but to simultaneously build a
experience with certification have either personally failed or foundation of knowledge and skill that farriers will draw upon
know someone who has failed at least one component of the for their entire career.
exams. These candidates’ failures are not due to the standard Understanding how humans learn is an important and
being too high, rather it is often due to a lack of effective empowering step towards becoming a lifelong learner. Without
preparation on the part of the individual taking the test. this knowledge, an individual can spend a great deal of time
Many candidates spend a significant amount of effort on test and effort trying to learn and end up frustrated having gained
preparation and when they take the test, they realize that their minimal knowledge and skill. To begin mastering the skill
efforts were in the wrong direction. Rather than simply taking of learning, we must understand how our brains operate.
the exam until they pass and treating the tests as practice runs, The central nervous system is constantly engaging with the
candidates should focus their efforts on becoming lifelong environment around it through various forms of stimuli,
learners, dedicated to mastery of the knowledge and skill facilitated by our sense of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch
necessary to meeting the standards of farriery set forth by the (Purves et al, 2018, p 191). In other words, we use our senses
AFA. The most important step in becoming a lifelong learner to perceive the world around us and these perceptions are
is to understand how humans learn. Just like forging heels “inputs” into our systems. For example, when trimming a foot,
or recognizing pathologies in the foot, learning is a skill that it is common for the farrier to feel the dorsal wall with their
can be taught, practiced, and improved upon. A simple, yet finger and to see the shape of the foot. This practice uses both
effective strategy that can be used to learn any knowledge or the sense of touch and the sense of sight to input sensory

26 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

information into our central nervous system. Our nervous because it limits the individual’s ability to receive information
system is extremely efficient at forgetting the memory traces and there is mounting evidence that suggests that the learning
created by the constant inputs we experience. This system styles have little bearing on the individual’s ability to learn, and
of forgetting is desirable because we would be overloaded in some cases they detract from the learning process (Pashler
with memories of irrelevant minutiae otherwise (Purves et al, et al, 2008). It is important to note that all individuals do have
2018, p 687). However, this presents a problem for our ability a preferred learning style that allows them to learn more
to learn, because we must overcome our natural system of efficiently. There is nothing inherently wrong with this and I am
forgetting in order to create memories of relevant information not advocating for the abandonment of this practice. However,
that we plan to access in the future. Thinking back to the it is equally important to understand that learning styles
previous example, how often do you prepare a foot for a shoe have the potential to limit individuals by placing boundaries
and when you take the shoe out of the forge you find that you on how they expose themselves to the information. Rather
have completely forgotten the shape of the foot? This is an than limit one’s range of exposure, it is more beneficial to
example of our brain’s natural forgetting mechanism at work, perceive the subject using as many of the senses as possible.
and despite the frustration it causes it is absolutely necessary. Remember that learning styles are simply a way of describing
Our memory system consists of three categories of memory: an individual’s preferred method of exposure to information
immediate, short-term, and long-term (Purves et al, 2018, p and not all information can be effectively exposed to an
683). Immediate memory is of little relevance to this topic so individual using their chosen style. Additionally, the method
only short and long-term memories will be discussed. Short- of exposure should match and complement the nature of the
term, or working memory is described as the ability to hold and content (Brown et al, 2014, p 146). For example, exposure to
manipulate information in the mind for seconds to minutes forging through reading and listening is useful but learning
while it is being used to achieve a particular goal (Purves is much more efficient through visual means such as live
et al, 2018, p 683). Long-term memory, is more permanent demonstrations and instructional videos. However, exposure to
retention of information lasting from days to a lifetime (Purves anatomy is much more efficient through studying specimens,
et al, 2018, p 683). The obvious question here is first, how do reading, and actively listening to knowledgeable instructors.
we prevent our forgetting mechanism from removing the Exposure to content using this method creates a stronger
memory of important inputs, and second, how do we transfer memory of the topic being learned and will make the next step
the new memory to long-term storage? Researchers have spent in learning much easier. The next step is recollection of the
enormous amounts of time and resources researching this material being learned. In order to form a memory, the brain
exact question, and the simplest answer is to practice retrieval must prioritize the information enough to dedicate neural
of important information (Brown et al, 2014, p 44). Over time, space to saving it. An effective method for creating memories is
retrieval practice becomes easier and the information is more to recall the information that is being learned. A period of time
readily available to the individual. Eventually, and with diligent must pass between the exposure and the recollection. Early
practice, the memory will be consolidated into long-term in the process, this time will often be very short; on the order
storage and the individual will have learned the knowledge of seconds to minutes. As we learned earlier, this is a natural
or skill. An example of this that all farriers can relate to is using phenomenon that our brain uses to prevent a flood of useless
nippers. The first time an individual trims a foot with nippers memories from being retained. Quite often, the learner will be
the movement required to do so is quite unnatural and difficult unable to recall the information at all (Brown et al, 2014, p 44).
to do. We each stumbled through that first awkward trim and This failure to remember is normal and, although frustrating,
found that the second foot was slightly easier than the first. a natural component of this phase. In the author’s experience,
Eventually the movements became easier and easier and this is the phase where many students begin to struggle or
now most farriers use their nippers automatically with very quit the learning process completely. Faced with repeated
little conscious effort. This is because we each retrieved the failure of being able to remember the material being studied,
memory of how to make that particular motion so many times the student decides to stop studying. Taking a break at this
that the brain prioritized this information enough to dedicate point can be beneficial, as long as the student returns to the
it to long term memory. Learning is obviously much more material and repeats the exposure and attempts to recall again.
complex and nuanced than that, but now that we have a basic Repeating this process over time, the student will find that the
understanding of how we learn, we can discuss in detail a information becomes easier and easier to recall. Think back
specific method of learning. to the earlier example of learning how to use nippers. Every
time we nip a foot, we recall the memory of how to make the
To begin learning anything, the information must be exposed necessary motions. Repeatedly recalling this memory forces
to the individual. There are a multitude of ways to accomplish the brain to retain the memory and we eventually become
this, and the most common methods for farriers include quite good at performing this particular act. This happens
reading, watching educational videos, attending clinics, when the brain has prioritized the information enough to
listening to audiobooks or podcasts, and listening to and dedicate it to long term memory. Dr. Oakley, author of “A Mind
watching a mentor work. The common thread amongst all for Numbers,” refers to these functional memories as “chunks”
of these practices is sensory input. The learner is receiving and the process of creating them “chunking” (2014, p 54). The
information via one of the sensory pathways (sight, sound, key to being successful with this technique is to start with
touch, taste, and smell). At this stage of learning, candidates small chunks, such as learning the names of the bones below
may be tempted to attest that they must learn the information the carpus or tarsus. As these small chunks become solidified,
based upon their preconceived “learning style” (visual, auditory, we can expand our knowledge of the subject and make each
kinesthetic, reading/writing, etc). This thinking is problematic

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 27

Farrier Article

chunk more detailed. For example, once we learn the names performing a dissection, and creating new content utilizing
of each bone, we can study deeper and learn the type and the information being learned. Application is the final step in
function of each of the bones as well as the prominent features this strategy, but it is important for the learner to continually
of them. A common strategy to practice building chunks is to repeat the entire process to strengthen and expand their base
use flash cards. Selecting small bits of information and writing of knowledge and skill.
them on a note card with the answer on the back begins to
build a memory of the information. Repeatedly challenging An analogy to summarize this theory is making and building
yourself to remember what is written on the back of the card with bricks. Bricks are made of clay, concrete and other raw
helps the brain to solidify the information into a chunk of useful materials. The expose and recall phase is similar to making
information. This technique is great for farriers because we can individual bricks, where raw materials are taken and processed
keep a small deck of cards with us while we work and we can until they make a useful brick. Similarly, when learning we take
pull them out to test ourselves throughout the day during free in raw information with our senses and we process it using
moments when we’re waiting for a shoe to get hot or we’re retrieval practice to make a useful chunk of information. After
waiting for a client to bring us the next horse. Additionally, the bricks are made, they must be organized into a useful
keeping the information fresh in our brain while we are actively structure. Chunks of information must also be organized and
working on horses helps to make it relevant and adds context, consolidated into a useful mental picture. Constructing a house
which is the next step in the learning process. with the bricks is much like the apply phase because adding
context turns individual pieces into a useful house in the case
of brick and a working knowledge in the case of the chunks.
Being a lifelong learner means that you are dedicated to the
Remembering chunks continuous process of making bricks and organizing them into
of relevant information, new parts of your mental “house”, constantly expanding your
working knowledge and building more skill throughout the
although difficult, is course of your life.
just the beginning of the This system may sound simple, but the actual practice may
be quite difficult. When an individual encounters difficulty
learning process remembering or applying some new information they are
learning, it is important to understand that this difficulty is
desirable. In fact, studies have demonstrated that there appears
to be an inverse relationship between the ease of remembering
and the ability to learn (Brown et al, 2014, p 79). This means
that if remembering information is more challenging, the
Remembering chunks of relevant information, although individual has a higher likelihood of actually remembering it.
difficult, is just the beginning of the learning process. To make The opposite is also true; the easier it is to remember, the less
the chunks of information useful, they must become relevant likely it will be stored in long term memory. Remember that our
to the learner. Applying the information to a specific scenario brains are constantly trying to forget the onslaught of sensory
creates context and further strengthens the material that is input that we are being exposed to everyday, so we must find
being learned because it allows the individual to see where a way to overcome that forgetting mechanism and choose
the information they are learning fits into the big picture what memories are formed in long term storage. It appears that
(Oakley, 2014, p 59). Additionally, context will help the learner difficulty and effort during retrieval practice is one way to do
to avoid illusions of knowing. During the recall and apply phase just that.
of learning, there is a lot of information being remembered Another effective method to defeat the forgetting mechanism
and it is easy to misapply this information to the wrong is to create mental models. Through diligent and focused
situation without realizing that an error was made. Applying practice, an individual can deeply entrench interrelated
the information with context helps the learner to understand ideas and motor skills into a useful mental model that can
when to apply the chunk to specific scenarios (Oakley, 2014, p be accessed at will (Brown et al, 2014, p 83). A great example
59). An important aspect of the application step is feedback. of this in farriery comes from the 2022 World Championship
There must be some form of feedback at this point in the Blacksmiths Super Clinic. Mr. Carl Via, CJF gave a talk about
learning process to notify the individual if the application of fitting feet efficiently. He has built a mental model to describe
the information is correct or not. This assessment can come the various shapes of horse feet so when he has to shape shoes
from the individual but is more effective coming from another for a foot, he simply looks at the foot, thinks of the name he has
person who is knowledgeable enough to offer honest criticism. developed in his brain for that particular shape, and measures
For example, simply knowing how to forge a barshoe to fit a the length and width. Then when he is at the anvil, he has all of
foot is an excellent skill to develop. However, recognizing when the information that he needs to quickly shape a shoe for that
to apply one is also very important. Techniques to practice foot. It is important to note that Mr. Via did not accidentally
application of a subject include taking practice tests and stumble across this mental model. He built the model in his
quizzes, engaging in discussions about the topic with people brain through constant exposure and recollection of the shapes
who are knowledgeable about it, forging horseshoes for of feet over the years, and then associating those shapes with
specific horses and then nailing them on, writing case studies,

28 N O F O O T , N O H O R S E

specific names so that they would be easy to describe. As a learning, and build mental models that will facilitate a lifetime
result of his work to build this system, he is renowned for his of knowledge and skill.
ability to quickly and accurately fit feet. Another example of Works Cited
a mental model is used to learn anatomical structures. When Oakley, Barbara. A Mind For Numbers. Tarcherperigree, 2014.
studying anatomy, it is useful to understand that all mammals Brown, Peter; Roediger III, Henry; McDaniel, Mark. Make It Stick.
share similar anatomical structures, called the basic mammalian Belknap Press, 2014.
plan. Knowing this can give students a huge advantage Pashler, Harold; McDaniel, Mark; Rohrer, Doug; Bjork, Robert.
because even though horses are dramatically different than we Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Psychological Science
are, we still share the same anatomical plan. We can use this in Public Interest, 2008.
information to learn comparative anatomy between horses Purves, Dale; Augustine, George; Fitzpatrick, David; Hall,
and humans and use our own bodies as a mental model of William; LaMantia, Anthony-Samuel;
the anatomical structures we will be asked to demonstrate Mooney, Richard; Platt, Michael; White, Leonard. Neuroscience.
knowledge of on an exam. Similar mental models can be used Sinauer Associates, 2018.
to learn and remember anything that the individual wishes. Via, Carl. “Fitting Feet”. World Championship Blacksmiths Super
The AFA certification program is the best credentialing system Clinic, February 11, 2022. Amarillo, TX.
in North America for preparing farriers for the challenges they This article was submitted as part of the Educators Endorsement,
will face in the field. If the candidate prepares accordingly, they an AFA endorsement meant to recognize AFA members who are
will build a solid foundation of knowledge and skill that the capable of providing educational lectures and demonstrations
farrier can build upon for the rest of their career. They can do so suitable for all audiences. To find out more about the Educators
by making the decision to become a lifelong learner, learning Endorsment, go to Americanfarriers.org > Certification > About
how we as humans learn, and then applying the expose, recall, Certification.
apply strategy to their practice and study. Becoming a lifelong
learner is a rewarding, yet challenging decision that must be
made by the individual. It requires the adoption of a growth
mindset, where they see each challenge as an opportunity to
expand their knowledge and skill, embrace the difficulty of

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Event Wrap-Ups

SWOFA First Ever Contest

The Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association (SWOFA) hosted
their first-ever contest August 19-20 at Miami University in
Oxford, OH. Nate Crumley, CJF did the majority of the legwork
getting the contest going. Mike Augenstein, CJF was the
judge and did a superb job! Special thanks to Dave Johnson,
CJF and David Beam, CJF for setting us up with a great facility
and beautiful horses. Finally, we’d like to thank all of our
sponsors, donors and competitors for helping to make this an
outstanding event!

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2022 31

4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 1
Lexington, KY 40511
P 859-233-7411
F 859-231-7862
[email protected]
www.americanfarriers.org

The Official Publication of the
American Farrier’s Association

Education – Certification – Communication – Innovation – Research

Event Wrap-Ups

New Mexico Professional Farriers Association

Congratulations to the attendees at the very
successful certification in Lamy, NM on September
3 at the beautiful Cameron Veterinary Clinic! We are
pleased with the number of candidates that passed
all or parts of the exam!
Huge thank you to our Examiner, David R. Sierra, CJF,
and all of the Testers who attended and helped make
the event possible. In addition, we want to thank
Christin Sell, CJF, Vince Vesely, CJF, Bill Rose, CJF, and
Andrew Varela, CJF.
And a huge thank you to our sponsors for waters
and lunches. Shannon Deterding from Farrier Box,
Well Shod, and Paul’s Vet Supply.