2021-apr-may-nfnh-public

APRIL / MAY 2021

NNoo FHooorts,e

In 3 AFA President’s Letter 18 Calendar of Events
This 4 FIA President’s Letter 2 0 Extending the Life of
Issue 5 Executive Director’s Report
Crease Nail Pullers
6 AFA News & Press Releases
8 2021 Nominations 22 AFA Research Committee

and Elections Journal Club

12 Certification 24 Shoe Modifications:
14 FIA Member Spotlight
Rolled Toe

26 Who Really is the Judge

in Our Work?

29 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
Robert Bair, CF (’21) David Hallock, CJF, [email protected] 916-509-5671
[email protected] AWCF, ASF (‘21) Matt Hillegas, CJF (‘23) [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] SECRETARY (ex officio)
REGION 2 Doug Corey, CJF (’21) 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) Jon Johnson, CJF
Jacob Manning, CJF (’22) [email protected] 913-704-9841
[email protected] Eric Gray, CJF (‘23) [email protected]
Thomas Trosin, CJF (’21) [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT
[email protected] Andy Gumpert, CJF (’21) Bruce Worman, CJF
Chris Hessley, CJF (‘23) [email protected] 208-989-7661
[email protected] [email protected]

APRIL / MAY 2021 Cover Our Mission

NNoo HFooorts,e Photo courtesy of Summer Crow Representing professional farriers, 4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 1
Photos. veterinarians, suppliers and horse Lexington, KY 40511
2 AFA Communications Chairperson owners, the American Farrier’s P 859-233-7411
Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE Association is the oldest and largest F 859-231-7862
Managing Editor membership organization for the [email protected]
Martha L. Jones farrier industry in North America,
Graphic Design and the only one with internationally www.americanfarriers.org
Scott Dudgeon 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.

NO FOOT, NO HORSE

AFA President’s Letter

Greetings Members,
I believe we can all be thankful that summer is upon us, and that the AFA calendar
is full of many great events for us to be involved in. Congratulations to all the
candidates continuing their journey through the certification process and a big thank
you to all the Testers and Examiners that are spending countless hours dedicated to
the process.
As we are once again at that time in our fiscal year, the Finance Committee is working
on our next budget. This is a thankless job; however, it is extremely important to
the growth and expansion of our association. Along with our Executive Director,
the committee has done an amazing job of keeping our finances in outstanding
order. As we worked our way through the pandemic this last year we have kept our
membership strong and have had great support from our sponsors. I am very much
reassured that we will have a stronger 2021 than we possibly could have imagined.
Thank you all for continuing your support of the AFA.
Our Membership Committee is working overtime on housekeeping and on bringing
more opportunities to Mentored members and Horse Owner members. Thank you
all for the time being spent on this. If you are a mentor, please remember to look into
the new options for your apprentices. If you are an apprentice and don’t know all the
opportunities offered to you, please contact the staff or myself so we can guide you
through these. Also, Mentored members will now have a reduced rate for our Annual
Convention.
Speaking of Convention, our 50th anniversary schedule has been set, and we have
added some special moments that you won’t want to miss seeing and being a part
of. I hope you all take a good look at the registration packet that will be sent out
shortly and that you are as excited as we are about enjoying this year in Arlington. I
would like to thank the Historical and Memorial Council for assisting the Convention
Committee with the special events we have added to the schedule.
Once again, please keep an eye out for our eblasts and all the other information in
NFNH. We are so thankful to be expanding our member benefits and will continue
getting that information out to you in our communications. stay safe and best wishes
to a great year in the industry we
all love.

Best Regards,
Jon Johnson, CJF
President, American Farriers Association

FIA President’s Letter

Hello, FIA Members!
As we get closer to the convention in Arlington, Texas I would like to thank
all the people that make the AFA Convention the premier event that it is. The
MarketPlace for our 50th Anniversary looks like it will be one of the best we have
ever had. In fact, I have had people from all over call me wanting to become FIA
members to help secure a booth space. So, if you are interested, get ‘er done!
As far as FIA business, Melanie has been working on future webinars, so if you
have an idea for a good topic please let me know and I’ll pass it on to her. WWe
are also still working on health insurance; however, we haven’t received a great
response to our surveys in recent e-blasts. If this is something that is still of
interest to you, please be sure to let us know!
Finally, I’ll start getting a list together of good restaurants in Arlington for
everyone to try. Also, someone contacted me who is very interested in giving
tours to the baseball stadium if people are interested. If you are, please let me
know and we can organize it. But of course, with all the great things happening at
the AFA Convention, there may not be time!
Until next time, stay safe and well!
Chuck Milne
FIA President
Texas Farrier Supply

4 NO FOOT, NO HORSE

Executive Director’s Report 5

Hello and Happy Spring, AFA and FIA Members!
Spring is such a great time of year, and while I realize I say this a lot, I can’t help but compare
this year to last. Being faced with such great uncertainty at what was ahead, it seemed like
much of the hope and joy that the spring season brings was lost for many of us. So, I hope that
this year finds you all with a renewed appreciation for how much we have to look forward to
over the coming months!
As ever, we have had a lot going on at the AFA, and I hope you have been following along
via our bi-weekly e-blasts which have been full of updates, Convention news, educational
resources, and busy calendars of events! However, while we have found that the e-blasts are
a great way to reach you more frequently than No Foot, No Horse, we also realize that it’s
not always convenient for you to scroll through a long email to get your updates. With that
in mind, we are very excited to let you know that we are working on an AFA app that will
allow you to access and update your membership status, access any certification information
you need, get updates on committee and convention news, and access digital versions of
our educational resources (including our Certification Guide!) – all at the touch of a button!
Communicating with our members remains a top priority of ours, and it is with that in mind
that we have embarked on this project to better serve – and reach – all of you!
Speaking of serving our members, I also wanted to let you know that our candidates for
Officers and Directors are included in this issue, and we are very excited that you can now
vote for your choice electronically via our website! You may be aware that Region 2 conducted
a successful Special Election utilizing this format last year, and we are pleased to be able to
offer this membership wide for the first time. Anyone who would still prefer a paper ballot is
welcome to call the office to request one, and of course, voting during Convention will still be
available. Please take a moment to read through our candidates’ statements on pages 8-11,
as they have all done a terrific job of sharing their goals should they be elected. Your vote and
your voice are important to the AFA, so I sincerely hope you will take a few minutes to vote
for the candidate of your choice. All statements and electronic voting can be found under the
“About” tab on our website followed by “2021 Candidate Statements”.
I also hope you’ve had a chance to review our new member benefit program that offers life
planning services for members of any age. Our partner, Kennedy Financial Services, is offering
numerous options that include, but are not limited to, disability, life insurance and retirement
planning, and you can view all of those on our website under the “Membership” tab followed
by “AFA Member Financial Services”. Perhaps more important than the options available,
though, is the personal service and time you will receive from the Kennedy team. One of
our main goals in bringing this to you was to find a firm that would commit to outstanding
customer service, and I have no doubt that Bret Robinson and his team will not disappoint in
that regard.
Finally, by the time you receive this issue it will be nearly time to register for our 50th
Anniversary Convention in Arlington! I am so excited for us to get together in November, and
the Convention Committee has been working diligently to put together a fantastic week for all
of us. In addition to lectures, competition and a terrific MarketPlace, there will be some special
events commemorating our 50th year that you won’t want to miss! Registration for attendees
and competitors will open on May 1, and I hope many of you will take advantage of our Early
Bird offers!
As always, please feel free to reach out to me at anytime either at mjones@americanfarriers.
org or 859-233-7411. Getting to know you and hearing your thoughts and ideas for the AFA
remains a highlight of my job, and my proverbial “door” is always open to you!

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

APRIL / MAY 2021

AFA News & Press Releases

Services. Led by Bret Robinson, Kennedy has also spent countless
hours putting this program together, and in fact, has created an
outstanding site just for the AFA - www.commoncentsresources.
com - to help educate and inspire you to start planning for your
future.
You will also find an educational article from the Kennedy team
on page 7 of this issue, as their goal is to help educate all of us
throughout this process. Please take a moment to review what
they’re offering to see if it meets your family’s needs!

CONVENTION TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR EDUCATIONAL
ARLINGTON • TEXAS RESOURCES!

50TH ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION UPDATE ICYMI, we have been offering some terrific educational
opportunities for our members via our bi-weekly e-blast
As you will see in this issue, it’s almost time to register for our updates. Our Equine Research Journal Club is trucking along
50th Anniversary Convention in Arlington, Texas! It’s exciting and has already conducted four outstanding online events,
to think that in just a few short months we will all be together we’ve graciously been provided all issues of Forge and Forge
again for an outstanding week full of education, competition, Knowledge by our friends at the BFBA (you can find these on our
camaraderie, and special events commemorating our 50 years. website), Dr. Simon Curtis has offered an AFA member discount
Please take a moment to mark your calendars for May 10th and for both of this last two webinars, and we regularly share high
sign up early for this very special event! quality videos and articles. Please watch your email inboxes
for our e-blasts, and if you’re not receiving them, let us know at
CERTIFICATION UPDATE: COVID [email protected].
EXTENSIONS FOR CANDIDATES

Please note that effective April 15, 2021 the extension given
to candidates due to the COVID pandemic will expire. For
any candidate already in the process living in Canada the
extension will continue until the AFA Convention in November.
If a candidate’s certification process expired between April 1,
2020 and April 15, 2021, he/she is still eligible for the one-year
extension.
For candidates living outside the US and Canada, please
contact the Certification Chair at [email protected] or
918-857-0771 for information concerning an extension. Good
luck to all candidates who are continuing their journey this
spring and summer!

NEW AFA MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAM: ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
LIFE PLANNING WITH KENNEDY FINANCIAL
SERVICES The Achievement Awards Committee, chaired by Tom Saunders,
CJF, is pleased to see nominations coming in for our 2021
You may remember last fall when we surveyed you to see if awards in Arlington! As a quick reminder, please remember to
there was interest in a new member benefit program to help submit those via the application on our website located here:
with your life planning needs such as disability, retirement americanfarriers.org/page/achievement-awards
planning and life insurance. From those surveys (and your very Thank you for nominating your fellow AFA members who inspire
valuable feedback!), our Ad Hoc Committee diligently researched us all!
different firms and options to find what we believe is the very
best team to provide this service to you. With that said, I’d like to
take a moment to sincerely thank Bruce Worman, CJF, Lee Olsen,
CJF and Lance Yohe, CJF for the many hours they spent helping
this endeavor come to fruition.
We are excited to introduce this new benefit program to you, and
even more excited for you to meet the team at Kennedy Financial

6 NO FOOT, NO HORSE

AFA News & Press Releases

2 Magic Numbers-
$400,000/$3.5 Million

A few weeks ago, we were working with a family that could face a severe estate tax issue in the future. When this risk

was first exposed, their immediate response was this: This doesn’t apply to us before 2026, right?

2UNnfUorMtuBnaEtRelSy, YnoO. TUheNtEaxEcDodTeOcaKn NbeOchWan(gDedAaLtLaYnyTtIimMeE. ISt )could change for 2020… retroactively. There are reasons

why there is a very slim chance of “retroactive” legislation happening. However, we could very well see changes take

2 MplaagceicfNourm20b2e1rs.: $400,000/$3.5 Million his family is forced to sell the
etUIwhpAatoxalnshcafWStTtbNppueefohychaeooovwpseuedhkottreswebhltrataefecwrdneueoeeeytkdtTirnrefrc,enaoi,eoeofeh2aatdrgsrmhktt0ttaeiiet?.sehshsa2enlH.la2eaoeWtfi1aygreHoa0as,g.lvefiomwe2naseetmeotfat6iodre,otmiixm,yplo.s…wveryrTlaifesraie2tasehgmlagrhcsd0in,rehwmliule2waciauaetfetre0yn?eoantecser…eicsxrthoeun’chasraciwmcowntteerhmnoheuesrboacpdepl.totderenarleHaokafrorrguovexincsyeoaneetf-a..sceuug.h“renItrxynrfNaieweevwbdyswto.emieroaWtb2loeohysucpul.a.hnl3httaciTmhseliatthmoefniinaasvkeena:igkmtenrlTch2leeie”oishhioi0dllaswmeyia3n-srgramn.est-oi5dthisdgsfrrikoaaolmeoleelaentiwslarotltsiycasiltshannolooartiusa’o-niukstnmdrnfenlaesiodor?ep$fslw.fltp4Hfaaehl0criydso0elee,fw0arga0maidIshtrwUttll0nclaoaheiioenyhblsnxpinoytlsscaehlc2wdbf’talcwstheai0iiraa’siaslnstt-toltfpSpmcea.hclofouaeiaexpotftlimhfpsacdlrmatbaleioltaisx!ioli,megnxyeml.Tlnrdiatotmeaonao-iaaamndncrosxannscottweot’.shdel3rsawAlafal.ngaaahy8ttnrooemnnothmlehtmeddwoaihsgeliflykl1oe.flat2ceir7Trwooocu3eehfynmir.opl8etr-ltveh%rioleenali,rtonis6n$.n53oo.fm5ltehimlglaiiiotslllniiaostdnliaooinnnlldaya.ressIfts.,ehbtesu,dtyieosu
NoaaotfffofmaTbleicwennhalcuiacdselttlsoeeioirstoksmdepteanihanielet-sanodpodpnadsorelnewaflhoaoloyamhotwr.trhawhcasn.th.eg.’LmsTariecnhliotetnge’erfsureetmema.itNnsihsobstoaunneanormoctst$nh-l.ee3eeIAfg.T5kdtyionsomotlmohauciwteklimlpoeisocatnaufniokdwryreirenh1estmiuna,cmbrstohesiurtlemeolwtitopsttihhhg,nocyheaafonrtwopeubr$iilatbel4harbe0eislste0ugatr,eba0alrioj0nnet0cschtratloatsaRtoenhocrendeeohmgtafcarwheeon2neotcmg3dtrpaea.si8shrbn.toe%iWglosspyf.,,oefhTittartuhhham.ttiytiiIsssfn,iiltmfcmwyehaCgaoeeilsocayaruuetnfnlnioldgvsiaosrertmycteidiooebsneendusebasrttnaokasenesollatthwheaeryrtaathnxecbh“ilslttooefppaa-tlymot”oaisxntec3so.8st
TleagIknaectTyhoiwms ic.thaHseheii,ssTraoarnmacn’hscahfanemdr. iH1ly7ewmhaiillsllisboeunnilodtfaatph2pa0tr-moisxillialminoadnt.-edIfloyhlhleaadrlifeosf his 20ftah-mmaniilllytihocenoy-udwlodololuawlrdelesmtgaaoncrdyettmoooUnnecyle Sam!
etosdsRtaoaetmyge,retheaitcsxta.afasbemlsyi.,lyTthhmiissamymoaewyaennsoarytoobuuenrdtfha2em.3wilmyoriclsloitouonldf-dioto.wlIlfaetrshmeoorfrefeeidsmedoreanbletyotnhiTnatohhnoeetmrhpitera.onypyweporetuyol,pdclesatlhacuanvldaettihooenilndshaoerfrefitwc.oitmh tinhgeior uesttnaetegaptlaivneniinng.
Maybe it’s because of issues within the family that makes it too
Too many people have held off with their estate planning. Mahybaredit’os mbeackaeutsheesoef disescuiesisownsi.thMinaytbheetfhaemreilyistthhaetbmelaiekfetshiatt
What if the federal estate taxtoo hard to make these ptheWptnahetdaertusyhhhlauheipnmaysgvhettionhatnveoWeysgwtatihovsiinhenggitkinvhsgteebhtsotaeehcnyekacssstawseoneiatntahssglsewusepoabtysttahsocuewkpgr eatstoitiotdstuegoh.nemettieolsttothhhmieenerpgtsehdindiondengu.el.uOmr, in
exemption is 3.5 million? Hisdone. Or, perhaps they
decisions. Maybe there is the belief
think they can always wait until the

faMmythsi!ly’s tax bill now goes to Myths!

over 6.5 million dollars.Decisions can be made with strings and flexibility. Making irrevDirereercsviisebirolsenibdsleeccadinseibcoiensismoanansddaencwduitctthuintstgtirntingiegtssiewasniwtdhitfylheoxyuiobruimlritmoy.noMenyaekyisinisg
planning of the past. COVID-19 taught us life is too short and tpilmanensinargeocfhtahnegpinagst.aCnOdVtIhDin-1g9s tmauagyhnteuvselrifgeoisbtaocoksthootrht eand
Whwaatyiftthheeyfewdeerrea.l estate tax exemption is 3.5 million? His times are changing and things may never go back to the way
famItimly’asytabxebnilol wnoowr gnoeevsetro. over 6.5 million dollars. they were. It may be now or never. We didn’t even address
Shocked? Wait…there’s more. estate income taxes, which is unfortunate. It may be just
as important or for some, more important to plan for this.
TchhWiaemnreepgoieds.riadWtannhno’tatthtetoievfreCpintolaeannmdgfdrooernrsestsththsaieesk.sdetRsoaecatgekwaeairtnydwcltoehhmseicse“h,stttmheaepxige-pthsoot,”ibwninethcisiscouhtsbhtjieisbsc:uatsdntiofsoosrotumnRreaemttgheaei.nrmIdgtlbemoesrras,p,ywtahbeyeealpajruetoesihntr.etarAisesnittmdohiprhseo:emdrlptoeawmsnothbmoeenrert,fyhowoirnuesg’roaeomrrereepha,ademyrye!loartteoer.hAenlpd
atwdehaetnh.yLoeut’sreasrseuamdye!Tom paid 1 million for his ranch land and

106 Seaman St. • PO Box 904 • Eastland, TX 76448 • 800.588.6381 • www.kennedy-financial.com

Advisory services offered through Smart Money Group LLC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Securities offered through
Calton & Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Kennedy Financial Services, Inc., Calton & Associates, Inc. and Smart
Money Group, LLC. are separate entities.

APRIL / MAY 2021 7

2021 Nominations and Elections

Candidate for AFA Vice-President

HANK CHISHOLM, CJF #4687

My name is Hank Chisholm, and for those of you who don’t know me, I have
been a professional farrier since 1985, earning my CF in 1992 and my CJF in 1997.
I served as the President of the Southern Farriers Association for six years, as the
Vice President of the Alabama Professional Farriers Association, as an AFA Board
of Directors member for one year as a mid-term replacement, as a Tester, as a
Certification Instructor and most recently as the Pre-Certification Committee
Chairman. I was awarded the Edward Martin Humanitarian Award in 2015 and
the Walt Taylor Award in 2018.
I believe strongly in the importance of education for the farrier industry. The
AFA already has a strong foundation in place through our certification, pre-
certification, horse owner education, cultural exchange and equine research
programs, and one of my goals as your Vice President will be to expand those
opportunities to encourage farriers who are not already engaged to join us in
elevating the profession through education and professional development.
Further, having been involved with the SFA and the APFA, I believe that our local
Chapters are providing a critical path for farrier education through their clinics,
competitions and certifications, and I plan to support them in those efforts
by visiting their events, providing education to help them grow and expand
their local membership, and by being a resource to them based on my own
experiences.
I have decided to run for the office of Vice President in this election as I believe I
can have a positive impact on the association, our membership, our educational
programs and our influence in the farrier industry. The AFA has done a lot for me
throughout my career, and it is my hope to be able to continue to give back to
the association and the farrier profession by serving as your Vice President.
Thank you for your consideration.

Candidates for Regional Directors

REGION 1

BRIAN STRELOW, CJF

My name is Brian Strelow, CJF, and I have been nominated for Director of Region 1. I accepted
this nomination because I believe that the American Farrier’s Association and its regional
Chapters are essential in raising the bar of farriery in this country and abroad. I believe it takes
a team of dedicated and driven volunteers working together to push forward the benefits
of education, certification, communication, research, and innovation throughout the vast
area encompassed in Region 1.  Because our country doesn’t have a national or regional
minimum education requirement to begin practicing farriery, our farrier associations become
the de facto educational vehicle. The American Farrier’s Association Certification Program
is the crown jewel of continuing education in North America.  I would like to continue to
raise the awareness of all of the AFA programs locally as well as nationally by continuing to
promote the benefits of membership to all practicing farriers in our region. If elected to be
your Director of Region 1, I will represent the members in my region with the same amount
of enthusiasm and dedication I have shown within my regional AFA Chapter, the Farriers
Association of Washington State (FAWS), AFA Chapter #2.
I began shoeing horses in the summer of 1995 at a dude ranch near Sheridan, WY while on
summer break from Oregon State University. Upon graduation in 1998, I attended Oklahoma

8 NO FOOT, NO HORSE

State Horseshoeing School and began an informal apprenticeship with two farriers that worked largely at our thoroughbred race track,
Emerald Downs. A couple weeks after I returned home I heard that our local farrier association was having a fall conference. This turned
out to be a very formative event in my career. I walked around listening to the lectures and demos, feeling well over my head. What really
caught my attention were the men and women who competed in the horseshoeing competition. They were doing things that I never
even imagined could be done and I was hooked; right then and there I joined the AFA and FAWS.  The following year I competed in my
first contest. By June 2000 I had achieved my CF and by August 2001 I had achieved my CJF. All of these early career accomplishments
wouldn’t have been possible without the help from the AFA and FAWS members who I met at that first conference. I have spent my
career trying to instill the same inspiration that those early mentors instilled in me.
Being someone who likes to get involved, I have served on the FAWS Board of Directors on and off for 14 years and have been our clinic
coordinator for approximately 8 years. I was fortunate to be a part of (5) AAEP/AFA Vet/Farrier Short Courses across the country. I have
also had the opportunity to become an Approved Tester and Instructor for the AFA Certification Program. The competition bug still has a
hold over me, competing locally and nationally at various state and World Championship Blacksmiths contests; including making the top
20 NACC Live Shoeing at the AFA Convention the last two years. 
My farrier practice is located on beautiful Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound area of Washington State where I shoe quite a few dressage
horses these days. Along with my wife of over 20 years and our two teenage children, we run Stray Dog Forge. Over the years we have
hosted many educational and hands-on clinics. If elected to be your Director in Region 1, I will continue to advocate for the farriers in our
region and work tirelessly to promote the benefits of education, certification, communication, research, and innovation.

REGION 1 9

KERRY V ZUEST, CJF

My name is Kerry V Zuest, CJF. It is with a huge sense of responsibility,
and a desire to help guide the future goals of the AFA, that I submit
my candidacy to the membership for consideration.
Service as a Board member should be considered not only an honor,
but also a huge responsibility, with the foremost goal to represent
the region well. The core values of good business practices should be
actively demonstrated as part of the position. Timely communication
should always be a top priority. Associations within a region as
vast as Region 1 require not only good communication from
their Directors but also the willingness to donate many volunteer
hours in order to properly serve the membership. It’s not always an
easy job, but it can also be extremely rewarding!  I proudly served
the Western States Farriers Association for many years as a board
member. I learned so much about what it takes to keep things
moving in the right direction, and I understand the requirements of
the position very well.
I would welcome the opportunity to give back to the AFA yet again. 
Since I joined in 1992 I have watched our association go through
many changes: some good, some not so good, I have been proud, I
have been frustrated, but I have always been loyalto the fundamental
goals that were put in place in the very beginning of its inception. It
has been my honor to represent the organization overseas as a
Judge and as a clinician, and I am so very grateful for the educational
opportunities that are made available to everyone through their
membership. This association defined my career at a time when few
women were in this industry. I have received far more more than
I have given. And I would  be honored to accept the challenge of
serving Region 1. Thank you for your consideration.     

APRIL / MAY 2021

2020 Nominations and Elections

REGION 2

JANELLE MONROE, CF

I have been an AFA member since 1996 and have been involved with several
Chapters ever since then.
When my personal situation changed I began the journey to becoming
certified in April of 2017 and finished my CF in September. I am currently
working on becoming a Journeyman.
I believe that clinics and competitions are an integral part of continuing
education and would like to see more farriers encouraged to participate and
be more involved at both the AFA and Chapter levels. I also feel that good
communication is important for an organization to move forward as a whole.
Therefore, I would like to serve as a voice for Region 2 and would do my best
to address any concerns, keep Chapters involved and updated, to further our
farrier industry, and to be a strengthening aid for both our region and the AFA.

REGION 2

LEE OLSEN, CJF

My name is Lee Olsen, CJF, and this year I will be running for Region 2
Director. For those of you that I haven’t had the privilege of meeting
yet, I own Olsen Equine LLC, in Weatherford, Texas. We operate a multi-
farrier practice, as well as an apprenticeship program.
I am on the AFA Membership Committee as well as the Bylaws
Committee. For the last three years, I have served as the Texas
Professional Farrier Association AFA Certification Coordinator. My main
goal is to bring new people into the certification process. I started out
my career as a typical cowboy that learns how to shoe by trial and error.
As a result, I had a lack of respect for the farrier certification process and
handmade shoes, and didn’t really see a need for any further education
shoeing horses. Nothing could have been further from the truth. I now
believe that the AFA is a wonderful organization and does so much for
the farrier industry. I want to be a helping hand for anyone that’s even
thinking about improving their career and their way of life. I feel that
being a Director will give me a greater opportunity to help our industry.
My family is a big part of my life, and I believe that work/life balance is
one of the most important parts of a happy and healthy life. My wife
Jamie is a Nurse Practitioner and helps with Olsen Equine. I have two
sons, Trace (8yrs) and Eli (1yr). I also coach Trace’s baseball team with
the help of two of my apprentices, Kelton Harris, CF and Jeb Hunt. My
associate, Tyler Robinson, CJF, is also a big part of our life and business.
We are a pretty tight group and I truly look at our team as a family.
That’s the same way I believe the AFA is: a big group of like-minded
individuals gathered together with a common goal. I believe that the
common goal is education and furthering our education as farriers will
ultimately help all of us.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

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

REGION 3

DAVID HALLOCK, CJF, ASF, AWCF

I would like to start by thanking my other Region 3 representatives, Kenny
Hoyle, CJF and Vern Powell, CJF, TE, DipWCF, for their help in trying to keep our
region informed and running through the last few years, especially through
the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am humbled and honored to have been nominated to serve as a regional
representative for another term. I believe the AFA is headed in the correct
direction and would love to continue to be a part of it by serving on the Board
of Directors again. Thank you for your consideration.

REGION 5 11

DOUG COREY JR CJF, DIPWCF

I, Doug Corey Jr CJF, DipWCF have been a member of the AFA
for several years. For the past 10 years, I have volunteered as
a Tester for the AFA certification program. I have been very
active within the WNYFA, which is my local chapter. I currently
hold the office of Vice President and I am also active in the
neighboring chapters as well. It has been a huge honor for me
to serve on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee
of the AFA for the past three years. I have been fortunate to be
involved in some very important decisions while in this role. I
feel that these decisions will shape the AFA for years to come. I
feel that education and certification are important and are the
foundation for the future of the AFA. I would like to continue
to serve in my role on the Board of Directors for another
term. During this time, I will strive to continue to help this
great association keep moving forward. Thank you for your
consideration.

APRIL / MAY 2021

Certification

Schedule of AFA Approved Certifications & Tester Updates

Craig Stark, CJF - Certification Committee Chairman, (918) 857-0771
Hank Chisholm, CJF - Pre-Certification Committee Chairman, (601) 947-5602

April 16-17 All Levels/Areas Offered September 10
Tennessee Certification Contact: Riley Mickelsen, CJF – 208-313-8332 Michigan Tester Update
Host: Music City Horseshoers Association May 18 Host: Michigan Horseshoers Association
Location: River West Equestrian Location: Henry Detweiler’s Shop
140 Hwy 82 E, Bell Buckle, TN 37020 California Tester Update 8810 Nashville Hwy, Vermontville, MI 49096
Examiner: Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWCF, ASF Examiner: Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF
All Levels/Areas Offered Host: Western States Farriers Association Contact: Jennifer Horn, CJF – 906-440-2537
Contact: Kayla Shepherd, CJF – 260-237-1516 Location: Northern California Classic September 10-11
April 16-17 100 Placerville Dr, Placerville, CA 95667 Michigan Certification
Utah AFA Pre-Certification Clinic Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF Host: Michigan Horseshoers Association
Host: Utah Horseshoers Guild Contact: TeaLa Yohe – 916-429-5224 Location: Henry Detweiler’s Shop
Location: 4525 West 1800 South, Ogden, UT May 19 8810 Nashville Hwy, Vermontville, MI 49096
84401 Examiner: Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF
Instructors: Jacob Manning, CJF;Wes Sharp, CJF California Certification All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Jacob Manning, CJF – 435-823-3343 Contact: Jennifer Horn, CJF – 906-440-2537
April 23 Host: Western States Farriers Association
Arizona Tester Update Location: Northern California Classic
Host: Arizona State Farriers Association 100 Placerville Dr, Placerville, CA 95667
Location: Tucson School of Horseshoeing Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF
2230 N Kimberlee Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749 All Levels/Areas Offered
Examiner: David Sierra, CJF Contact: TeaLa Yohe – 916-429-5224
Contact: David Pedersen, CJF – 520-465-5837 May 21-22
April 23-24
Arizona Certification Washington AFA Pre-Certification
Host: Arizona State Farriers Association Clinic
Location: Tucson School of Horseshoeing
2230 N Kimberlee Rd, Tucson, AZ 85749 Host: Farriers Association ofWashington State
Examiner: David Sierra, CJF Location: JME Ranch
All Levels/Areas Offered 16392 Bradley Rd, Bow, WA 98232
Contact: David Pedersen, CJF – 520-465-5837 Instructors: Jacob Manning, CJF; Brian
April 29 Strelow, CJF
Nebraska Tester Update Contact: Brian Strelow, CJF – 360-320-8826
Host: Midwestern Farriers Association June 17-18
Location: TBD
Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF Kentucky Certification
Contact: Ian Bevington, CJF – 402-677-6008
May 7-8 Host: Kentucky Horseshoeing School
Georgia Certification Location: 3612 Lexington Rd, Richmond, KY
Host: Georgia Professional Farriers 40475
Association Examiner: TBD
Location: Freeman’s Arena All Levels/Areas Offered
10 Peeples Farm Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705 Contact: Sarah Taylor – 859-575-4063
Examiner: Mike Poe, CJF June 18-19
All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Travis Wallace, CJF – 770-653-5930 Washington Certification
May 14-15
Idaho Certification Host: Farriers Association of Washington State
Host: Idaho Horseshoeing School Location: T90 Ranch
Location: 599 North 2850 East, Roberts, ID 16641 SE Old Hwy, Tenino, WA 98589
83444 Examiner: Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF
Examiner: David Sierra, CJF All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Brian Strelow, CJF – 360-320-8826
12 July 10

Nebraska Certification

Host: Midwestern Farriers Association
Location: Hamilton County Fair Grounds
310 A St, Aurora, NE 68818
Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF
All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Ian Bevington, CJF – 402-677-6008

NO FOOT, NO HORSE

Certification & Endorsement Accomplishments

Congratulations on this Achievement in 2020!

ARKANSAS Matthew Ostergard, CTF Scott Bushaw, CJF TENNESSEE
Charles Haines, CF Chris Clark, CJF David Rickman, CF
Clay Hartness, CF INDIANA Brett Jeschke, CJF Elijah Schminke, CF
Marshall Speer, CJF Troy Colglazier, CJF Lillian Kahl, CF
Emery Miller, CF Matt Ogle, CF TEXAS
CALIFORNIA Reuben Miller, CJF Dalton Thompson, CF Corey Baxter, CF
Joel Dyer, CJF Elizabeth Evans, CF
Tiffany Gardner, CJF KANSAS MONTANA Kristopher Hair, CJF
James McKinzie, CJF Andrew Malleck, CF Rory Bauer, CJF Kelton Harris, CF
Tony Mendoza, CF William David Reed, CF Neil Duede, CF Ian Havens, CJF
Christopher Hessley, CJF
COLORADO KENTUCKY NEVADA Brittani Johnson, CF
Roy Basinger, CF Carlos Carvajal, CF Mike Cinquini, CF Weston Newsom, CJF
Mark Harden, CF Shih-Lin Chang, CF Samuel Evans, CF Tyson Pate, CF
Cordero Larson, CJF Meghan Coyle, CF Sammy Pittman, CF, DVM
Robert Middlemas, CF Logan Felix, CF NEW MEXICO Tyler Robinson, CJF
Casey Morman, CF Travis Florence, CJF Klint Rodgers, CJF Jacob Yinguez, CF
Matthew Powell, CJF Nathan Gingerich, CJF
Aaron Schwaderer, CJF Carlos Goni Bacigalupi, CJF NORTH CAROLINA UTAH
Jake Woirhaye, CJF Jonathan Kippler, CF Wayne Baesemann, CJF Vince Sabatino, CF
Mick Maynard, CF Neal Flippo, CF
CONNECTICUT Kaycee Paksi, CF Andrea Lane, CF VIRGINIA
Allyson Garcia, CF Kelsey Quack, CF Avery Schaefer, CF
Murphy Hackett, CF Danny Rawlings, CF NORTH DAKOTA
Allyson LeGeyt, CF Lisa Koppinger, CF WASHINGTON
MARYLAND Allan Voeller, CJF Sheldon Thomas, CF
FLORIDA Geoffrey Garcia, CF
Alex Garraus, CF Laura Wing, CF OHIO WEST VIRGINIA
Cody Lamberton, CF Levi Runnion, CF Colton Ellis, CF
Marcus Lybarger, CF MASSACHUSETTS
Edwin Medina, CF Collin Kimple, CF OKLAHOMA CANADA
Kenneth Van Etten, CF Robert Gormley, CF BRITISH COLUMBIA
MICHIGAN Natalie Shaw, CF Alysha Jane-Millar, CF
GEORGIA Leroy Hershberger, CF Matt Roberson, CJF
Ancil Stewart, CF PENNSYLVANIA Hunter Winship, CF
Chris Gilham, CF MINNESOTA Wesley Auker, CF
Eric Gray, CJF Haley Hodnefield, CF Benuel Beiler, CF ITALY
Matt Wheeler, CF Jacob Beiler, CF Gerhard Margesin, CF
MISSISSIPPI Kerri Bonus, CF
IDAHO Hubert Howard, CF MEXICO
Hahots Shebala, CF Yvonne Skrzypczak, CF RHODE ISLAND Steffi Kersten, CF
Michael Paparo, CF
ILLINOIS MISSOURI NEW ZEALAND
Matthew Brooks, CF SOUTH CAROLINA Ryan Lim, CJF
Jesse Huff, 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 APRIL / MAY 2021
successful certification.

13

Business Article

FIA Member Spotlight Rob Michel

As the Farrier Industry Association (FIA) continues its reach to our expansive industry, we will be Oleo Acres Farrier
introducing you to some of the dedicated professionals that volunteer their time as the driving force & Blacksmith Supply
behind the FIA’s loyal membership.

Oleo Acres Farrier & Blacksmith Supply was incorporated in 1975 by my
great grandfather, Vern Olinger. Today, Oleo is a fourth-generation family
owned and operated farrier supply business. I guess you could say I
started with Oleo when I was just a tot. Every summer my parents would
fly me from Canada to the original Oleo location in Deer Creek Canyon,
Littleton, Colorado to work with my grandfather, Jack Wabschall. I grew
up sweeping the warehouse, stocking shelves, and talking to farriers
picking up supplies. It wasn’t until years later when I was in my 30s and
working in Chicago as a manufacturer representative when my parents
approached me about the business. I still remember my father’s sales
pitch to me. He said “Are you done making money and want to take over
the family business?” Although this wasn’t the most attractive sales pitch
I’ve ever heard, my wife and I both wanted careers with less travel and
time to raise a family. We quit our jobs in Illinois and now run all three
Oleo locations and have never looked back.
Running a farrier and blacksmith supply business presents a list of
opportunities and challenges. However, the largest challenge we face
daily is the increase in competition and a shrinking horse population.
With more stores carrying farrier supplies, we are constantly challenged
to be creative with our marketing, product selection, and inventory
management. It’s like the old saying goes, ‘competition breeds business’.
So, we work daily to provide superior customer service and a wide range
of products at competitive prices.
Throughout my career in different industries, I have been blessed to have
so many great mentors and leaders to aspire to and learn from, I find it
impossible to name them all. The one characteristic that all my mentors
have had in common is their positive outlook on life and business.
From these mentors, I have learned to treat every new obstacle as an
opportunity and not a setback.
In the shop, we often meet young men and women just out of farrier
school with aspirations of starting their own businesses. I love speaking
with these young entrepreneurs about their business goals and helping
them get started on the road to operating a successful business. I always
encourage these young farriers to continue their education through
apprenticeships, competing in competitions, and joining their local AFA
chapters. Being a farrier can be lonely and overwhelming so having a
strong network is key to overcoming obstacles and improving their skills.
The hardest business lesson I have learned so far is that it is imperative to
keep business and personal relationships separate. When an individual
or business makes a decision that has an unfavorable outcome on you
or your business it is too easy to get frustrated and angry. Which makes
holding your tongue and not taking those decisions personally extremely
difficult. Maybe I am still learning those lessons.
If I had it to do all over again, I would have done everything the same with
one exception, I wouldn’t have waited 10 years for my career to develop
before proposing and marrying the love of my life, Rachelle.

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

Exclusive Program for AFA Members

• AFA branded hoof supplement is
recommended to horse owners

• Ships directly to your customers

• Purchases are linked to your ID code so
that you receive $14 per pail commission

• No cost to sign-up and no risk

• Easy process with no orders to take, no
inventory to carry, and no product to
deliver

Earn Extra $$ with Ease

• Formulated by PhD nutritionists from This exclusive Hoof Supplement Program has
Ridley/Alltech already generated over $1,000 in commissions
for participating AFA Members!
• Peak levels of ingredients
No salesmanship required! If your client is looking for a hoof
• Product specs & marketing provided supplement, just hand them a copy of the Product Specification Sheet
to compare to other popular brands which will be provided in your registration packet. Additional copies
may be printed from the AFA website here:
• Not sold in stores https://americanfarriers.org/page/afa-hoof-supplement-program

After registration you will also be sent Discount Code cards containing
your unique Program ID which gives your clients a 5% discount and
allows you to receive your commission!

To purchase the supplement you may give this link to your clients:
https://americanfarriers.org/supplement, or direct them to the 'Horse
Owner Resources' link, which may be found under the 'Resources' tab.

Questions, or to Sign-up, Contact:

Jan Sorensen - RIDLEY, INC.
[email protected]
507.229.0547

APRIL / MAY 2021 15

CONVENTION MREGI
ARLINGTON • TEXAS SHOW D

FEATURED SPEAK
Tom Petersen, CJF, Patrick R
Grant Moon, CJF, AWCF
Dennis Manning, CJF, Bob Peth
Blane Chapman, CJF, Bodie Trn

Dr Brent Barrett, DVM
Thomas N Trosin, CJF, Lee Olso
Myron McLane, CJF, Shayne Car

MS, Jim Poor, CJF, Ray Leg

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

ISTRATION

May 10begins
DATES: NOV. 8-12, 2021
Arlington, TX

KERS JUDGES:

Reilly Open Division Judges:
F Tom Petersen, CJF • Bob Slansky, CJF
hick, CJF
nka, CJF Bryan Osborne, CJF

on, CJF Intermediate Division Judges:
rter, CJF,
gel Daniel Jones, CJF • Adam Fahr, CJF
Patrick Dutton, CJF • Sawyer Spradling, CJF
17
Caleb Swarr, CJF

APRIL / MAY 2021

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!

APRIL 15-17 APRIL 24 MAY 13-15

IPFA Spring Contest & Clinic Nature Farms Spring Clinic Northeast Farrier Supply Spring Clinic
Host: Iowa Professional Farriers Association Host: Oklahoma Farriers Association Host: Northeast Farrier Supply
Location: Boone County Fairgrounds Location: Nature Farms Farrier Supply Location: 210 Holabird Ave, Winsted, CT
1601 Industrial Park Rd, Boone, Iowa 50036 3541 National Dr, Norman, OK 73069 06098
Clinician/Judge: Tom Petersen, CJF Clinician: Chad Chance, CJF Clinician: Billy Crothers, AWCF
Contact: Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF – 515-291- Contact: Nature Farms – 405-307-8031 Contact: 866-333-6337, info@
5148 northeastfarrier.com
APRIL 29-MAY 1
APRIL 16 MAY 13-15
Spring Classic
SWOFA Hammer-in Host: WCB & Pennsylvania Professional WFA Contest & Clinic
Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Farriers Association Host: Wisconsin Farriers Association
Association Location: Shadow Creek Farm Location: N.E.W Farrier Supply
Location: 1432 Jasper Rd, Xenia, OH 45385 1550 Hillendale Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 W398 State Hwy 156, Pulaski, WI 54162
Contact: Kenny Hoyle, CF - 937-231-3367 Judges: Bob Pethick, CJF & Andrew Wells, Clinician/Judge: Craig Trnka, CJF
CJF Contact: Joe Nygren, CJF, DipWCF – 920-
APRIL 17 Contact: WCB – 505-281-8982 857-7200

Making Pull Offs from Rasp Clinic APRIL 30 MAY 14-15
Location: Foremans Forge
3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 Tool Maintenance American Farriers Team Trials
Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Location: Foremans Forge Host: Five Star Horseshoeing School
Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 Location: 807 NE Johnson Rd, Minco, OK
gmail.com Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF 73059
Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Judge: Nigel Fennell, AWCF and BodieTrnka, CJF
APRIL 23 gmail.com Contact: Travis Smith, CJF – 717-226-1374,
[email protected]
MAPF Tong Making Clinic APRIL 30-MAY 1
Host: Missouri Association of Professional MAY 19-22
Farriers MWFA Spring Clinic
Location: Sunrise Farrier Supply Host: Midwestern Farriers Association Northern California Classic
5748 Hwy 5, Hartville, MO 65667 Location: 3B Farrier Supply Host: Western States Farriers Association
Clinician: Riley Kirkpatrick, CF 105 W Church St, Valley, NE 68064 Location: Eldorado County Fairgrounds
Contact: David Pfefer – 816-694-4904 Clinician: Jennifer Horn, CJF 100 Placerville Dr, Placerville, CA 95667
Contact: Ian Bevington, CJF – 402-677-8583 Clinicians/Judges: Joe Nygren, CJF, DipWCF;
APRIL 23-24 Gene Lieser, CJF
MAY 1 Contact: TeaLa Yohe – 916-429-5224
Basic and Efficient Tool Making Clinic
Location: Foremans Forge Creating the Masselotte Toe Clip MAY 21
3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 Location: Foremans Forge
Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 SWOFA Hammer-in
Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers
gmail.com Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Association
gmail.com Location: 5612 Middletown Rd, Waynesville,
APRIL 23-24 OH 45068
MAY 7-8 Contact: Zach Lindamood - 937-902-0015
SFA Spring Clinic & Contest
Host: Southern Farriers Association MHA Spring Clinic MAY 21-22
Location: 15321 County Farm Rd, Gulfport, Host: Michigan Horseshoers Association
MS 39503 Location: Hickory Hallow Stables Forging the Roadster
Clinician/Judge: Eric Gilleland, CJF, TE 13815 Hallock Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060 Location: Foremans Forge
Contact: Clay Curry, CJF – 601-645-2008 Clinician: Daniel Jones, CJF 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336
Contact: Jennifer Horn, CJF – 906-440-2537 Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF
APRIL 23-25 Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@
MAY 7-8 gmail.com
FAWS Spring Contest
Host: Farriers Association of Washington Plain Stamp and Crease MAY 22-23
State Location: Foremans Forge
Location: 16641 SE Old Highway 99, Tenino, 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 Horseshoeing Tool Maintenance Clinic
WA 98589 Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Host: Georgia Professional Farriers
Judge: Joe Nygren, CJF, DipWCF Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Association
Contact: Jesse Wilson – 360-798-3373 gmail.com Location: Hoof House Farrier Supply Shop
Register: farriersofwa.com
NO FOOT, NO HORSE
18

See Website and E-blasts for details!

Visit www.americanfarriers.org or call the AFA office at 859-233-7411 for more info.

698 Clover Drive, Social Circle, Georgia Mini Clinics, Hammer-Ins, Hands-On Help, AUGUST 20
30025 Tailgate Tool Swap,
Clinician: Roy Bloom, CJF Demonstrations, Presentations, Q & A SWOFA Hammer-in
Contact: Hoof House – 404-450-5319 Contact: www.forgeofjuly.com Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers
Association
MAY 24-29 JUNE 26-27 Location: 3359West Snake Rd, Liberty, IN 47353
Contact: Nate Crumley, CF - 330-464-0664
Foreman’s ‘Strength of Basics’Week The Competitors Edge
Location: Foremans Forge Location: Foremans Forge AUGUST 20-21
3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336
Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Freaky Tool and Fullered
Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Location: Foremans Forge
gmail.com gmail.com 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336
Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF
MAY 28-29 JULY 12-17 Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@
gmail.com
MCHA Annual Contest Masterclass Week
Host: Music City Horseshoers Association Location: Foremans Forge AUGUST 27
Location: Bridlewood Farm 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336
140 Hwy 82 E, Bell Buckle, TN 37020 Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Shoemaking, The Valuable Basics
Judge: Ben Mangan, CJF Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Location: Foremans Forge
Contact: Lyle Shepherd, CJF – 334-672-2099 gmail.com 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336
Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF
JUNE 11 JULY 26-30 Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@
gmail.com
SWOFA Hammer-in Dr. Redden’s Equine Podiatry Course
Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Location: 8235 McCowans Ferry Rd, AUGUST 28
Association Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Location: 7013 Mason Rd, Ripley, OH 45167 Clinician: Dr. Ric Redden GPFA Pre-Contest Clinic
Contact: Jarrod Moran - 937-618-1910 Contact: 859-983-6690, rfreddendvm@ Host: Georgia Professional Farriers
gmail.com Association
JUNE 18-19 Location: 4666 Dahlonega Hwy, Cumming,
JULY 29-31 Georgia 30028
Making Heartbars Clinician: Daniel Jones, CJF
Location: Foremans Forge Hot AUGUSTa Farrier Contest Contact: Travis Wallace, CJF – 770-653-5930
3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 Host: Virginia Horseshoers Association
Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Location: Augusta Expo AUGUST 28
Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ 277 Expo Rd, Fishersville, VA 22939
gmail.com Clinician/Judge: Carl Via, CJF Shoemaking, The Valuable Basics
Contact: Marcus Wise, CF – 540-421-7853, Location: Foremans Forge
JUNE 19 [email protected] 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336
John Kern, CJF – 434-964-1224, shoex414@ Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF
Shoe Modifications Clinic gmail.com Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@
Host: Georgia Professional Farriers gmail.com
Association JULY 30-31
Location: East Coast Farrier Supply SEPTEMBER 3-4
131 Regur Rd, Hawkinsville, Georgia 31036 Hunter Shoe Making and Fitting
Clinician: Andrew Wells, CJF Location: Foremans Forge Keg Shoes, Fitting and Modifications
Contact: Julie @ East Coast Farrier Supply – 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 Location: Foremans Forge
478-783-2420 Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336
Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF
JULY 9 gmail.com Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@
gmail.com
SWOFA Hammer-in AUGUST 9-14
Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Association SEPTEMBER 6-10
Location: 4270 West Kessler-Cowlesville Rd, Novice Pre-Farrier Week
Tipp City, OH 45383 Location: Foremans Forge Dr. Redden’s Equine Podiatry Course
Contact: Thom Gabel, CJF - 937-212-9855 3440 Richmond Rd, Irvine, KY, 40336 Location: 8235 McCowans Ferry Rd,
Clinician: Nigel Fennell, AWCF Versailles, Kentucky 40383
JULY 16-18 Contact: 859-693-7666; foremansforge@ Clinician: Dr. Ric Redden
gmail.com Contact: 859-983-6690, rfreddendvm@
Forge of July gmail.com
Location: Clear Creek Park
717 Burks Branch Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065 19

APRIL / MAY 2021

Farrier Article

Extending the life of
crease nail pullers

By Mark Thorkildson, CJF, AWCF

Crease nail pullers are one of the most used tools in my box. I’ve manufacturers warranties will be voided with the work done.
found that the horses appreciate nails being pulled individually The belt grinder used was a 1725 RPM 1”x42” 3 wheel machine
versus the jerking action of using shoe pull offs; there is also with an 80 grit ceramic belt. I find the smaller belt grinder with
a reduced likelihood of breaking the hoof wall while pulling a flat platen works best for this job, virtually any grinder should
shoes. Another added benefit to using crease nail pullers is that work. Hand files could also be used. 
the shoe won’t be taken out of level, which if the shoe is able to FIGURES 1 AND 2 
be reset, could greatly increase efficiency at the horse.  The working end is showing wear from use. The points have
The small and sharp design of many modern crease nail pullers been rounded and have a large gap between them. The side
makes them incredibly effective at pulling even well worn nails. view shows the thickening of the end as it has worn back which
The downfall to that head design is that they can wear back prevents it from reaching the bottom of the fullering. 
faster than the larger, bulky head design, making them so they FIGURE 3
don’t work nearly as well as when they were new.  I start the process by removing material to create points again
I have come up with a system of tuning these tools to where so the tool is able to grab the nail head at the bottom of the
their lifespan can be increased by 2-3 times. The following is a crease. 
pictorial guide to that process. If the reader decides to attempt
this process, they should keep in mind that likely any and all

Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 Fig. 5

Fig. 2 NO FOOT, NO HORSE

20

Fig. 6 Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9

Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12 Fig. 13

FIGURE 4 FIGURE 10 

Care should be taken to not touch the very tip of the working Shows the completed head. 
end to the belt so as not to remove too much material from the FIGURE 11 
tool.  When the stops are ground back that will bring the reins closer
FIGURES 5 AND 6  together. These are too close now and will need to be adjusted. 
After reestablishing a sharp working end, there will be a FIGURE 12 
significant gap between the points. The next step is to grind I do this step by locking the reins in a vice with the head in the
the stops back. I do this by adjusting the tracking on the belt closed position. I then heat the reins a couple inches behind
grinder so the belt runs outside the platen on whatever side the rivet with an oxy/acetylene torch to a red/dull orange color
is more comfortable and work off the corner of the belt. Make in low light conditions. Then I adjust the reins out by hand to
sure to pay close attention that the working end does not come my comfort. Care should be taken to not heat the working end,
in contact with the belt. Working off of the corner will help that.  which will destroy the factory heat treat. 
FIGURE 7  Allow the tool to AIR COOL. 
Shows these steps completed. It is desirable to have a small gap FIGURE 13 
between the points. Ideally slightly less than a nail shank.  Shows the completed tool that is ready to go back to work.
FIGURES 8 AND 9

The next step is to narrow the end of the tool so it is able to
reach the bottom of the crease to grab the nail head. 

APRIL / MAY 2021 21

Farrier Article

AFA Research Committee
Journal Club

By Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE

On January 26th, the AFA’s Research Committee once again loading, but they all used slightly different ways to get there.
hosted a free, online Journal Club for any interested AFA One study used computer modeling, essentially a really high
members. If you haven’t been following Journal Club yet, it’s an tech computer prediction of how the hoof might act, but once
interactive learning opportunity where AFA members are given they compared it to data collected from live horses, they found
a paper to read that relates to shoeing, and then the group out that the computer simulation wasn’t accurate enough to
gets together for a “guided tour” of the paper and a group predict the changes.
discussion. Everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts, but
silent participants are also welcome. Interestingly, in this study, the farrier
This past journal club paper was the most directly relevant played a big roll, and it shows
one yet, entitled “Modifying the Surface of Horseshoes: Effects
of Eggbar, Heartbar, Open Toed and Wide Toe shoes on the Other studies used pressure plates or high speed photography
phalangeal alignment, pressure distribution and footing to track the way the limbs moved and landed. This study used
pattern”, by researchers Michael Hüppler, Florian Häfner, Sandra sensor foils, which are super thin single use sensors that can
Geiger, Daniela Mäder, and Jenny Hagen. It’s information that is be attached between the hoof and the shoe, on the wall, or
totally relevant for our every day shoeing: How does applying anywhere else you want to gather data. What’s really helpful
different types of shoes change the way that the hoof lands about all these different data gathering methods is that by
and loads? seeing all the different sides of the data, you get a bigger
Katie Panos, CJF, Co-Chair of the Research Committee, led picture of how shoeing effects the horse.
the discussion and started off by giving us more details about In this study, a group of 25 warmblood horses from the same
some of the previous studies done on the topic. It is normal for barn were each shod with one test shoe (either an eggbar,
research papers to give an overview of similar studies or studies open toed shoe, wide toe shoe, or hearbar) and one normal,
that they are building on for the current research, known as
a literature review. For this paper, there were several other
studies that had tested the effects of shoes on landing and

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

open heeled shoe for comparison. Interestingly, in this study, And that’s what science does: It tries to record cases,
the farrier played a big roll, and it shows. Things that we all experiments, and ideas in ways that can be tested and
know are important, like the length of the shoeing schedule repeated, so that if I do it and it works, and all the variables are
and how the hoof is trimmed, are consistent throughout the the same in your case, you should be able to do it and have the
group of horses, so it’s more likely that the data gathered will same success.
be consistent too. So back to the study. Why try to prove stuff we all assume is
true? Because it’s not just useful to know that it works that way
So what were the researchers wondering in this most of the time. It’s important to know exactly how much it
study? They had several hypotheses going in: works, and if there are times when it doesn’t work, and what
other things might be affected that we didn’t really notice.
1. Using bar shoes leads to a steeper alignment of the distal Now for the big question in any paper: Did they find what they
phalanx, while the application of a wide toe shoe causes a thought they would find?
planar position of hoof and distal phalanx. (In other words, First, they found that most of the shoes didn’t change the point
in soft footing, a wider toe and narrow heels lowers the of breakover, when and where the hoof hit first, or where the
angle of P3 and a bar shoe with it’s additional surface area center of force was. The exception to the rule? The open toed
in the heel, raises it). shoe. Since the shoe didn’t cover the front of the hoof, the
point of breakover was moved back, but the hoof also tended
2. Changing the alignment of the distal phalanx towards to break over more to one side or the other.
a steeper position causes a lowering of the middle and
proximal phalanx, while a planar orientation of the distal Your experience, while an important
phalanx has an opposite effect (This is the same idea part of learning, isn’t a scientific fact.
as raising the angle of the hoof to drop the fetlock or It’s called anecdotal evidence, because
lowering it to raise the fetlok) it’s basically you telling a story about
a horse you worked on and how you
3. The modification of the loaded area of the shoe causes a
changed pressure force distribution which will also effect helped it.
the weight bearing surface of the hoof capsule.
They also found that, as suspected, shoes were more or less
4. Modified horseshoes that alter the dorsopalmar surface effective depending on whether they were on hard or soft
affect the individual footing pattern only marginally. ground. Both heartbars and open toed shoes significantly
raised the angle in soft footing, while the wide toed shoe had
5. By changing the ground conditions, the biomechanical the opposite effect. Interestingly, the eggbar shoe was the
effects of the examined horseshoes can vary significantly most consistent throughout different footings, having only a
(as we all know from our experience, shoeing for a soft marginally raised angle in soft footing.
surface is totally different than shoeing for hard footing). The big takeaway? Make sure that the shoe you are choosing
is correct for the footing your horse is going to be on. If you’re
When we look at their list of hypotheses, a lot of these ideas are trying to use a heartbar to raise the hoof angle but your horse
considered fact in our world.We’ve all seen these forces at work in our is only on firm footing, you’re probably not going to get there.
own shoeing, so why does someone have to do a study to prove it? It’s also useful to note that the more comparative difference
Your experience, while an important part of learning, isn’t there was in mass, the bigger the effect. In other words, the
a scientific fact. It’s called anecdotal evidence, because it’s eggbar, which is basically the same stock all the way around,
basically you telling a story about a horse you worked on and had very little effect on the hoof angle. The heartbar, which has
how you helped it. It might be a really helpful story to someone significantly more material in the back half of the shoe than the
else dealing with the same issue, and many of us have learned front half, and the open toed shoe, which has a normal stock
some pretty good shoeing methods this way. width in the back and no stock in the front, raised the hoof
But what if you’re telling someone a story about, say, the angle the most. So the more contrast you have between the
laminitic horse that you helped out with a heartbar. There stock widths you use, it seems the bigger effect you will get.
are a lot of details that need to be in that story. How severely If this sounds interesting to you, and you’d like to join the next
rotated was P3, and how long had it been that way? What kind journal club meeting, keep an eye on your email inbox! Your bi-
of footing was the horse on? Were the laminitic triggers being weekly Eblast contains links to vote on the next paper and sign
managed? How frequently did you shoe it? How much did you up for journal club. We look forward to having you there!
trim the hoof, and where? The list goes on, but you get the
point. If you tell someone a heartbar worked for a laminitic, but
you don’t tell them that they first need to trim the hoof to get
leverage off of the stretched lamina, they probably won’t be
able to repeat your success.

APRIL / MAY 2021 23

Farrier Article

SHOE MODIFICATIONS

ROLLEDPART1 TOE
By Paul Skaggs, MS, CJF, APF

Figure 1 Many of us have listened to a clinician four digits. His weight is loaded down
Figure 2 explain or demonstrate how to do shoe through the long bones of its legs and
modifications. We tend to pay more then through a series of short bones
attention to specific modifications when (phalanges) at the distal end of the
we, as practitioners, have a specific horse limb. When a horse stands squarely and
in mind that challenges us. We also start comfortably without pathology and
to pay more attention to the different with proper alignment you should be
modification options when deciding to able to drop a plumb line down from the
improve our skills and knowledge through shoulder (fore limb) and it pass through
certification. Often times during this phase the center of the articulation of the hoof
of our career we become very focused on (center of weight bearing surface). See
learning and “mastering” the skills needed figure 1.
to apply the modifications to the shoe. With this conformation and when no
That makes sense, considering we are other pathologies are present you will
learning a new skill and forging doesn’t have a biomechanically efficient horse
come easily to most. To become proficient that bears weight evenly through its
at forging you must spend a lot of time hoof capsule in a dorsal/palmar plane.
practicing. However, during this search for Generally, in a horse with this type of
improvement of our physical skill, we may ideal conformation there will be relatively
forget about its application to the horse. In equal forces being placed upon the joints
this series of articles, we will break down the of the limb as well as through the soft
purpose of each modification by explaining tissue structures (ligaments, tendons,
how they affect the horse and its anatomy. cartilages, etc.). For this horse there may
The rolled toe modification is one of be no need for a modification involving
the first we learn, and probably the the toe or heel of the shoe.
modification we end up using the most in When does a rolled toe modification
our daily work. There are many different become a good option? When a slightly
reasons we may decide to use this less than ideal limb conformation is
modification, including, but not limited present.
to: vet recommendation, desired ease of As you can see in this image (figure 2)
movement, reduced stress/ tension while the horse stands slightly “camped out” in
moving, etc. For many of these situations front. With the hoof positioned in front
this modification may be exactly what of the limb and shoulder this horse will
you need to help that particular horse; not bear weight evenly. The palmar (rear)
but why? How does the rolled toe aspect of the hoof will be overloaded
modification actually help the horse? while the dorsal (front) portion will
To understand how a modification bear less weight. This stance will add
will help a horse with an anatomical to uneven weight bearing through the
challenge, we must first understand how entire limb, affecting joints and other
the anatomy of the horse works when soft tissues. The dorsal surfaces of each
there isn’t an issue. The horse stands on joint will be overloaded as compared

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

to its proximal (back of joint) counterpart, chietcokut ENW
possibly resulting in joint damage in the People are talking about new products
future. Over time this can cause distortion of available at FPD dealers near you.
the hoof capsule resulting in underrun and/
or contracted heels, dished toe, seedy toe, KERCKHAERT LIBERTY 5 SLIM XL
damaged digital cushion, strained ligaments STEEL COMFORT SPORT
and tendons, and many other problems. ESPECIALLY HELPFUL WHEN
How does a rolled toe modification help? In a CLIPS BETWEEN THE SECOND AND USING A PAD OR A THICKER SHOE
circumstance where the horse’s conformation THIRD NAIL HOLES “The nails drove well,
is slightly camped out (run forward) a rolled toe clinched well and held up
can be a great option. By rolling the ground “At last extra nail for full cycle. I used them
surface of the shoe you are relocating the holes, great shape on aluminum shoes on
bearing surface of the limb while still being and clip placement. jumping horses, steel shoes
able to perimeter fit the dorsal wall of the I love the new toe on ranch horses and nailed
trimmed capsule (figure 3). In essence, you are shape.” on egg bar and heart bar
mildly changing the location of the bottom – Peter P., Dip WCF, shoes.”
of the limb in a palmar direction without England - Charles F., Missouri
sacrificing the structural integrity of the hoof
itself. This will, along with an appropriate trim, KERCKHAERT SX-10 HOOFJACK HOOF
allow the horse to shift his limb back under STANDS
the shoulder and minimize stress being placed FULL BALANCED TOE AND EXTRA
upon the flexor tendons during movement. THICKNESS EASE FOR YOUR BACK,
Of course, if the desired angle, alignment, and “I have to say, for COMFORT FOR THE HORSE
position can be achieved with the trim alone a quick and easy “I have a bad back in 3 places
this modification may not be needed, but if lateral breakover and arthritis in my fingers,
the trim alone is not enough, a rolled toe may shoe, the SX-10 but I got through all 4 of
be a great starting point. Ideally, over time, Unclipped is the my horse’s hooves pain free.
artificially helping the limb load correctly and ultimate stock, It was so nice to have the
allowing the horse’s stance to improve will width and depth. Hoofjack supporting the
allow you to gain more correct horn tubule It made a terrific shoe. I hoof, leaving both of
growth and improve the overall quality and will be buying more.” my hands free.”
location of the capsule. - Mark D., CJF, West - Laura, Ohio
As mentioned above, you may decide to use Virginia
a rolled toe modification for other reasons
as well. An older horse that is becoming a To view product photos,
little stiff, a horse with some mild tendon specifications and videos, and
pathology, or a horse that’s hoof capsule for the name of an FPD dealer
just doesn’t seem to be placed in the correct near you, call (800) 468-2879
position/ location. Whatever the reason you
consider this modification, education about or visit farrierproducts.com.
the effects of using it and practicing the skill of FPD IS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE AMERICAN FARRIERS ASSOCIATION AND ITS EVENTS
properly building and applying it are of utmost
importance. Hopefully this short article will
help you to better understand the great tool
you have at your disposal: the rolled toe.

Figure 3

APRIL / MAY 2021 25

Farrier Article

Who really is the
judge in our work?

By Jennifer Horn, CJF

Who really is the judge in our work? Although many people
may not like to admit it, being judgmental appears to be
a human characteristic. Society is judgmental and we are
trained to conform to this judgement at a young age. If
we judged a little less, we would be able to see that being
different in a group as a whole isn’t a bad thing. It actually
can be a good thing because you add a different type of
insight and knowledge to every situation, and sometimes this
difference is needed. Our farrier industry has been passing
on information from one to another since its beginning. So
much of what we learn is subjective and interruption of the
information can be difficult, especially when only parts of the
information are recognized or emphasized. In order to provide
the service we are hired for, we need to educate ourselves,
hone our skills, and understand what is being asked of us.
Then we can think creatively to provide quality hoof care and
service leading to everyone’s success. Opening our minds
to different ideas, sharing our experiences, communicating
effectively, and excluding judgement will make our industry
an even better place to work and live in. Let us take advantage
of understanding the judges in our industry.
The Competition Judge
How do they get to be the judge? Farriers develop into judges
when their experience and skill has brought their education
to a level where they can pass on information to large groups
effectively. They are respected by their peers and have many
experiences to share. As with any competition, you are looking
to please the judge on that one day. Knowing where the
judge is from and the style of shoeing in his/her practice will
give you an idea of what his/her priorities may be. Certainly
each breed and discipline requires different applications.
Prepare for a competition by doing your homework - then
ask questions at the competitors meeting. The elements that
the judge deals with daily will certainly influence his/her
preference to some degree.

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

What Are They Judging

You have to understand the test if you intend to succeed
with it. The test of a competition is to employ skills to be
able to adapt and successfully shoe in our everyday work.
Competitions provide an agenda to develop those skills that
we take to work everyday. Three different stages of the shoeing
are evaluated, hoof preparation, the shoe and fit, and then
nailing and finish. There are several elements to these three
different stages when the judge assesses your work. All of these
elements are part of our own everyday work that we need to
always be assessing ourselves.

The Benefits of Competition

Farrier competitions have been around for years and years. having enough horses available. Unfortunately, finding cadaver
William Hunting, author of “The Art of Horse-Shoeing”, hooves with good hoof conformation can be difficult.
describes competitions in his 1895 book stating that The level of competitions will effect the size of networking
“competitions stimulate emulation amongst men.” He goes radius. Most of the competitors come from the host state and
further to say, “In those districts which have had the benefit of surrounding states at state level competitions. National and
these competitions for many years past, horseshoeing is best international competitions increase in size and competition
done.” A horseshoeing contest is a test of skill. The one with the levels. The broader your networking extends, the bigger your
most skill is placed at the top. To win you have to understand resources become.
the test. Competitions have evolved over the years in many
ways. And they continue to evolve and change. The way you trim feet will evolve along
Education is abundant and skills develop through competition. with your shoe making skills and this
Competitions set up an arena for a challenge or test providing
an atmosphere where everyone there is both learning and is directly related to your everyday
teaching. Those who participate are directly involved in the efficiency.
information exchange. You are actually engaged rather than
observing. It is proven that the more receptors you engage, There are so many benefits from competition. It is hard to
the more information you will retain. Observing has plenty understand feet and to trim them properly if you don’t make
of benefits as well. When observing, watch how competitors shoes, and it is hard to make and fit shoes if you can’t trim
assemble their stations, how they prepare their tools and feet. Forging helps you build feet. Practicing at home provides
what they may be doing mentally to prepare for a new class. experimentation time. Challenging yourself to compete with
Watch the sequence of shoe building with different styles of your shoe pile and evaluating your progress will help you
shoes and different methods to forge. Watch the competitors’ develop your eye. By getting together with other competitors
timing and their posture. Listen to the hammer blows. Take to trade lessons, pointers and mistakes, we teach each other. If
notes and draw pictures. Know what the shoes being built you can’t get together physically, then make a call… when you
are. Try building a few at home, before and after observing have to describe something to someone who can’t see it, you
others. Touch the shoes if you can. Usually specimen shoes are learn to explain clearly and COMMUNICATE!
provided; hold them and know what they feel like. The more skills that you have the more options you have.
How competitions are held varies. There are different levels If you build something, it will help teach you how it works.
of competition: local, state, national and international Understanding its use will help teach proper application.
competitions. There are many places to find these events The time management you learn in competition will teach
and information regarding their rules and schedules. Skill you efficiency. Knowing how long something will take to
levels are usually divided between three categories: Entry accomplish will help you manage your time efficiently, both at
level, Intermediate, and Open divisions. Smaller competitions a contest and in your everyday work.
may only have two divisions based on the number of entries.
Competitions inviting a broad attendance may offer four
divisions, with the Open division being divided in two tiers.
Placing and payback will vary in different organizations. This
information is generally found in their advertisements and
rules.
When I began competing, competitions consisted of several
forging classes which would then determine if you qualified
for a live shoeing class. Today, more and more competitions are
incorporating live shoeing opportunities, and cadaver shoeing
seems to be a new way of resolving the issues of safety and

APRIL / MAY 2021 27

Farrier Article

Many people say that they just don’t have time to practice or you compete than you would if you just shoe horses, but you
to compete. Let me first say that the people who compete are still must do both and lots of it. There is nothing to hold anyone
shoeing as many or more horses than the people who don’t. back from accomplishing this if you are willing to put in your
The thing to do is to make time. The way you trim feet will time and effort. Last but not least, competing is lots of fun.
evolve along with your shoe making skills and this is directly Traveling to new places, meeting farriers, manufacturers, and
related to your everyday efficiency. Your proficiency will equal suppliers, having fun, and learning things that will put money
more time at the end of your work day. The more I competed, in your pocket sounds good to me!
the easier my job became and the less mistakes I had to Importantly, if you shoe everything the way you shoe at a
address. competition, you will only be shoeing some of the horses
Recognizing what is ideal and what is not will help develop appropriately some of the time. Ignoring differences can
your own artistic eye. Building shoes will help you see the get you in trouble. At a competition you only have about
finer points. Taking apart every element of the shoe and the 5 elements to deal with. You are provided good working
hoof allows you to look at each “tree” individually and how conditions, quiet animals with the best conformation available
combined they make up the “forest”. which provides the best foot horses, and a judge to tell you
Winning is a form of affirmation; declaring something to exactly what he or she wants to see you demonstrate. The
be true. If you don’t win, then you learn what you have done judge can tell you where and how to shoe the horse… it’s a
improperly that prevented you from winning and you still learn. skills test.
Competing will show you how your skills compare to the skills Judges in our Everyday Work
of others. Isolation is the worst disease among farriers. The horse is the real judge and understanding how a horse
We discuss how difficult it is to communicate with our communicates is an additional skill that will benefit you.
clients, veterinarians, and others we work with. I have found Horsemanship takes time, education, and experience.
through working with other farriers that we even struggle to Include this in your plan for education. Also, learn to read
communicate with each other. Competition offers a vehicle his posture, attitude, how his body changes from each visit,
to use for communicating. Competitions offer a model, and movement. The owner or rider will judge your work by a
gauge, or example. Competition shoeing is all about basics in sound, winning horses or by how long your shoes stay on. The
horseshoeing. You must understand and have a base to begin trainer may judge you by the way the horse moves, or places
with - then you can start adjusting the basics to suit particular with the judges at shows, races, or competitions. One way
situations. that veterinarians judge what you do is by using radiographs,
The competition practice at home is education. The tools that are not always available to us and which judge
competition itself is education. In addition, there are static moments. Other farriers may often judge us: farriers
demonstrations, lectures, and hands on teaching. Competitions with different levels of experience, education and who live
rely heavily on the sponsorship of our industry product in different worlds. There is a larger variety of elements to
manufacturers and distributors. In exchange for their support, consider in our everyday work than within a competition.
there is an opportunity for them advertise and to market Competitions are a resource to learn ways to deal with many of
their products. This allows a company representative the these elements.
opportunity to directly communicate with and educate farriers One final thought:
on their products, the benefits of their products, and the proper The more education you can gain,
use and application of those products. Once you have pushed The more skills you can build,
yourself and fine-tuned your skills, your everyday shoeing The more tools you will have to use,
will reflect that. Your work will begin to command a higher The more options you choose can pick from,
price due to your increased demand. You will find yourself The more solutions you can create,
working on the better horses and for better people available. The more success you can achieve!
Unfortunately, there is no shortcut to get to this point. You have
to put in your time. I guarantee that you will get there faster if

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

Event Wrap-Ups

Georgia Professional Farriers
Association Pre-Certification Clinic

The Georgia Professional Farriers Association hosted an AFA Pre-Certification Clinic March 12-13 with Instructor Lucas Gilleland, CJF.
Every candidate was able to shoe two feet on a live horse and received great hands-on learning experiences. The GPFA would like to
thank Derek Perry, CJF for a great lunch and Travis Wallace, CJF for getting everything lined up and making the event possible!

APRIL / MAY 2021 29

Event Wrap-Ups

Road to the Roadster

By Lori McBride, CJF

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Northeast Ohio, when you’re like me and are just beginning to branch out
where several people gathered to pursue their journey to beyond the basic.
understanding the roadster. So, Bob set the date, gathered up some cadaver legs and invited
In particular, the Convention roadster. Bob Slansky, CJF, one of us to his shop. He designed and made some pretty awesome leg
this year’s Convention judges reached out to some people who holders and brought in Randy Luikhart as an honorary judge. A
were wanting to figure out this particular shoe better. As we few spectators showed up, but not really anybody who wasn’t
know, this shoe will teach you a lot. One of the complaints that doing something. Over in the corner, he had Randy teaching
I’ve heard about this shoe and other types of shoes is that you local farrier John how to make nippers. My daughter Glynis was
never get to nail them on feet. And when you just make shoes there helping me strike and taking pictures, immersing herself.
for a competition or for the table, things can get lost. Especially My good friend Carly was also there. And she was quoted as

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

saying “surround yourself with people who will make you
better”. Which I thought was so appropriate.
Bob put on a demo: trimmed the foot, cut some steel, made
a roadster. And then several of us did the same. This was not
a timed event. It was just a “try and do the best that you
can”; try to get it right. I’ve been told many times that when
you’re first learning something, just try your best to do it right.
Not fast. Take as long as you need to take to get it correct. It
will develop your eye, and as you continue to make things
correctly, you will get faster. Because smooth is fast, and fast is
smooth.
As often happens at events like these, we—of course—
sidelined into other conversations. You get together
experienced, intelligent people, and you can’t help but learn.
And be energized for the next day’s work.
This wasn’t an exclusive event, a sponsored event or an
advertised event. It was just one man who saw several people
trying to get to different levels in their journey on a shoe
that he is very very good at. So, he arranged for us to have an
experience like none I’ve ever had before. It is often said, and
incorrectly so, those who can’t do—teach. I’ve always thought
that to be a rather inaccurate statement. I think you can be
very good at something but being able to teach it is a whole
other talent. Mr. Bob Slansky is good at both.
He’s good at making roadsters and he’s made quite a few.
He won the roadster class in Stoneleigh when he was on the
AFA Team. But I think his greater talent is teaching. He figures
out where you’re at and then how to teach you. Because
everyone’s different. Everybody’s in a different stage of their
journey. You just have to show up and put in the time.

APRIL / MAY 2021 31

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The Official Publication of the
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Education – Certification – Communication – Innovation – Research

Event Wrap-Ups

Alabama Professional Farriers
Association Pre-Certification Clinic

On February 26 - 27 the Alabama Professional Farriers Association had a fantastic turnout for their AFA Pre-Certification Clinic in
Lucedale, Mississippi with Instructors Hank Chisholm, CJF and Eric Gilleland, CJF, TE. Great job to all candidates on the hard work you
are putting in towards certification!