No Foot, No Horse APRIL/MAY 2020
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APRIL/MAY 2020 No Foot, No Horse
In 3
4
President’s Letter 18 The Use of Screw in Studs
for Competition
This 4
Executive Director’s Report
AFA News & Press Releases 20 Focus on the Future:
Issue 7 AFA Election Results The AFA’s Next Generation
8 Certification 24 Katie Panos: Road to the
10 Calendar of Events Journeyman
12 2020 Convention Wrap-Up 26 Mediolateral Balance
28 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, memphisforge1@yahoo.com
Yukon Territory Travis (Vern) Powell, CJF, TE, New Jersey, New York, Nova
R.T. Goodrich, CJF (‘22) DipWCF (‘22) Scotia, Pennsylvania, Quebec, BOD REPRESENTATIVES
rtgoodrich@gmail.com mvpfarrierservice@sbcglobal.net Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF
Washington D.C. 315-345-3464
Lance Yohe, CJF (’23) Kenny Hoyle, CJF (‘23) dougjrcjf@gmail.com
afaregion1@hotmail.com khoyle@woh.rr.com Mike Licata (‘22)
mikelicata@comcast.net Lance Yohe, CJF
Robert Bair, CF (’21) David Hallock, CJF, 916-509-5671
owyheeride9@gmail.com AWCF, ASF (‘21) Matt Hillegas, CJF (‘23)
matthillcf@gmail.com afaregion1@hotmail.com
3Rforge@gmail.com
REGION 2 Doug Corey, CJF (’21) SECRETARY (ex officio)
Alberta, Central America, REGION 4 dougjrcjf@gmail.com Lori McBride, CJF
Colorado, Kansas, Manitoba, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, 330-268-8197
Montana, Nebraska, New
Mexico, North Dakota,
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Mississippi, North Carolina,
Executive afasecretary1@yahoo.com
Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Committee EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Tennessee, West Virginia Martha L. Jones
Wyoming PRESIDENT 317-417-4544
Rittner Goff, CF (‘22) Jon Johnson, CJF
Jacob Manning, CJF (’22) horseshoernc@yahoo.com mjones@americanfarriers.org
913-704-9841
jacobmanningcjf@hotmail.com Eric Gray, CF (‘23) jonjafa@gmail.com
Thomas Trosin, CJF (’21) keyghorsemanship@gmail.com VICE PRESIDENT
trosinfarrier@gmail.com Andy Gumpert, CJF (’21) Bruce Worman, CJF
gumpertfarrierservice@gmail.com 208-989-7661
bwhorseshoe@aol.com
APRIL/MAY 2020
Cover Our Mission
Shoes ready for judging during Representing professional farriers,
No Foot, the 2020 National Forging & veterinarians, suppliers and horse
No Horse Horseshoeing Competition. owners, the American Farrier’s
Association is the oldest and largest
Photo taken by Bill Brymer membership organization for the
Photography team. farrier industry in North America,
and the only one with internationally 4059 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 1
AFA Communications Chairman recognized standards of competency Lexington, KY 40511
Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE through our certification programs.
Setting the standard for excellence P 859-233-7411
Managing Editor in hoof care, the AFA provides F 859-231-7862
Martha L. Jones professional development,
certification, leadership and resources
info@americanfarriers.org
Graphic Design for the benefit of the farrier industry
Scott Dudgeon and the welfare of the horse.
www.americanfarriers.org
2 N O F O OT, N O H O R S E
President’s Letter
Greetings AFA Members,
I would like to start by saying thank you to all who took the time to cast your vote in
this past election cycle. We had a great group of individuals running for positions
within the association. I am very excited to be following the great President that we
have had for the past 2 years, Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF. The work that the Board
of Directors and Committees did certainly set this association up for success.
The 49th Annual Convention in Chattanooga was a huge success. Thank you to
all the volunteers and staff who made it a great week. As an addition to this year’s
Convention, our Certification Committee had a great turn out for the forging portion
for certification candidates. Pre-Certification added an additional day to help
attendees at the demo stations. Cultural Exchange orchestrated an international
attendees’ leadership dinner that was very well received. Congratulations and
welcome are in order to the newest members of the American Farriers Team, as well as
the Apprentice Team.
By the time you all get this we will have ratified the Committee Chairmen and should be in full swing of continuing
some projects that were started last year, as well as focusing on the future.
I look forward to seeing and hearing from you down the road the next couple years.
Thank you,
Jon Johnson, CJF
President, American Farrier’s Association
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 3
Executive Director’s Report
Hello, AFA Family! could not pull it off without
What an unusual and unprecedented time we’re living in! Prior you, and I thank you for
to the last month, I’d planned to begin this letter to you with well sharing your time and treasure
wishes for the official beginning of spring and by encouraging with us.
you to take advantage of the great learning opportunities And finally, I would be remiss
taking place all over the country through pre-certifications, if I did not take a few minutes
certifications, clinics, competitions and events. Instead, as I write to thank our outgoing officers
this, new restrictions are being announced daily, schools are and directors and welcome our new ones. To Travis Burns, CJF, TE,
extending their closures, events – both big and small – are being EE, FWCF (President), Lynn Penick, CJF (Region 2 Director), Justin
cancelled or postponed, and all of us are trying to adjust to our Fry, CJF (Region 3 Director), Tom Saunders, CJF (Region 4
“new normal”. Whether that includes business as usual for you or Director) and Dean Geis, CF (Region 5 Director), we thank you
trying to balance your family responsibilities and work schedules for your leadership and dedication to our Association. You leave
at the same time, or even self-quarantine – these are certainly big shoes to fill! And to our new President, Jon Johnson, CJF,
unusual and trying times for our members! and our incoming directors, Lance Yohe, CJF (Re-elected Region
With that in mind, the AFA – along with our attorneys, and 1 Director), Kenny Hoyle, CJF (Region 3 Director), Eric Gray, CF
while in direct contact with the Department of Homeland (Region 4 Director) and Matt Hillegas, CJF (Region 5 Director),
Security [DHS] – have been at the forefront of trying to ensure congratulations on being elected by your peers! We cannot wait
that no matter what direction this heads in, your work will be to see how you will positively impact the future of the American
considered a critical industry, and that you will be classified Farrier’s Association!
as critical workforce. At the time of this writing, it is our belief In these very uncertain times, I wish you all good health, strong
that our members will be protected under current DHS minds and clear hearts – and my hope is that as we navigate this
recommendations, but as always, please refer to your state pandemic together – that we will remain what we have always
resources for updates and restrictions. been. A family who supports each other, who cares for each
Within this issue, you will find a terrific wrap up of what other, and who exhibits the very best of humanity through the
was undoubtedly a fantastic 49th Annual Convention. With most difficult of times.
more attendees and competitors than we’ve seen in the last Kind Regards,
several years, a full MarketPlace despite missing some of our Martha Jones
international friends, sponsors that allowed us to add to the Executive Director
overall event experience and a location that was enjoyed by all,
this year was one for the books. I am personally grateful for our
many hundreds of volunteers whose hard work made my first
Convention an exceptional experience. I am well aware that we
AFA News & Press Releases
EDWARD MARTIN CULTURAL EXCHANGE SELECTION 2020
The Edward Martin Cultural Exchange Committee is excited to announce that
Rachel Millard, CJF has been selected to travel to the UK this summer to be hosted
by the British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association. We know that this will be a great
opportunity for her and that Rachel will make the most of it. Watch for her trip
report in No Foot, No Horse and make sure you come to convention next year to get
her full presentation!
We were also pleased to welcome Andy Hollins and Danny Souter to the AFA
Convention in Chattanooga for the beginning of their exchange in America!
Unfortunately due to the Coronavirus, their trips were cut short. But they will be
back, and we look forward to seeing them!
If you are interested in applying for the Edward Martin Cultural Exchange, you can
find more information, as well as the application form, online at
americanfarriers.org/page/cultural_exchange
4 N O F O OT, N O H O R S E
AFA News & Press Releases
THE AFA WELCOMES NEW TESTERS AND
EXAMINERS
The following members are our new Approved Testers in 2020:
Bruce Worman, CJF Butch Whitaker, CJF
Brad Snyder, CJF Marcus Wise, CJF
The following members have been approved as Provisional
Testers in 2020:
Travis Wallace, CJF Josh Anderson, CJF
Joel Neilsen, CJF Henry Bieler, CJF
Larry Dacy, CJF Daniel Brown, CJF
Brian Strelow, CJF Cassie Torhorst, DVM, CVA, CVSMT
Josh Cotton, CJF Jordan Sullivan, CJF
THE 2020 RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENTS The following members have been approved as Provisional
The awardees of the 2020 American Farrier’s Association research Examiners in 2020:
grant are the team of Brian Strelow, CJF and Cassie Torhorst, Nikki Smith, CJF, AWCF
DVM, CVA, CVSMT. They will be mentored by Dr. Tracy Turner
of University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
This team assembled a fantastic grant application with a very We would like to give a huge thank you to all of our Examiners
practical and impactful project. and Testers who generously give their time and knowledge to
Brian and Cassie will be exploring how position and loading ensure that our AFA certification is the best that it can be!
affects lower limb radiographs. Their hypothesis is that a loaded If you have gone through the AFA certification process, you
limb will radiograph differently than an unloaded limb, and know how many Testers and Examiners have given their time to
furthermore, a loaded limb is more relevant to a working horse. test and educate candidates, and what a huge difference they
This project will provide immediate information that will help can make. If you are an AFA CJF and you are interested in giving
both veterinarians and farriers not only as individuals, but while back to the organization, consider beginning the provisional
working together. tester process!
. They add “We are both really excited to be able to conduct this To start the process, look for a local certification that you can
research project. Without the support from the American Farrier’s attend and shadow Testers and Examiners to get a behind-the-
Association Research Committee, this important study would not scenes look at how it works. After shadowing at a certification,
be feasible for us to do on our own.” you will have to have your name put forward by an Examiner.
Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF, the research committee’s first Once you are recommended by an Examiner and approved by
awardee presented his work on crack patch mechanics at the Board of Directors, you become a Provisional Tester. This is
the 2020 convention. His paper is currently in progress. Scott the training process which all Testers and Examiners participate
Bushaw, CF, one of our second awardees, has collected the in. During your time as a Provisional Tester, you will attend at
majority of his data and is currently starting data analysis and least three certifications and work under experienced Testers and
writing. Examiners, helping to score all parts of the exam. In this period,
If you are interested in carrying out a research project all your work will be reviewed by Approved Testers and/or the
contact Katie Panos at 603-660-8126, or by email Examiner, to ensure that you thoroughly understand the scoring
americanfarriersresearch@gmail.com. A clinic designed to help system. At the end of each test, the Examiner will fill out a review
people get started in research with an anatomy review will be of your performance as a Tester, including your knowledge of the
held October 24th and 25th at the University of Connecticut. certification guide and scoring, how well you work with other
Farriers thinking about research are encouraged to attend; Testers, and how well you communicate with candidates.
please contact Katie. The first 2021 due date will be October After participating in at least three tests as a Provisional Tester,
30th. The committee strongly recommends contacting them this and if the Examiners that you worked under believe that you are
spring in order to have the best possible application in October, ready, your name will be put forward to the Board for approval
as this is not something that cannot be pulled together in two as an Approved Tester. Once you are an Approved Tester, you
weeks successfully. can act as Tester in any AFA certification under any Examiner,
giving you a great opportunity to give back to your local chapter,
certification candidates, the AFA as a whole, and ultimately, the
health of the horse.
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 5
AFA News & Press Releases
2020 APPRENTICE TEAM AND AMERICAN COVID-19 IMPACT ON OUR NATIONWIDE
FARRIERS TEAM CALENDARS
As you are already aware, our Certification Committee has
postponed all AFA certifications through April 30 (updates to
follow as we continue receiving federal and state guidelines).
Additionally, our nationwide events calendar is very fluid at
this time, and we may not be notified of all cancellations and
postponements. The AFA strongly encourages everyone to check
with the local host prior to making any travel plans and asks
that hosts follow state and federal guidelines as to whether you
should hold the event. Thank you!
49TH ANNUAL CONVENTION LECTURE
VIDEOS: COMING SOON!
Did you attend our convention and missed a lecture you wanted
to see? Did one of the speakers say something you meant
to write down and didn’t? Or, were you not able to make the
convention this year at all? Not to worry! We are in the process
of posting videos of all the lectures to our AFA YouTube channel
and will notify you once they are up! Re-watch – or watch – all
Apprentice Team our outstanding speakers on your own time!
Jose Gomez, CF
Matt Shaklee, CF
Mason Mileski, CF
AFA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: QUICK
SURVEY
Justin Daley
Please watch for a brief survey on our AFA Achievement Awards
in your bi-weekly e-blasts. We are asking members if they would
like to vote on the nominees beginning this year and would
love your feedback! Please take a few seconds of your time and
share your thoughts with the committee: you can do so either by
completing that survey or sending an email to
info@americanfarriers.org. In an effort to make all our programs
more transparent, your participation is important to us!
American Farriers Team HOOF SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM:
Alternate: Caleb Swarr, CF NEW “HOW TO” VIDEO
Sawyer Spradling, CJF ICYMI: We have released a “How To” video jam-packed with
Patrick Dutton, CJF information on how easy it is to access this member benefit
– that earns you extra $$ in your pocket! If you’ve been
Adam Fahr, CJF wondering if this is for you, or if you learned more about it
Daniel Jones, CJF during convention and still have questions, or if you’d like to
know how you can get the most out of this program, please take
Travis Smith, CJF (Team Manager) a minute to watch our video here: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=xNen_ZHM5rg or call Jan Sorensen (Ridley) at 507-229-0547.
6 N O F O OT, N O H O R S E
AFA Election
Results
Congratulations to all of our new Officers
and Directors! Best wishes to each of you
going forward as representatives of the
AFA and our membership.
PRESIDENT
Jon Johnson, CJF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jon Johnson, CJF Lance Yohe, CJF
APPOINTMENTS
Lance Yohe, CJF
Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Lance Yohe, CJF ( Region 1)
Kenny Hoyle, CJF (Region 3)
Eric Gray, CF (Region 4)
Matt Hillegas, CJF (Region 5)
Doug Corey, CJF, DipWCF Kenny Hoyle, CJF
HEARTFELT THANKS
We’d like to thank our outgoing officers and
directors. Your efforts on behalf of everyone
at the AFA are deeply appreciated.
Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF
(President)
Lynn Penick, CJF (Region 2)
Justin Fry, CJF (Region 3)
Tom Saunders, CJF (Region 4)
Dean Geis, CF (Region 5)
Eric Gray, CF Matt Hillegas, CJF
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 7
Certification
Schedule of AFA Approved Certifications & Tester Updates
Certification Committee Chairman: Craig Stark, CJF, 918-857-0771
As of March 30, the AFA Certification Committee has requested that all certifications be postponed for at least 30 days. The committee will be meeting
regularly to reassess the situation, and more information will follow. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this time of uncertainty!
May 8-9 June 5-6
New York Certification Tennessee Certification
Host: Western New York Farriers Association Host: Music City Horseshoers Association
Location: If Only Farm Location: Clearview Horse Farm
450 Wood Rd, Freeville, NY 13068 2291 US 231, Shelbyville, TN 37160
Examiner: Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWCF, ASF Examiner: Dusty Franklin, CJF, AWCF, ASF
All Levels/Areas Offered All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Kirk Smith, CJF – 607-351-0125 Contact: Kayla Shepherd – 260-237-1516
May 9 June 13
Georgia Tester Update Kansas Certification
Host: Georgia Professional Farriers Association Host: Kansas Farriers Association
Location: Heritage Park Location: CiCo Park
2543 Macon Hwy, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Kimball Ave, Manhattan, KS 66503
Examiner: Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF Examiner: Vincent Vesely, CJF
Contact: Travis Wallace, CJF – 770-653-5930 All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Matt Merrill, CJF – 402-760-0742
May 9
Georgia Certification September 12-13
Host: Georgia Professional Farriers Association Rhode Island Certification
Location: Heritage Park Host: Southern New England Farriers Association
2543 Macon Hwy, Watkinsville, GA 30677 Location: Ocean State Equine
Examiner: Travis Burns, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF 11 Winsor Ave, Scituate, RI 02857
All Levels/Areas Offered Examiner: Phil Bower, CJF
Contact: Travis Wallace, CJF – 770-653-5930 All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Garrett Maloney, CJF – 401-744-4981
May 15-16
North Carolina Certification October 16-17
Host: North Carolina Horseshoers Association Ohio Certification
Location: The Lesson Barn Host: Mid-Eastern Farriers Association
3789 High Point Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27107 Location: Grizzle Ridge Arena
Examiner: Eric Gilleland, CJF 52106 Grizzle Ridge Rd, Jerusalem, OH 43747
All Levels/Areas Offered Examiner: Jennifer Horn, CJF
Contact: Kathy Walker – 336-407-1081 All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: David Bentrem, CJF – 412-580-4458
May 22
Delaware Tester Update
Host: Pennsylvania Professional Farriers Association
Location: 2683 Bryants Corner Rd, Hartley, DE 19953
Examiner: Phil Bower, CJF
Contact: Andrew Neilson, CJF – 610-368-8166
May 23
Delaware Certification
Host: Pennsylvania Professional Farriers Association
Location: 2683 Bryants Corner Rd, Hartley, DE 19953
Examiner: Phil Bower, CJF
All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Andrew Neilson, CJF – 610-368-8166
May 29-30
Washington Certification
Host: Farriers Association of Washington State
Location: SW Washington Fairgrounds
2555 N National Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532
Examiner: David Sierra, CJF
All Levels/Areas Offered
Contact: Brian Strelow, CJF – 253-691-6960
8 N O F O OT, N O H O R S E
Join us
to Celebrate!
50 YEARS
of educating, engaging and encouraging
farriers to set the standard of
excellence in hoof care
1971-2021
50th Annual Convention
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Where it all began!
March 8-12, 2021
Calendar of Events
At the time of publication, our nationwide events calendar is very fluid due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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!
MAY 2 MAY 23 JUNE 3-6
Shoeing for Soundness Clinic Vet-Farrier Round Table with Mike Artist-Blacksmiths Association of North
Sponsors: Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center Wharton, CJF America Conference
and High Country Horseshoes Host: Georgia Professional Farriers Location: Washington County Fairgrounds
Location: High Country Horseshoes Association 392 Old Schuylerville Road, Greenwich, NY
20381 32nd Ave Unit 102, Langley BC, V3A Location: 160 Woodhaven Ln, Ball Ground, 12834
5E6 Canada GA 30107 Demonstrators: Roy Bloom, CJF, Dave Farley,
Clinician: Ben Mangan, CJF Contact: Dr. Jennifer Melcher – CF, Tom Willoughby, CF
Contact: Hanni Christensen – 604-530-0761 770-652-4926 Contact: ABANA Central Office –
423-913-1022
MAY 9 MAY 29-30
Clinic at The Blacksmith Shop Bob Marshall Clinic JUNE 12-13
Host: The Blacksmith Shop Host: Delmarva Farrier Association Jim Linzy Memorial Clinic Benefiting
Location: 90A Main Street, Dayton, VA 22821 Location: Abner Hershberger’s Tobias Ellis, CF
Clinician: Roy Bloom, CJF 947 Apple Grove School Rd, Camden- Host: Oregon Farriers Association
Contact: David Brown – 540-908-2610, Wyoming, DE 19434 Location: Valley Farrier Supply
david@theblacksmithshop.net Clinician: Bob Marshall 709 W Main St, Mohalla, OR 97038
Contact: David Crockett, CF – 410-643-2698 Clinician: Jacob Manning, CJF
MAY 15 or Abner Hershberger – 302-678-5596 Contact: Mark Voorhis, CJF – 503-871-9404,
SWOFA Hammer-in markvoorhis10@gmail.com
Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers MAY 30
Association Oleo Acres Farrier Clinic JUNE 13
Location: 7735 Wilmington Dayton Rd, Sponsor: FPD GPFA Clinic
Centerville, OH 45458 Location: Oleo Acres Blacksmith Host: Georgia Professional Farriers
Contact: David (Nando) Morgan, CF – 937- and Farrier Supply Association
830-5590 10367 W Centennial Rd Suite 200, Littleton, Sponsors: Georgia Farrier Supply & Werkman
CO 80127 Horseshoes
Clinician: Dave Farley, CF, APF-1 Location: Georgia Farrier Supply
Contact: 800-468-2879, 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Dr, Ste 112,
fpd@farrierproducts.com Holly Springs, GA 30115
Clinician: Mitch Taylor, CJF, AWCF
Contact: Travis Wallace, CJF – 770-653-5930
10 N O F O OT, N O H O R S EJUNE 19 SEPTEMBER 18 NOVEMBER 20
SWOFA Hammer-in SWOFA Hammer-in SWOFA Hammer-in
Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers
Association Association Association
Location: 7013 Mason Rd, Ripley, OH 45167 Location: 3304 Platt Rd, Camden, OH 45311 Location: 5612 Middletown Rd,
Contact: Jarrod Moran, CJF – 937-618-1910 Contact: Dave Johnson, CJF – 513-594-7045 Waynesville, OH 45068
Contact: Zach Lindamood – 937-902–0015
JUNE 20-21 SEPTEMBER 19
SNEFA Clinic & Contest Northeast Farrier Supply Spring Clinic DECEMBER 18
Host: Southern New England Farriers Host: Northeast Farrier Supply SWOFA Hammer-in
Association Location: 210 Holabirrd Ave, Winsted, Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers
Location: Goshen Stampede Connecticut 06098 Association
116 Old Middle St, Goshen, CT 06756 Clinician: Mike Wharton, CJF, APF Location: 1432 Jasper Rd, Xenia, OH 45385
Judge/Clinician: Ben Mangan, CJF Contact: Vin Giannetti – 413-348-4867, vin@ Contact: Kenny Hoyle, CJF – 937-231-3367
Contact: Georgia Barry, CJF – 978-621-9270, northeastfarrier.com
Georgiabathome@clowderhouse.net MARCH 8-12, 2021
SEPTEMBER 24-26 AFA 50th Annual Convention
JULY 10 Championship Series Host: American Farrier’s Association
SWOFA Hammer-in Host: Midwestern Farriers Association Location: Albuquerque, NM
Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Location: Equine Veterinary Associates Contact: Jon Johnson, CJF 913-704-9841 or
Association 1009 E Stolley Park Rd, AFA Office 859-233-7411
Location: 4270 W Kessler-Cowlesville Rd, Grand Island, NE 68801
West Milton, OH 45383 Judge: TBA
Contact: Thom Gabel, CJF – 937-212-9855 Contact: Zack Hamilton, CJF – 402-875-1433
JULY 10-11 OCTOBER 8-10
Championship Series Southern California Classic
Host: Wisconsin Farriers Association Host: Western States Farriers Association
Location: N.E.W. Farrier Supply Location: Southern California Fair
W398 State Hwy 156, Pulaski, 18700 Lake Perris Dr, Perris, California 92571
Wisconsin 54162 Judges: Eddie Palacios, CJF
Judge: Chad Chance, CJF and Trey Green, CJF
Contact: Aaron Serstad, CJF – 608-451-1173, Contact: Charles Beauregard, CF –
copperforge22@aol.com 209-666-7496
JULY 24-25 OCTOBER 16
Colorado Classic SWOFA Hammer-in
Host: Rocky Mountain Farriers Association Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers
Location: Middle Park Fairgrounds Association
210 11th St, Kremmling, CO 80459 Location: 5760 Tipp Elizabeth Rd,
Judge/Clinician: Joe Nygren, CJF, DipWCF Troy, OH 45373
Contact: Jen Zander – 970-213-1580, Contact: Dave Purves, CJF – 770-656-6658
rmfacoloradoclassic@gmail.com
OCTOBER 23-24
JULY 25 Championship Series Finale
Vet-Farrier Round Table Host: Minnesota Farriers Association
Host: Georgia Professional Farriers Location: TBA
Association Judge: TBA
Location: 160 Woodhaven Ln, Ball Ground, Contact: Josh Ramsey, CJF – 940-765-6979
GA 30107
Contact: Dr. Jennifer Melcher – OCTOBER 23-24
770-652-4926 GPFA Contest/Clinic
Host: Georgia Professional Farriers
AUGUST 21 Association
SWOFA Hammer-in Location: 2600 S Milledge Ave,
Host: Southwestern Ohio Farriers Athens, GA 30605
Association Clinician/Judge: Bodie Trnka, CJF
Location: 3359 W Snake Rd, Liberty, IN 47353 Contact: Travis Wallace, CJF – 770-653-5930
Contact: Nate Crumley, CJF – 330-464-0664
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 112020 Convention Wrap-Up
Chattanooga, TN
March 9-13
2020 Achievement Awards
Congratulations to all the award recipients at our Grand Finale Banquet!
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS
Allen Smith Award for Excellence in
Administration
Garett Maloney, CJF
Jim Linzy Outstanding Clinician Award
Lucas Gilleland, CJF
J. Scott Simpson Outstanding
Educator Award
Jeff Engler, CJF
Edward Martin Humanitarian Award
Glenn Reese, CJF
General Interest Article Award - Eric Nygaard, CJF Sharon Walker Memorial Chapter Newsletter Award -
Journalism Award Alison Jones, Alabama Professional Farriers Association
Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE
Walt Taylor Award
Margie Lee-Gustafson, CJF
Sharon Walker Memorial Chapter
Newsletter Award
Alison Jones, Alabama Professional Farriers
Association
General Interest Article Award
Eric Nygaard, CJF
Silent Anvil Memorial Honorees
John Marino, CJF and Gordon Haight
Edward Martin Humanitarian Award - Jim Linzy Outstanding Clinician Award
EQUINE RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENT Glenn Reese, CJF - Lucas Gilleland, CJF
Brian Strelow, CJF
2020 CULTURAL EXCHANGE
PARTICIPANT
Rachel Millard, CJF
THERAPEUTIC ENDORSEMENTS:
Daniel Watson, CJF, TE, ASF
Elizabeth Lordan, CJF, TE, DVM
Diego Almeida, CJF, TE, EE, FE, AWCF
Eric Gilleland, CJF, TE
Walt Taylor Award - Margie Lee-Gustafson, CJF Journalism Award - Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE
Pictured: Don Gustafson, CJF
12 N O F O OT, N O H O R S EThank you to our wonderful volunteers and sponsors who make this event possible!
Congratulations to our 2019 Newly Certified
Farriers and our Certification High Point Awards!
For the third year in a row, the AFA – along with Mustad CERTIFICATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:
Hoofcare Center – has been excited to recognize our newly CF Written High Score: Josh Hunt, CF
certified farriers at our annual convention. This year, in truly
“grand” fashion, all of these farriers who were in attendance CF Practical High Score: Andres Felipe Galvis-Sierra, CF
were announced at our Grand Finale banquet! Not only did CTF Written High Score: Lucas Gilardi, CTF
they walk across the stage to cheers and applause from the
CTF Practical High Score: Lucas Gilardi, CTF
audience, but every farrier received a special gift bag from
Mustad Hoofcare Center to celebrate their accomplishments. CJF Written High Score: Rachel Millard, CJF
We are so proud of all of these individuals for the hard work, CJF Practical High Score: Scott Strong, CJF
dedication and determination that it takes to achieve a level of
certification, and we can’t wait to continue this tradition every
year. Thank you to Mustad, to our Certification Committee, and
to all who are newly certified! You are the real MVPs!
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 132020 Convention Wrap-Up As anyone who attended our 49th Annual Convention in Chattanooga would hopefully attest, it was an outstanding year featuring some old favorites and some new highlights in a beautiful location! We had a record number of candidates for certification (54!), more competitors than we’ve seen in the last few years, exceptional hands-on stations by our Pre-Certification Instructors, a dynamic line up of speakers, a terrific MarketPlace hosted by our friends at the FIA, hosted our first annual International Attendees VIP dinner, a great turnout at the Chapter President’s breakfast, and a fantastic Grand Finale recognizing our sponsors, our newly certified farriers, our Achievement Awards winners and honorees, our 2020 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition winners, and of course, the passing of the gavel to our newly elected President, Jon Jonson, CJF. Thank you to all who attended to support the AFA! Hands on Learning 14 N O F O OT, N O H O R S E
Lectures
Austin Edens, CJF
Wayne Preece, FWCF, PgCE (Jim Linzy Memorial Keynote Speaker)
Steve Kraus, CJF, APF
Michael Wildenstein CJF, FWCF (Hons) Jennifer Horn, CJF
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 152020 Convention
Convention Wrap-Up
2020 National Forging and Horseshoeing Competition Results
AFA 2-Man Draft Class 5 Chris Madrid
Winners 6 Tom Peterson
1 Juan Berumen/Lewis Balfour
2 Adam Pendleton/Mike 2020 AFA Roadster
Augustine Class
3 Jessica Melvin/Chris Madrid 1 Adam Fahr
4 Tim Hoover/Gene Leiser 2 Ben Casserly
5 Matt Hull/Lamar Weaver 3 Bodie Trnka
6 Sawyer Spradling/Craig Trnka 4 Chris Madrid
5 Cody Gregory
Two-Person Draft Class: Juan Berumen/Lewis Balfour
2020 AFA Intermediate 6 Jeremy Scudder
Journeyman
1 Mason Mileski
2020 AFA Specialty
2 Jose Gomez Forging
3 Laurin Bartschi 1 Ben Mangan
4 Michael Boal 2 Bodie Trnka
5 Jason Fowles 3 Ben Casserly
6 Edwin Medina 4 Cody Gregory
5 Chris Madrid
2020 AFA Intermediate 6 Jeremy Scudder
Specialty Forging Class
Open Journeyman Class: Ben Mangan, Bodie Trnka, Chris Madrid
1 Laurin Bartschi
2020 AFA Live Shoeing
2 JD Roberts Results
3 Jose Gomez 1 Ben Mangan
4 Michael Boal 2 Bodie Trnka
5 Jason Fowles 3 Chris Madrid
6 Zack Gulick 4 Lamar Weaver
5 Ben Casserly
2020 AFA Intermediate 6 Lewis Balfour
Bar Shoe Class
1 Jason Fowles
Reserve National
2 Marcus Lybarger High Point Award Overall High Point Award: Ben Mangan
3 Michael Boal Bodie Trnka
4 Matt Shaklee
5 Carlos Goni Bacgalupi National High Point
6 Mason Mileski Award Winner
Ben Mangan
2020 AFA Journeyman
Class Results Overall High Point
1 Ben Mangan Award
2 Bodie Trnka Ben Mangan
3 Jack Casserly
4 Cody Gregory
Reserve National High Point Award: Bodie Trnka
16 N O F O OT, N O H O R S EIntermediate Bar Shoe Class Open Roadster Class
Intermediate Journeyman Class Open Journeyman Class
Intermediate Specialty Forging Class National High Point Award: Ben Mangan
Capewell North American Challenge Cup Live Shoeing Finals Intermediate Overall High Point Award: Laurin Bartschi (Not Pictured)
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 17Farrier Article The Use of Screw In Studs for Competition By Wayne Preece, FWCF Stud hole in concave Stud hole location The modern sport horse often needs extra traction when The author prefers to put a stud hole in each branch; then the competing, and rather than built in traction devices such as heel rider can make the choice of using either one or two depending caulks we now tend to use removable traction aids in the form the course. of screw in studs with or without a tungsten carbide pin that The stud holes should be placed in each branch midway can be placed in the shoe and then removed when not needed. between the last nail hole and the heel. It is important that These come in a range different shapes and sizes depending on both holes are in the same position in either branch to maintain under-foot conditions. stability. A lot of horses in the UK compete on grass during the summer The reason is two-fold: on the front feet it reduces the chance of season which can become extremely slippery, especially when the studs catching the chest of the horse when it tucks its legs the surface is wet! up when jumping. On the hinds, placing them in this position It is the author’s opinion that the size of stud used should be increases propulsion of the horse as it jumps by increasing the kept to a minimum as the greater the length of the stud, the angle, allowing more propulsion through the toe. more detriment to foot balance will occur, especially if only one The size of the hole when drilled or punched should be stud is placed in the shoe! approximately 5/16” so that when threaded with a 3/8 wt. tap The decision to use one, two or even three studs in the shoe is there is sufficient metal to make the thread, and the finished hole determined by several factors. The type of horse and the natural will be 10mm or 3/8 of an inch. (Most jumping studs are threaded gait should be observed. In other words, some horses are for the Imperial 3/8 wt. thread.) Countersinking the holes on the naturally sharp and can turn very quickly while others can have ground surface of the shoe will help protect the thread and make a long ground covering stride. it easier for the rider or groom to screw them in. The type of course the horse is competing on can also be a The holes can be protected when not in use by plugging them deciding factor: is the course tight with a lot of sharp turns or is with cotton wool soaked in oil to keep the thread lubricated. there lots of distance between jumping elements? The holes can either be drilled in flat steel shoes or punched If the course is tight then one stud in the lateral branch may out. If the concave section is used punching the hole is be more beneficial, as the horse can pivot easier. However, preferred as this will make a collar in the shoe that will accept this comes at a price of decreasing medio/lateral stability in a the tap. If a drill is used the hole will only grip on two sides and straight line. the stud will become loose! 18 N O F O OT, N O H O R S E
OSPHOS® (clodronate injection)
Bisphosphonate.
For use in horses only.
Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert)
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on
the order of a licensed veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION: Clodronate disodium is a non-amino, chloro-
containing bisphosphonate. Chemically, clodronate disodium is (di-
chloromethylene) diphosphonic acid disodium salt and is manufactured
from the tetrahydrate form.
INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with navicular
syndrome in horses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to clodronate
disodium should not receive OSPHOS. Do not use in horses with
impaired renal function or with a history of renal disease.
WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
HUMAN WARNINGS: Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of
the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental human
exposure.
PRECAUTIONS: OSPHOS has been associated with renal toxicity.
Concurrent administration of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs should
be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored.
Use of bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or diseases affecting
renal function is not recommended. Horses should be well-hydrated
prior to and after the administration of OSPHOS due to the potential
for adverse renal events. Water intake and urine output should be
monitored for 3-5 days post-treatment and any changes from baseline
should elicit further evaluation. As a class, bisphosphonates may be
associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Sensitivity to drug
associated adverse reactions varies with the individual patient.
Renal and gastrointestinal adverse reactions may be associated with
plasma concentrations of the drug. Bisphosphonates are excreted
by the kidney; therefore, conditions causing renal impairment may
increase plasma bisphosphonate concentrations resulting in an
increased risk for adverse reactions. Concurrent administration of other
potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached with caution and
renal function should be monitored. Use of bisphosphonates in patients
with conditions or diseases affecting renal function is not recom-
mended. Administration of bisphosphonates has been associated with
abdominal pain (colic), discomfort, and agitation in horses. Clinical signs
E
usually occur shortly after drug administration and may be associated
with alterations in intestinal motility. In horses treated with OSPHOS
these clinical signs usually began within 2 hours of treatment. Horses
LIN
should be monitored for at least 2 hours following administration of
OSPHOS.
Bisphosphonates affect plasma concentrations of some minerals and
electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, immediately
post-treatment, with effects lasting up to several hours. Caution should
be used when administering bisphosphonates to horses with conditions
affecting mineral or electrolyte homeostasis (e.g. hyperkalemic periodic
CIP paralysis, hypocalcemia, etc.). The safe use of OSPHOS has not been
evaluated in horses less than 4 years of age. The effect of bisphospho-
nates on the skeleton of growing horses has not been studied; however,
bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast activity which impacts bone turnover
and may affect bone growth.
Bisphosphonates should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares,
or mares intended for breeding. The safe use of OSPHOS has not been
IS
D
evaluated in breeding horses or pregnant or lactating mares. Bisphos-
phonates are incorporated into the bone matrix, from where they are
gradually released over periods of months to years. The extent of bi-
E
sphosphonate incorporation into adult bone, and hence, the amount
available for release back into the systemic circulation, is directly re-
N
lated to the total dose and duration of bisphosphonate use. Bisphos-
I
phonates have been shown to cause fetal developmental abnormalities
U
in laboratory animals. The uptake of bisphosphonates into fetal bone
may be greater than into maternal bone creating a possible risk for
F O R E V E RY EQ
skeletal or other abnormalities in the fetus. Many drugs, including
bisphosphonates, may be excreted in milk and may be absorbed by
nursing animals.
Increased bone fragility has been observed in animals treated with
bisphosphonates at high doses or for long periods of time. Bisphospho-
nates inhibit bone resorption and decrease bone turnover which may
lead to an inability to repair micro damage within the bone. In humans,
atypical femur fractures have been reported in patients on long term
bisphosphonate therapy; however, a causal relationship has not been
established.
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions reported
in the field study were clinical signs of discomfort or nervousness, colic
and/or pawing. Other signs reported were lip licking, yawning, head
The intramuscular
shaking, injection site swelling, and hives/pruritus.
POST-APPROVAL EXPERIENCE (December 2018): The following
adverse events are based on post-approval adverse drug experience
reporting. Not all adverse events are reported to FDA/CVM. It is not
bisphosphonate injection
always possible to reliably estimate the adverse event frequency or
establish a causal relationship to product exposure using these data.
The following adverse events are listed in decreasing order of reporting
frequency: renal failure, polyuria, polydipsia, abdominal pain, anorexia,
for control of clinical signs lethargy, hypercalcemia, behavioral disorder, discomfort, hyperkalemia,
hyperactivity, recumbency, hyperthermia, injection site reactions, mus-
cle tremor, urticaria, hyperglycemia, and fracture. In some cases, death
associated with Navicular Syndrome Learn more online has been reported as an outcome of the adverse events listed above.
INFORMATION FOR HORSE OWNERS: Owners should be advised to:
in horses 4 years of age and older www.dechra-us.com • NOT administer NSAIDs.
• Ensure horses have access to adequate water before and
www.osphos.com after administration of OSPHOS.
• Observe their horse for at least 2 hours post-treatment for
signs of colic, agitation, and/or abnormal behavior.
• If a horse appears uncomfortable, nervous, or experiences
As with all drugs, side effects may occur. In field studies and post-approval experience the most common side effects reported were signs of discomfort, nervousness, and cramping post-treatment, hand walk the horse for 15 minutes.
colic. Other signs reported were: renal insufficiency/failure, anorexia, lethargy, hypercalcemia, behavioral disorders, hyperkalemia, hyperactivity, recumbency, hyperthermia, If signs do not resolve contact the veterinarian.
injection site reactions, muscle tremor, urticaria, hyperglycemia, and fracture. In some cases, death has been reported as an outcome of these adverse events. • Monitor water intake and urine output for 3-5 days post-
The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in horses less than 4 years of age or breeding horses. OSPHOS should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or treatment.
mares intended for breeding. NSAIDs should not be used concurrently with OSPHOS. Concurrent use of NSAIDs with OSPHOS may increase the risk of renal • Contact their veterinarian if the horse displays abnormal
toxicity and acute renal failure. Use of OSPHOS in patients with conditions affecting renal function or mineral or electrolyte homeostasis is not recommended. clinical signs such as changes in drinking and urination,
appetite, and attitude.
Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com.
Manufactured for: Dechra Veterinary Products
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of licensed veterinarian. 7015 College Blvd., Suite 525, Overland Park, KS 66211
* Freedom of Information Summary, Original New Animal Drug Application, approved by FDA under NADA # 141-427, for OSPHOS. April 28, 2014. 866-933-2472
© 2020 Dechra Ltd. OSPHOS is a registered trademark of Dechra Ltd.
Dechra Veterinary Products US and the Dechra D logo are registered trademarks of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. © 2020 Dechra Ltd. All rights reserved. Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-427
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 19Farrier Article
Focus on
the Future:
The AFA’s Next
Generation
By Heather Beauchemin, CJF, TE
AFA Communications Committee Chairperson
Name: Ben Barhorst
Certification: Certified Journeyman Farrier
Age: 25
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Number of years shoeing: 3
How and why did you begin shoeing?
My dad shoes our Belgian draft horses that we breed/raise at
our farm in Fort Loramie, Ohio, and I originally went to Kentucky
for shoeing school for the purpose for the purpose of shoeing
our own horses, and to eventually take over for my dad. Within
the first week though, I figured out that there’s so much more to
being a farrier than meets the eye, and that this is what I wanted
to make a career out of.
How did you find your mentor/boss?
After my time as a student at the Kentucky Horseshoeing
School, I was hired on as an apprentice at the school under Sam
Gooding and Mitch Taylor and spent 2+ years there.
What aspect of the job do you enjoy the most?
I really just enjoy helping horses be as comfortable as possible
for the tasks their owners ask of them. I also enjoy the forging
aspect greatly; I love to build shoes and tools to build shoes/
shoe horses.
You were the winner of the AFA Certified Farrier Written High
Point award in 2017. What did you do to study for the test?
Tons of repetition. I just studied all my notes from school and
read through some different books, but always made sure to do
that at least a little bit every day leading up to the certification.
20 N O F O OT, N O H O R S EWhat advice would you give to someone who may have What are your goals for the future of your career?
difficulty with the written exams? Nothing too concrete, honestly just to keep learning and to
Don’t procrastinate and try to cram all of your studying into the never stop learning and to just always have an open mind. I’ve
week or so before. Just take some time every day to look over always been told that when you think you know it all, that’s when
some notes or read a page or two out of a book, even if it’s only you need to hang it up, and I agree with that whole heartedly.
15 minutes. Also, to just trust your gut and don’t second guess
yourself, especially on the true/false section. If you put in the
study time, your first answer if probably the correct one. How did you get involved with the AFA?
Through the certification program.
You recently took a position at Rood and Riddle Equine
Hospital as a full time farrier. What inspired you to apply for What is one of the most important things a fellow farrier has
this job? taught you?
One of my good friends who I went through shoeing school with A lot of times it is not about what you take from a foot, but what
and who had been working at the hospital since school, made you leave.
the decision to serve our country and joined the US Marine
Corps. The podiatrist he had worked alongside every day, Dr.
Scott Fleming, knew that we were friends and offered me his
position in his absence. I accepted the position because of Rood
and Riddle’s reputation for helping horses with all sorts of foot
problems, as that’s all I really want to do.
Did you find a big difference in working in a hospital setting?
Yes. Most farriers are on their own shoeing every day. When a
horse presents a problem that they want or need veterinary
assistance with, they have to either wait for the veterinarian
to get to the barn, or schedule another appointment when
everyone can be there together. Working with Dr. Fleming,
however, that wait time is significantly less. For example, what
may look like a small abscess to the naked eye could actually be
a sign of something deeper that requires a radiograph to see. So
that’s what happens. Every avenue is explored to get the facts
needed to assess the problem at hand and the horse is helped
today, not tomorrow.
What do you hope to learn from working at Rood and
Riddle?
I’ve had some great mentors who have taught me about the
fundamental basics of horseshoeing: an appropriate trim, flat
and level shoes that fit the foot appropriately, and nails driven in
the center of the white line, just to name a few. Those basics work
for the great majority of horses, but what I’ve learned quickly in
my short time working at the hospital is that some horses need
much more than just the basics. That’s what I’m most excited to
keep learning about: new and modern methods to shoe feet and
the reasons why they’re needed. More tools in the tool box.
What is a current goal that you are working on?
Learning about and becoming proficient at the different types
and methods of gluing on shoes. It’s a whole new world to me.
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 21Farrier Article
Katie’s test taking tip:
Really listen and make
the most of your meeting
with the Tester before the
Katie Panos
test starts. Ask questions
about any doubts. This also
applies to the written: when
a question is asked in a way
that confuses you, ask for
Road to the Journeyman
clarification about what the
question is asking.
My first bar shoe run Last day in Michigan shoeing horses with Improving skills and horizons with
Henry, Scott Bushaw Jennifer Horn
My path to the journeyman was unconventional in a few ways. I
started my working life as a research assistant at Boston Children’s
Hospital after being awarded my Bachelor of Science in general
biology by the University of New Hampshire. I was ultimately very
successful in science, being published once a year in fairly high-
powered journals. The problem was between pushing myself and
having my boss push me, I ended up severely burnt out after only
3 years. Looking for an outlet, I found Rick Howe who is a “morgan
shoer” out of New Hampshire to follow.
My intent with Rick was to get out of the lab and gain a skill, or at
the very least some better information about feet to make me a
better horsewoman. At this point in time my husband and I had
decided that we would move to Lansing, MI so that I could attend
Michigan State University and attain my PhD in bone biology.
Rick told me that I had a knack for reading feet and encouraged
me to attend farrier school. A few weeks later Steve, my boyfriend
at the time and now husband, kicked me out to Oklahoma
Horseshoeing School. He wisely saw that I was in no condition
mentally to start a PhD and the 8-week program I chose would Figure from one of my papers in “Stem Cells.” Showing my
maybe give me a fair shot.
diseased stem cell lines all behave differently despite being
School was good for me in the mental sense. I was glad of my 6 derived from the same patient. iPS-1 was “cured” of disease,
months with Rick before I went to farrier school. Rick is not the iPS-2 had significantly less disease, and iPS-3 remained sick.
biggest fan of shoe building. At this point, I adopted his “It’s 2014,
you can buy any shoes you can possibly need” attitude. As a
22 N O F O OT, N O H O R S Eresult, I put in just enough effort to get by in forging. I improved this time to feel like I wasn’t as healthy as I should be, but I didn’t
my trimming, clinching and finishing, and shaping skills at have many concrete symptoms. I decided that in this transitory
school. When I graduated, I knew enough to start being a useful period between moving to New Hampshire to live with my
apprentice and that I needed guidance. After farrier school, Steve mom while we figured out buying a house, that I would work
and I made the move to Lansing. with as many farriers as I could. I started with Jennifer Horn who
Upon arriving in Lansing, we discovered that our landlord got me making bar shoes (and a lamp!) and put me back on
had shut off the power and gas to the apartment. For lack of track mentally to keep going. This was followed by what ended
something better to do, and needing to charge our phones, up being over 30 farriers over two years that let me tag a long,
Steve and I made a trek around the area to different farms help them at work, and help me in the forge. I found that there
asking who their farrier was and if they would help out a new were people that I went to that kicked my butt hard, like Timmy
face. David Hallock’s name came up a few times so I gave him Bolduc, who straight up told me “you suck right now, I’ll celebrate
a call and ultimately worked with him for 3 years. I started my with you when you get good enough” to Henry Detweiler who
PhD building the lab, designing my PhD project, and getting my has always been in my corner encouraging me to keep going
coursework done. This was great in that I had a stipend for living and telling me that I was doing well in the moment. That mix was
while I built my client list and learned how to be a farrier. amazing because I had a healthy dose of ego check with the will
to continue. (Timmy did celebrate with me later.)
In 2018 it became clear that I wasn’t healthy. I couldn’t keep
up with anyone physically and even walking up stairs left me
struggling to breathe. Forging became noticeably more difficult. I
thought that this was partly mental. I pushed through it. Doctors
encouraged me to push through it and said I had fibromyalgia,
but I doubted this diagnosis. I kept training for the journeyman.
I started to think that if I didn’t push through and get it as soon
as I could, I may not ever be able to physically get it. I was happy
with my first CJF run in Michigan. I passed my written and was
close in my bar shoe. I didn’t do anything detrimental to my
horse and finished on time. I kept pushing and took it again in
Virginia. Virginia was not my weekend, but I really appreciate
the feedback from many farriers I had not worked with before.
I competed in Michigan and at the Southern New England
Farrier’s Association contests. We also moved to Connecticut and
Image showing bone remodeling over time in a mouse. Green/blue I restarted my business for the second time in 10 months.
line is time A, orange line is time B. Doses of dye were two weeks apart.
At this point I started working regularly with Nathaniel Bruss who
was very good at pointing out what I could be better at without
I was able to vastly improve my trim and clinching and finishing bringing out my defensive side. We built shoes at the horse
working with David. The biggest gain from this apprenticeship through the summer. Despite starting to lose hammer control,
was his insistence that I needed to be certified through the AFA. my hair falling out, random rashes, and crippling fatigue, I
I began to see the value in forging and certification. I also met buckled down in the fall of 2019 and put the time in to hopefully
a lot of people along the way through the Michigan contest, be in shape enough to get the CJF. At Rhode Island’s certification
certifications, and clinics. In 2016 I realized that I was just not I passed my bar shoe, a badly needed win. I followed this with
happy in the lab anymore. It was tough to realize that just the certification in Michigan two weeks later where I completed
because I was good at something didn’t mean I had to do it and my certified journeyman farrier exam. I was proud of both my
reach my full potential in it, and it was okay for it to not be my bar shoe and my horse go for the journeyman which felt great.
passion. Farriery is way harder for me, and I am very much less A week after passing my CJF, I found out that I had extremely
skilled in it naturally than I am in science. I started a more formal low iron levels and that my oxygen saturation was half that of an
apprenticeship with David. unfit person. Two months later I found out that my pancreas was
not making digestive enzymes needed for me to digest my food.
I passed my shoe board and my written portions of the CF exam I was severely vitamin and mineral deficient across the board.
in Michigan in the fall 2016. At this point I knew I had to give I am now happy to report that after finding a treatment that
up my Honda Fit and my stall jack if I was truly going to be a works, I am almost back to normal!
full-time farrier and pass these exams. I traded the Fit in for an
F-150, bought a forge and anvil and really committed myself to I wonder now how much better my go at the horse could have
farriery. I put more shop time in and worked harder on fitting been if I were healthy in the moment, but I intend to continue
dead legs. The work paid off in the fall of 2017 when I passed my on and pursue Tester training, so I am looking forward to doing
horse in Illinois and was now a CF! Not only did I pass my horse a better job in my Tester updates. I also now have the energy to
but Doug Russo, Clifford Les and I also hosted the AFA Equine compete a bit, and forging has not been as much of a chore for
Research committee’s first research clinic concurrently with the me. I am so grateful throughout this process to have been able
certification. Ultimately, I was excited that I was now a CF, but I to work with such good people in the talent and skills sense, as
felt like I could have passed my horse cleaner. well as in in the personal sense. The AFA has impacted my farrier
career positively and I look forward to continuing to give back,
Later in the fall 2017, David and I parted ways and Steve and I especially through my work on the research committee.
made the decision to move back to New England. I started about
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 23Farrier Article Mediolateral Balance by: Elliott Jennings, CJF In the world of horseshoeing most farriers can agree on what is speed with take-offs and landings that are far from ideal. It is considered as healthy dorso-palmar balance, but when it comes not just the competitions themselves that take their toll. The to medio-lateral balance farrier’s opinions can vary a great deal. amount of fitness work that an upper level event horse must do Trimming to the long-axis, or using a T-square to help align the in order to prepare is staggering. hoof capsule with the limb has long been a trusted method The ground of the East coast of the United States during the handed down through generations of farriers. In many of the long competitive season is grueling and unforgiving. Ground textbooks that make up the canon of horseshoeing, this method conditions, coupled with the fact that the horses must be remains a foundational piece by which many students of farriery trotted up in front of a ground jury both before the competition will continue to initiate their understanding of trimming the starts and the following morning after the cross-country, means equine hoof. One limitation the long-axis trim is known for is that there is little tolerance for error. The conditions under the inability to sight the hind limb in the same way as a forelimb. which these horses are expected to perform undoubtedly This is due to reciprocal apparatus not allowing the fetlock to expose any short comings in respect to how they are trimmed hang in a relaxed manner. The farrier needs to observe the limb and shod. A farrier with a keen eye and willingness to adapt and the foot whilst it is loaded to assess how the foot relates to changing conditions is critical to maintaining soundness to the long-axis. There are also proponents of trimming to the over the long term. The type of work in which the horses that I short-axis because it is hoped that it can combat the limitations care for perform means the way I trim is more closely related to of the T-square method when tackling limbs that have angular dynamics than statics. I watch horses trot both on the straight deformities. The spiral trim is a technique that can have and the on the lunge line. If possible, and time allows, watching positive benefits for horses that have bulbar and coronary band the horse under tack performing their job can be of great displacement. Some farriers lower the medial aspects of the help. It is also important to watch a horse walk to get a read of hind feet because they believe that will prevent and improve how their feet land as this is, after all, how they move around the symptoms of degenerative joint disease of the distal and the majority of time. This can be misleading from an athletic proximal intertarsal joints. perspective because horses very rarely land and load their feet There are no absolutes in this profession and horses and their in the same manner. I have Steve Teichman and Todd Meister to feet will always find ways to keep farriers humble. Certainly, the thank for helping me develop these observation skills, which are life of a farrier would be far easier if a single concept could solve by far are the most potent available to the farrier. Horseshoeing the mysteries that often unfold on the shoeing floor. There is at its core is the application of a well-developed skill set, but no single way to trim and balance the foot of the horse, there it is the creative and adaptive mind that keeps horses going can’t be. To be successful, a farrier must adapt to the needs of through the undulations of soundness they endure through the hoof capsule and how it reacts to the loads and stresses to their competitive lives. which it is exposed. There are many variables that can affect At the beginning of my career I approached trimming using the the foot of the equine such as seasonal environmental changes, long-axis as my guide. Through experience and trial and error nutrition, workload, a new rider and injury. As the horse ages, the method that I have adopted for finding a middle ground conformation and gravity will take their toll and balancing between dynamic loading of the hoof capsule and supporting feet becomes more challenging as we work to keep the horse the limb is trimming to the plane of the frog. The central comfortable. concept behind this uses the foot itself and how it distorts Having shod the event horse for the better part of twenty years through loading to assess how it should be dressed for medio- I have seen and had to deal with just about every hoof and lateral balance. I slowly arrived at this conclusion because, on limb ailment imaginable. It is by far the most demanding of the more than one occasion, I was told by a veterinarian that the ‘sport horse’ disciplines. A FEI CCI5* cross-country course has medio-lateral balance of a horse’s feet was incorrect and was the over forty jumping efforts covering a distance of more than 4 primary cause of lameness. The vet wanted the distal phalanx to miles at a galloping speed of approximately 21 miles per hour. be parallel to the ground with even joint spacings through the The maximum height of the fences is 3’ 11”, and whilst this is a digit. Working from dorso-palmar radiographs and listening to not high by show jumping standards, jumps are tackled at high the vets, I realized that I needed to rethink what I knew about 24 N O F O OT, N O H O R S E
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