Volume 4, Issue 2 / April 2003

AFA Pre-Certification Clinic

     The VHA held an AFA Pre-Certification clinic at Scott Collier*s shop in Ruckersville, Virginia on March 8th. Gene Levines did a terrific job discussing what to do and what not to do during the practical portion of the test. In the morning, Gene trimmed a horse to certification standards and demonstrated proper fit using keg shoes. Additionally, Gene discussed nailing, clinching and proper shoe finish. Gene emphasized the importance of obtaining a passing score at each level of the practical test rather than attempting to get the perfect *10' in each category. Gene discussed a time line to strive for to ensure that all judged components of the practical portion: trim, shoe fit and hoof finish are accomplished in the allotted amount of time.

     In the afternoon, Gene discussed in detail the requirements of the shoe display and demonstrated several required applications. Gene emphasized the need to ensure that all shoes fit the same foot and encouraged attendees to avoid putting too many applications on one shoe. He reminded attendees to keep the shoe functional and be prepared to make any one of the required modifications the day of the test. This clinic was well attended by those preparing to take the test and those who wanted be a part of the event. Everyone got something out of it and had a great time.

     Additionally, the VHA wants to express their sincere thanks to Gene Levines for his longstanding commitment and dedication to the VHA and the horse industry. Gene has donated more than his share of time by being our clinician at several events. Gene has been a tester at numerous certifications and always tries to provide the best possible advice he can to those taking the test. Gene has always been willing to provide his expertise, knowledge and input towards assisting other farriers. Gene is a very positive influence within the association and his willingness to help others and the association demonstrates his unselfish nature and his desire to see other farriers succeed and do well. Thanks again Gene for your many years of service and dedication.

AFA Convention

     The AFA held its annual convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. This years convention was, as promised, a terrific event! The Anvil 21 Club presented a demonstration and lecture on shoeing a horse with keg and handmade shoes. These gentlemen are the knowledge base of the AFA. If they can*t help you with your shoeing question, then no one can. You probably didn*t know this but the members of the Anvil 21 Club combine to make up over 1000 years shoeing experience.

     The forging contest to determine the American Farriers Team for 2004 was well attended and demonstrated the superior forging skills of the competitors. The new AFA Team will be represented well by members Austin Edens, Bill Poor, John McNerney, Troy Price, and alternates Hank Highfield and Todd Walker.

     During the convention there were several very informative lectures. Dr. George Platt presented a lecture on founder, heel pain and navicular disease. Dr. Doug Butler discussed the Secrets of Six Figure Shoeing while Jim and Kathleen Poor presented a lecture and demonstration on Basic Tong Making and the Effective Use of a Striker. Dr. Jerry Black presented a lecture on Lower Limb Lameness Related to Foot Imbalance, Billy Crothers lecture was on everyday Horse Shoeing, Bernard Pelletier presented a lecture on How to Plan Your Strategy When Shoeing a Pathological Foot and Jeff Englers lecture related to the topic, It Hangs in the Balance, Common Sense. Allie Hayes conducted the Anatomy Discussion Labs and Dr. George Platt and Dr. Doug Butler conducted a hands on clinic. Also present at the convention was the live shoeing of a draft horse and the draft horse shoe contest.

     The marketplace was well represented by vendors, suppliers and educators who continue to support the farrier industry. Also held during the convention was the Board of Directors meeting as well as the General Business Meeting.

     All in all, the convention was well worth attending. The events, lectures and labs were great and the conversation with those you unfortunately don*t get to see very often was terrific. The convention provided an opportunity to learn new ideas and techniques and witness first hand demonstrations on new products. The convention made for an opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. Next year's convention will be in Rochester, New York and if all goes well and as planned, it will probably be another one for the history books. Make plans to be there, you won*t want to miss it!

Tim Puckett Benefit Clinic

     The VHA would like to thank Judy and Mike Spitzer for hosting and coordinating a benefit clinic for Tim Puckett and his family. Over the holidays, the Puckett family suffered a terrible misfortune and lost their home in a fire. Judy and Mike were gracious enough to allow the use of their shop to host this clinic.

     Gene Levines was the clinician for this event. Gene shod a horse with keg shoes while discussing proper hoof trimming and shoe fit. Gene also made modifications to keg shoes to demonstrate particular modifications and made a handmade barshoe.

     Approximately 40 people attended this benefit clinic and graciously made donations to support Tim and his family.

 Bob Marshall Clinic

     The VHA held their winter clinic again this year at the home of Jennifer and Russ Hite of Mechanicsville, Virginia. The VHA is very fortunate to have members within the association offer to host VHA events. The time, preparation, concern and personal commitment that goes into putting together a VHA event is no easy task and we thank Jennifer and Russ for hosting the winter clinic again this year.

     This year's clinician was the renowned Bob Marshall from British Columbia, Canada. This was a three day clinic and those that attended got three days worth of valuable and useful information. The first two days of the clinic were spent making shoes with concave steel and flat bar stock. On the third day of the clinic, a horse was shod all the way around with shoes made from concave stock. After the horse was shod, attendees continued making shoes with concave and flat bar stock. Bob Marshall spent plenty of time working with the attendees demonstrating his tips and knowledge and providing insight into making handmade shoes.

     During the clinic, Bob also held discussions on trimming and fitting shoes as well as providing detailed instructions on measuring feet to fit shoes while making them.

Back to Hammer & Tongs!