Volume 5, Issue 2 / September 2004

Benefits of an AFA Membership

     The AFA has established a contractual relationship with the NTRA (National Thoroughbred Racing Association). This relationship will allow all members of the AFA (in good standing) to enjoy the benefits of the NTRA Purchasing Plan. The NTRA offers substantial cost savings on products and services. Currently, active members of the AFA can receive cost savings on the following products and services:

Dodge * 1% below factory invoice on select new Dodge vehicles,
John Deere * up to 23% discount on select new John Deere farm equipment;
Nextel * 27% discount on Nextel phones; 5% on rate plans and accessories;
FedEx * up to 16% discount on FedEx shipping services;
Sherwin-Williams * up to 40% discount on Sherwin-Williams products;
Boise * average weighted 55% discount on Boise Office products; and
Lexmark * up to 25% on inkjet and laser printers.

Additional benefits provided to AFA members include the following:
10% discount on purchases at Men*s Warehouse;
$50,000 Accidental Death or Dismemberment Policy;
Subscription to Professional Farrier magazine and FootNotes newsletter;
Annual AFA Membership Directory and Resource Guide;
Educational Opportunities (Certifications, Pre-Certification Workshops, Horse Owner Clinics);
Discounted registration rates to the AFA Annual Convention; and
Free listing on the AFA websites
www.americanfarriers.org and www.nofootnohorse.com.

     The AFA is working very hard on several other benefit programs for AFA members. The AFA office is currently working with Smith Barney on plans for retirement, college tuition and other programs. Additional work is being performed with Marsh USA on a full evaluation of AFA insurance programs.

     Beginning in January 2005, the AFA will have its own show *No Foot No Horse* on both RFD-TV and Horse TV. The current plan is to film all the shows at the Kentucky Horse Park.

     The AFA is also working to create a new website: www.nofootnohorse.com that will include an on-line store where AFA embroidered apparel and other items can be purchased.

     Contact the AFA office at 859-233-7411 for further details on how to take advantage of these terrific cost saving products, services and benefits.

AFA Member Get a Member Campaign

     This campaign ends June 30, 2005. Every month, any AFA member (in good standing) who has recruited a new member will be acknowledged on the AFA website and receive the following:

recuit 1 member, receive an AFA embroidered hat ($15 value),
recruit 5 members, receive an AFA embroidered shirt ($40 value),
recruit 15 members, receive a one-year AFA membership ($105 value),
recruit 25 members, receive a 2006 Convention Package (registration, banquet & hotel for 3 nights ($500 value)).

     The AFA member who recruits the most new members (greater than 25) will receive a special trip designed specifically for the winning member ($1,000 value).

     To join the AFA, complete the membership application available on the AFA website and return it to the AFA office. Be sure to include the recruiting AFA members name when asked for referral.

Virginia Horse Council

     The Virginia Horse Council is your representative for Virginia's expanding equine industry. The council is a not-for-profit organization formed by those interested in horses in Virginia. The membership and board of directors represent all breed groups, all disciplines, businesses, farms and all individual horse owners. The Virginia Horse Council is the ONLY statewide organization that works to serve the needs of the entire equine industry. Each breed, discipline and special interest group looks after its own, BUT changes in our Virginia society (urban growth, environmental concerns, etc.) have adversely affected horse ownership and use. Horse owners need to work together for a better future.

     The primary areas of committee work include Research and Development, Communication, Youth Programs, Trail Development and Recognition and Awards.
To learn more about the Virginia Horse Council, visit their website at www.virginiahorsecouncil.org.

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