Volume 6, Issue 2 / May 2005

President's Report

This is an eventful time for the Virginia Horseshoers Association (VHA). There are several great events on the horizon, such as clinics, certifications, contests, and meetings. There are also a few controversial topics being presented to the association by the American Farriers Association (AFA).

As President of your association, I need your input. My job as your President is to voice your opinions and not my own. When I attend the Mid-Year AFA Board of Directors meeting as well as the Board of Directors meeting during the annual Convention, I am asked to represent the VHA. It is your input that represents my vote which in turn represents your opinions to the AFA.

Currently, the VHA receives very little input from its membership. For example, when the election ballots went out in 2003, less than 10% were returned. Voicing your concerns, issues and ideas is the only way myself and the Board can ensure we are doing everything possible and in the best interest of the membership.

There is one issue that is receiving much attention and publicity within the AFA. That issue is Farrier Licensing. The VHA Board of Directors wants to determine how the membership stands on the issue of Farrier Licensing. A survey has been included in this edition of the newsletter. The Board would appreciate your support in responding to this survey. The results will be consolidated and presented to the AFA during the Mid-Year Board meeting in September. The AFA has established a committee to investigate this topic and your response will aid in their investigation.

No Foot No Horse TV Show

The filming for the first 12 episodes of the AFA television program, No Foot No Horse is scheduled for the 1st through the 5th of May. The filming will be performed at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Bob Earle (CJF) and Vice-President of the AFA has drafted the scripts for the episodes. R.T. Goodrich (CJF) has agreed to emcee these 12 episodes. Speakers on various subjects including the history of the AFA, the AFA certification program, American Farriers Team, the AFA Annual Convention, horse handling, questions to ask a perspective farrier, hoof care, horse owner clinics, and more will be present during the taping of the 12 episodes.

The AFA has decided to air No Foot No Horse on HorseTV. HorseTV announced on April 15th an early fall date for the launching of the only 24 hour-a-day television network dedicated to equestrian sports and lifestyles.

Certification Continuing Education Hours

Beginning on July 1, 2005, all levels of certification will require 24 hours of continuing education hours. Methods of obtaining the required 24 hours include attending the AFA Annual Convention, attendance at AFA Chapter functions, submission of farriery articles, and the presentation of demonstrations or lectures.

An approved Chapter function requires the event be submitted to the AFA office and appear on the AFA Calendar of Events. Approved Chapter functions have been defined as educational opportunities, including clinics, demonstrations, hammer-ins, contests, etc.

AFA On-Line Store

The AFA's Information Technology Committee, under the leadership of Dr. Tina MacGregor is pleased to announce that the "Online Store" is now operational. Members have the opportunity to purchase embroidered clothing with official AFA logos (including certification, convention, and No Foot No Horse). The online store offers hats, shirts, jackets, bags, towels and many other items. Please visit the AFA website to begin shopping.

AFA Health Care Plan

The AFA has selected Health Plan Administrators (HPA) and CRG Brokers as partners to provide a twelve month major medical program that will allow the AFA to compile information needed to build their own health care program. HPA and CRG were selected because they are national leaders in the marketplace and provide an outstanding product at a reasonable cost. HPA offers online enrollment through their web site and several plan and payment options. The goal of the AFA is to compile information which will be used to offer high deductibles, low cost and non-restrictive medical plans.

The plan currently being offered is for short-term insurance. This plan will allow for the collection of sufficient demographic data related to the membership of the AFA. HPA would like to have 300 AFA members sign up for the short-term program. Once the demographics are obtained, HPA will make recommendations to the AFA Board of Directors on the specifics of a AFA Health Care Plan.

Members can refer to the AFA website for additional information. To obtain a rate quote for Medical Coverage, Prescription Drug Coverage or Overseas Travel Medical Coverage, please follow the links indicated on the AFA website.

VHA 2006/2007 Election Announcement

Serving as an Officer or Board member for the Virginia Horseshoers Association is a terrific opportunity to help your association grow. Serving the association will provide you the opportunity to recommend ideas for clinics, contests and other educational functions to the voting members within the association. Serving the association offers you the opportunity to represent the VHA at horse owner clinics, horse industry seminars and other related functions. Serving as an Officer or Board member allows your voice to be heard on association-sponsored events! New VHA Officers and Board of Directors will take office in January 2006.

In accordance with the VHA By-Laws, Article II, Section 3, each officer will be elected to serve a term of two years but may be reelected to serve consecutive terms. In accordance with the VHA By-Laws, Article III, Section 3, each director will serve a term of two years.

David Watson will serve as the 2005 election's point of contact. Any VHA member, who wants to hold an office, serve on the Board of Directors or recommend a nominee should contact David at 434-971-8329 or email at dwshoer@aol.com. David will consolidate the list and submit it to the association Secretary to place their names on the upcoming election ballots. Election ballots for the 2006/2007 term will be mailed out 30 days prior to the VHA General Membership meeting. The meeting is scheduled for September. Results will be announced at the meeting.

VHA Board of Director Meeting Recap

The VHA held its Board of Director meeting on Wednesday, March 9th. Members in attendance included Butch Hockaday, Russ Hite, David Watson, Harold Plasterer and Secretary/Treasurer Judy Hite. Board members Scott Collier and John Kern were absent due to an emergency family situation. Jock Owings, having made prior arrangements, was not in attendance. Guests in attendance were Jennifer Hite, Russell Hite and Connie Hockaday.

Butch called the meeting to order and Judy presented the Treasurer's Report. The VHA is sound financially. If you would like a copy of the Treasurer*s Report, please contact Judy. Judy announced that a request for support was received from the Legislative Trail Ride. Having supported this event in the past, the Board decide to send $250.00 to support this event.

Discussions were held regarding upcoming VHA events. Mike Spitzer has coordinated a contest to be held during the Augusta County Fair on August 13th. Mike will be hosting a clinic at his shop in Mount Sidney, Virginia on August 12th with clinician Chris Gregory. David Watson has offered again this year to coordinate the VHA Year End Meeting. Tentatively the meeting will be held on December 2nd and 3rd with clinician Mark Milster at Cismont Manor in Keswick, Virginia.

Russ Hite requested that the winter clinic be moved from January to March due to cold weather conditions in January. Bob Marshall will be returning for the annual winter clinic tentatively scheduled for March 31st, April 1st and 2nd 2006.

Butch Hockaday is coordinating an AFA certification for sometime in October 2005. The current plan is to hold the certification at Mica Springs Farm in Mineral, Virginia and conduct the written portion on Friday evening with the practical portion being held on Saturday.

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