As the only nationwide event of its kind and scale, the AFA convention brings farriers, veterinarians, suppliers, horse owners and students together for four days of education, competition, certification, hands-on learning and networking, as well as a robust MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the farrier industry.

And to celebrate our anniversary, this year will also include special events such as our Legends Exhibition, recognition of American Farriers Team alumni, a Forefathers of the AFA presentation, and much more!

Beginning on Tuesday, November 9, guest lecturers who are at the top of their fields in the farrier, blacksmith and veterinarian professions will present twenty hour-long sessions, allowing attendees to learn from renowned speakers on a variety of hoof-care related topics.

This year’s esteemed speakers are as follows:

• Amy Armentrout, DVM, MS, DACVS
• Brent Barrett, DVM, CJF
• Shayne Carter, CJF, MS
• Blane Chapman, CJF
• Dusty Franklin, CJF, ASF, AWCF
• Jim Keith, CJF
• Ray Legel, CJF
• Dennis C. Manning, CJF
• Myron McLane, CJF
• Grant Moon, CJF, AWCF
• Lee Olsen, CJF
• Tom Petersen, CJF
• Jim Poor, CJF
• Patrick Reilly
• Bodie Trnka, CJF
• Thomas N. Trosin, CF, CTF, CJF

The National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from November 9 through November 11, featuring some of the best farriers in the nation competing in the Open, Intermediate, and 2-Person Draft Classes, and culminating in the Capewell North American Challenge Live Shoeing Finals on November 11 from 10:30am – 2:30pm.

It is following this competition that the members of the 2022 American Farriers Team and Apprentice Team will be named. These outstanding competitors will then represent the United States at numerous competitions, but most notably at the renowned International Team Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England.

In addition to lectures and the competition, AFA convention guests will be able to participate in hands-on learning demonstrations with our qualified certification instructors, start or continue their journey towards farrier certification with our Examiners and Testers, visit top-of-the-line suppliers and exhibitors in our MarketPlace and network with their peers in the industry.

“It’s been 18 months since our community has been able to gather together for this event, and we could not be more excited to finally be celebrating our 50 years in Arlington.

From outstanding lectures to an exciting competition, and a jam-packed MarketPlace to special anniversary events, this year is shaping up to be one you do not want to miss,” said AFA/FIA Executive Director, Martha Jones. “We welcome anyone in Arlington and the surrounding areas to attend – even if it’s just for one day – to watch and learn from the top farriers in the country.”

More information on the AFA convention, including the full schedule of speakers, events and competition classes, can be found here: https://americanfarriers.org/page/2021-convention-schedule.

For registration information, including one-day passes and guest passes, please visit https://americanfarriers.org/page/2021-convention-home or call the AFA/FIA office at 859-233-7411.

Representing professional farriers, veterinarians, suppliers and horse owners, the American Farrier’s Association is the oldest and largest membership organization for the farrier industry in North America, and the only one with internationally 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.

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Press release by Martha Jones, Executive Director American Farrier’s Association and Farrier Industry Association