The American Farrier’s Association [AFA] is excited to be visiting Reno, NV for our 52nd Annual Convention and National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition, November 6 – 10, 2023.
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 FIA MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the farrier industry, and that is without a doubt the most fun and engaging tradeshow for farriers nationwide.
Beginning on Tuesday, November 7, 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 lectures and demonstrations are being presented by the following esteemed individuals in the farrier profession:
2023 American Farriers Team
AFA Certification Program Examiners
Diego Almeida, CJF, TE, EE, FE, AWCF
Jacob Butler, CJF, AWCF
Danny Elliott, DipWCF
Jake Engler, CJF
Cody Franklin, CJF
Steve Kraus, CJF
Gerard Laverty, CJF
Caleb Owen, CJF
Jim Poor, CJF
Derek Poupard, CJF, DipWCF
Andy Reader Smith, AWCF
Dr. Ellen Staples, DVM, CJF
Garrett Stark, CJF
Aksel Vibe, AWCF **Jim Linzy Keynote Speaker; Ringebu, Norway**
Mike Wharton, CJF
The 2023 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from November 7 through November 9, featuring many of the best farriers in the nation competing in the Open, Intermediate, 2-Person Draft and Open Jackpot Classes, and culminating in the Capewell North American Challenge Live Shoeing Finals on November 9 from 9:30am – 2:00pm. It is following this competition that the members of the 2024 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, enjoy numerous social events, and network with their peers in the industry.
“With preparation in full swing for our 52nd annual event, I am reminded once again what a unique and outstanding opportunity our Convention is, not just for farriers, but for veterinarians, horse owners, students and guests,” said AFA/FIA Executive Director, Martha Jones. “We are so fortunate to have volunteer members who work tirelessly to ensure our week is full of incredible learning opportunities through lectures, round tables, and Certification events and testing, that our National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition is an absolute not-to-be-missed contest, and that our FIA MarketPlace is engaging and entertaining! If you’ve never attended before, I urge you to consider joining us in the ‘Biggest Little City in the World,’ for what is the most undoubtedly the most unique and comprehensive farrier event 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/2023-convention-home.
REGISTRATION OPENED JUNE 6 and all registration details can also be found by visiting https://americanfarriers.org/page/2023-convention-home or by calling 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Martha Jones, Executive Director
American Farrier’s Association and Farrier Industry Association
mjones@americanfarriers.org
859-233-7411 x. 3 (office)
Images available upon request.