The American Farrier’s Association [AFA] is excited to be visiting Little Rock, AR for our 51st Annual Convention and National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition, November 7 – 11, 2022.
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.
Beginning on Tuesday, November 8, 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:
2022 American Farriers Team
Roy Bloom, CJF
Ben Casserly, DWCF
Chad Chance, CJF
Nigel Fennell, CJF, DWCF, AWCF
Cody Gregory, CJF, AWCF
Tim Hoover, CJF
Jennifer Horn, CJF
John McNerney, CJF
Dr. Lydia Mudd, CF, DVM
Katie Panos, CJF
Dr. Sammy Pittman, CF, DVM
Doug Russo, CJF, AWCF
Tim Shannon, CJF, AWCF
Dr. Tracy Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl.ACVS, Dipl.ACVSMR *Keynote Speaker*
Andrew Wells, CJF
The 2022 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from November 8 through November 10, featuring many 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 10 from 9:30am – 2:00pm. It is following this competition that the members of the 2023 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.
“I imagined that it would be hard to top our 50th Anniversary Convention last year in Arlington, Texas, but our Convention Committee has done it again! They’ve coordinated an absolute “wow factor” lineup of speakers and demonstrators, added new events for 2022, and found a delight of a venue in the lovely Little Rock downtown area. I say this every year, but this will be one you don’t want to miss – between lectures, the National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition, an incredible MarketPlace of the best manufacturers, retailers and suppliers in the business, and the camaraderie our attendees always enjoy – we absolutely cannot wait for November,” said AFA/FIA Executive Director, Martha Jones. “We encourage all farriers to join us for this event, whether they are members or not, as this is truly the most spectacular all-around farrier convention available in the country today.”
More information on the AFA convention, including the full schedule of speakers, events, and competition classes, can be found here: https://americanfarriers.org/page/2022-convention-home.
REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 6 and all registration details can also be found by visiting https://americanfarriers.org/page/2021-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)