Posted by Scott Chaney on April 21, 2004 at 11:20:21:
I just want to take a minute and say what a great help these things are.
I recently drove some 6 hours to Dover(BFE) Ohio to attend one.
What an enlightening experience. Not only was I helped with my forging technique (something I am loathe to change) but I was given a no-holds-barred evaluation of my work and what is expected in the test.
The demonstrations shown as to what is not acceptable was a great learning experience for everyone and helped tune up a lot of us in ways that bring us right back to the basics... which is what it's all about.
Even if you're not planning on ever getting certified by the AFA, I would highly recommend you attend one.
This one was really special because of the heavy Amish attendance.
We worked on road horses and a lot of their practices (high heels, short shoes) were exposed (all the horses had corns) but handled tactfully and with a lot of encouragement.
I think some good seeds got planted that day.
Hats off to Danvers Childs, Matt Gillis, and Jason Maki for helping make a difference.
Sincerely,
Scott Chaney