Actual Press Release

[Forgewizard]

Hey folks! Visit www.hoofcare.blogspot.com It is a blog by Fran Jurga(of Hoofcare & Lameness magagzine) regarding the AFEC American Farrier Education Council. This is a new completely separate organization established to.....

you'll have to visit the blogspot to read for yourself. Get your glasses- the info is done as a jpeg and is a bit of a strain to read, but it is EXTREMELY interesting!

[Phil Armitage]

Hmmmm, lets see, I can't read the do***ent, however I did read the intro. Sounds like Doug Butler and his new book is a key player. Question does his new book include NB or does he still consider this a fad?

[ray steele]

Hi folks,

I can't read the letter either, tough to comment on, maybe Rick, who seems to have such a good understanding can provide us with a report , and verbatum enlargement so that we can join in or at his rant.
Regards

Ray Steele

PS Thanks Rick ,for being there for me to volunteer you.

[Rick Burten]

Hi folks,

I can't read the letter either, tough to comment on, maybe Rick, who seems to have such a good understanding can provide us with a report , and verbatum enlargement so that we can join in or at his rant.
Regards

Ray Steele

PS Thanks Rick ,for being there for me to volunteer you.

Glad to be here for you, Ray :D

I am unable to provide the enlargement you requested but the entire anti-AFA rant, particularly the "So be it resolved" section of resolutions which are, in fact, not resolutions but statements of varied truthfulness, is to be posted by Fran on her site. It may already be so, I have not checked.

The press release and non-resolutions are basically a printed regurgitation of the half-truths, misconceptions, and erroneous information, along with a less than well thought out(IMNTBCHO) agenda for the school owners who, it would appear, have at last realized that their pocketbooks may be affected since the truth about whats been going on is now out in the open, and have decided to at last, attempt to do something about it.

It is interesting that Dr. Butler and his son are to be integral parts of the curriculum building, including being instrumental in designing written and practical exams for farrier students. More interesting because while Dr. Butler has voiced much the same negative opinions and observations regarding, in general, the quality of the graduated students and the curriculum, no one has taken him to task over those statements.

Further, the announcement says that 16 schools were represented and that this represents 2/3rds of the private farrier schools in NA/US. Some how, those numbers do not even come close to adding up. Further, where were the public schools? Were they too represented at the meeting and subsequent AFEC(es) formation? If not, why not? Oh, thats right, right in the press release/resolutions, it says the the private schools are the ones in the best position to educated prospective farriers(their reasoning is self-serving and nonsense, but what else should anyone expect?). So, it would seem that the private school owners , at least in the gang of 16, feel that the quality of
farrier education at a public institution is less than what they provide. Does this not mean that they themselves are disrespecting certain members of the prospective farrier industry? What a bunch of well, for lack of a more descriptive term, backstabbers. They don't even support their own. Unless of course they are private schools. HMMMMMM....

There's more, but lest I be accused of misstating the facts, we'll have to wait until it is readily available for all to read and comment on.

Kinda reminds me of a song from "Cabaret"

"Money makes the world go around..."

A note to all former members of the military who are considering the profession of farriery. When it comes time to choose a farrier school, use the lesson you learned : Keep your back to the wall and don't bend over to pick up the soap.

[Rick Burten]

Hmmmm, lets see, I can't read the do***ent, however I did read the intro. Sounds like Doug Butler and his new book is a key player. Question does his new book include NB or does he still consider this a fad?

Far as I know, Butler still refers to NB as "Natural BS".

IMNTBCHO, its time for the AFA to put away the kid gloves and in conjunction with the RPFE chapter that is supposed to re-activate at the mid-year BOD, design a model curriculum which includes not only sections on Natural Balance, but also considers the" Barefoot only" model(s). Its time to de-emphasize the contests and hyper-emphasize farrier and horseowner education, starting with the farrier candidate and what he/she should expect to learn and accomplish by the time he/she graduates from the farrier school of his/her choice.

And it is my considered opinion, that when all is said and done, that effort cannot be adequately addressed in a two or four or six week program. Especially if the program only meets five days a week, eight hours/day.

[Dave Purves]

Far as I know, Butler still refers to NB as "Natural BS".

IMNTBCHO, its time for the AFA to put away the kid gloves and in conjunction with the RPFE chapter that is supposed to re-activate at the mid-year BOD, design a model curriculum which includes not only sections on Natural Balance, but also considers the" Barefoot only" model(s). Its time to de-emphasize the contests and hyper-emphasize farrier and horseowner education, starting with the farrier candidate and what he/she should expect to learn and accomplish by the time he/she graduates from the farrier school of his/her choice.

And it is my considered opinion, that when all is said and done, that effort cannot be adequately addressed in a two or four or six week program. Especially if the program only meets five days a week, eight hours/day.


Amen, Rick. It's time for the AFA to step up and become the AMERICAN Farriers Association. To include all farriers, and not discriminate against modality, or belief. To be the catalyst of information to disseminate that information to all, and let the individual sort through it. I don't agree with NB, but I believe that the NB practitionars have been left out of the mix for too long.
jmo
Dave

[tbloomer]

Ok folks. I ran the files through my OCR and captured the text. Here it is in plain text.
Happy reading,
Tom Bloomer
_____________________________________________

AMERICAN FARRIERS EDUCATION COUNCIL
PRESS RELEASE

19 August 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact
Bob Smith, Vice President and Spokesperson
American Farriers Education Council
C/O Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School
9675 Florin Rd
Sacramento, CA 95829-1009
Tel 916-366-6064 Fax 916-366-6618
Email pchs@farrierschool.com

FARRIER SCHOOLS JOIN FORCES TO CLARIFY, PROMOTE EDUCATION STANDARDS OFFERED TO US STUDENTS; NEW ASSOCIATION FORMED

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA—The American Farriers Education Council, a new affiliation of farrier educators and farrier schools, was formed on August 19, 2005 at a meeting held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The new association’s purpose will be to support and promote the efforts of member farrier schools in providing superior education for students who wish to learn trimming and shoeing skills. At stake are the future usefulness, longevity, and athleticism of the nations 9.2 million horses and the enjoyment and employment of many millions of Americans who depend on sound, safe horses for recreation, competition, and work.

The American Farriers Education Council (AFEC) will operate as a sovereign body, separate from any other farrier organization.

About 25 people representing 16 US farrier schools attended the meeting at the request of Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School owner Reggie Kester. Recent negative publicity about the quality of farrier education in the United States motivated school instructors and owners to show their solidarity and to defend their excellent record in satisfying the nation’s continual need for new farriers to service horses of all breeds and sports.

Currently, an estimated 40 different programs are offered to prospective farrier students at public and private schools in the US. Choices range from independent distance learning to “you can shoe your own horse” courses to in-depth programs designed to prepare a student for entry into a career in horseshoeing. About 25 brick-and-mortar private schools educate the majority of candidates with career aspirations. Private schools outnumber state-subsidized programs by a 2:1 margin.

At its founding, AFEC represented two-thirds of the private schools. “Private vocational schools can provide as good or better education when compared to a publicly funded school for several reasons,” commented veteran farrier educator Dr. Doug Butler, who taught farrier science at universities for over 30 years. “Private school students generally shoe more horses and the programs are more focused on results. Private schools are quick to respond to special needs or interests of students and can offer motivated students opportunities that are invaluable to their future careers.”

“Private farrier school educators are dedicated to quality instruction of students and the care of customers’ horses.” AFEC stated in its meeting summary. “The majority of leading farriers in the United States, including most certified farriers, are graduates of our schools.”

One of the first official acts of the new organization was to agree on basic standards already shared by the schools, regardless of the length of the course or instruction. Schools then voted to follow a basic curriculum, based on the widely used textbook, Principles of Horseshoeing III (P3).

The book's authors, Doug Butler, PhD FWCF and Jacob Butler agreed to develop written and practical examinations based on the text, to ensure the measured progress of students and to gauge the understanding of trimming, shoeing and forge work modules. AFEC member schools will voluntarily administer these tests.

In addition, member schools agree to host continuing education programs designed to attract alumni once each calendar year. Past graduates will be encouraged to update their skills and certification levels at these special seminars.

AFEC’s initial officers will be President Reggie Kester (Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School); Vice President and Spokesperson Bob Smith (Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School); and Secretary/Treasurer Susie Goode (Tucson School of Horseshoeing).

To learn more about the American Farriers Education Council, please contact Bob Smith, Vice President and Spokesperson, American Farriers Education Council, c/o Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School, 9675 Florin Rd., Sacramento, CA 95829-1009; Tel 916-366-6064; Fax 916-366-6618; Email pchs@farrierschool.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: One fo AFEC’s first objectives will be to counter a recent rash of negative publicity about farrier education standards in the United States. Vice President Bob Smith will be available for comment, interviews, and clarification of how most farriers are educated. If you are planning an article about farrier education, farrier licensing/regulation, or farrier certification, please AFEC for information about what farrier are taught, who teaches them, and what the advantages of a private, independent education system are to the US horse industry and horse owners.

IMAGES AVAILABLE: High-resolution image files of activities at farrier schools in the United States are available to editors on request.

end main release

[mikes_horseshoeing]

Way To Go Afec!!!

[Jason Maki]

Aflec! (waddle waddle quack) Aflec!
Is this for education or insurance? :D
Jason

[Forgewizard]

..... or.... will this be a good AFEC on new AND old farriers? :confused:

Hey Tom, you didn't scan and post the other pages!
You are a computer wiz to! I AM impressed! :cool:

[Jason Maki]

AfeC ( Waddle waddle Quack) Afec
Perhaps AFEC (waddle waddle quack) will insure a solid education for wannabee farriers, thus Afec (waddle wadle quack) the quality of work by rookies. Afec ( AFEC!!!!! waddlle quack) keeps them from DUCKING the tough first few years and supplements their hopes for the future...
What was that group again?
AFEC! (waddle waddle quack)
Insuring the chances I'll offend someone :D
Jason

[Brian,Walt,Fred & Al]

Jason you are so funny, I mean to sit around and come up with a joke like that, oh man I give you such credit for your wit, I mean seriously man you need to be doing stand up or at least writing comedy for someone that is so funny that I can hardly keep the tears out of my eyes long enough to type, my sides are bursting from the laughter, my brother Walt had to use his inhaler to catch his breath it is so seldom in this day and age to come across someone with your stunning grasp of the obvious who can make a joke based on a pop culture tv commercial oh I can not even begin to tell you how original that was wow man when this **** comes down from the AFA, especially after they trim the board of directors back and the rank and file member votes mean nothing I am sure you will have no problem getting a job doing standup or maybe your own tv show, hey you could apply with Horseshoein time and be there resident comic.............oh I tell you, you are the funniest thing since Jerry Lewis please keep em coming this place sure needs a good comedian

[Rick Burten]

The AFA(www.AmericanFarriers.org) has now posted a press release on its web site. This press relaese was issued in response to the news of the formation of AFEC.

There is a direct link on the AFA home page to the Press Release. It makes for interesting reading, and may give some, pause for thought.

I would like those who take the time to read the press release, and have also read the AFEC press release , and the Miller Report to the BOD, and the position statements of Dr. Doug Butler, to consider what AFEC has stated it is going to do and what that implies. As well as where they seem to stand on the underlying issue(s).

[tbloomer]

..... or.... will this be a good AFEC on new AND old farriers? :confused:

Hey Tom, you didn't scan and post the other pages!
You are a computer wiz to! I AM impressed! :cool:

I didn't scan anything. Just captured the graphical images and converted them to text using a character recognition system. As far as the "other pages" I only saw two pages in the press release. So what I posted here is the text of the press release as it came up on the site.

I am not a computer wiz, I am a computer EXPERT. You know:

EX = has been
sPERT = a drip under pressure.

Tom Bloomer, CF

[Dave Millwater, RMF]

Hey all,


Fran has a page set up with PDFs of several AFEC do***ents and links to others on the subject.

http://www.hoofcare.com/afec.html

I'm gonna go read the files before commenting on any of this.


-DAVE.