Pre Certifcation clinic

[BS-Horseshoeing]

I attended a pre cert clinic today in Phoenix with the AZ State Farriers Assoc. and I had a great time. The whole time was spent teaching and learning. Some guys helped the CJF hopefuls and the others helped us CF hopefuls. I learned quite a bit about forge work but more about the AFA fit and finish for the test than I thought I would in one day. I shod two hind feet and did ok. Let the second shoe slip back about a sixteenth of an inch and it kind of compounded to bring the score down. I won't make that mistake again. The scores on the first foot that they judged were easily passing, but that slip up really cost me. Oh well, I learned from it and won't do it again.

Over all it was a great experience. The guys from the ASFA were very helpful, friendly, and willing to help me with anything and everything I needed. Even as far as invites to work and learn some more. With there help and encouragement I will be taking the written and practical in April and then work on the forging for the shoe board to turn it in in the fall most likely. I have every confidence I will pass the two parts I will be taking, now to find the time to work on the shoe board.

Over all it was just a great experience. I also want to thank all of you here who have looked at my work and helped me with advice. It all paid off and will continue to do so. Thanks.

[George Geist]

Hey Ben,
Glad to hear you had a good time. Question I have is why dont you do your shoe board now and try to get the whole thing done in one shot?

Worst thing that can happen is for you to be unsuccessful on the first try and if thats the case you were going to go in the fall again anyway right?

I'd encourage you to go ahead and submit a shoe board now.
George

[smitty88]

i 2nd that George



Ben keep practicing your nailing/finishing
try to nail them up a tad

have your clinches all the same size
knock them down square

and get a better finish

dont mind me saying this to you
i say it to myself when my work gets a tad sloppy

i think everybody needs a kick in the back side now and then

[BS-Horseshoeing]

First, thank you Baron for moving this to the right place. I was a little tired last night.

George, mainly because my forging skills hover right above zero at this time. I can make functional mods, but they are not real pretty or uniform which is part of the board. If the shoes look like cr*ap they won't pass. With some practice time and a few things I learned from the guys yesterday I will work to come up with a board, but less than thirty days ain't a long time. There is another certification at the fall event in Flagstaff that I can turn in a shoe board to if I need to so that is the back up part of the plan. I guess it will come down to how comfortable I am with the product at the critical time.

Smitty, thanks for the info and critique. I don't mind a kick in the pants to amke me get better. You have the experience and skill I wish I had, I will listen with open ears and mind. The nailing is something that came out pretty well yesterday because I have been practicing. Clinching was still a little rough, just need to be more critical of my work and take a little more time. I need to slow down and quit rushing to get done to get to the next horse. Do better work and charge more and work less. That's a big goal for me and why I am going through all this. I just want to get better and be able to help the horses I work on more than I do now. this clinic and the testing are a big step towards that goal. Thanks again for the feed back.

[smitty88]

Ben,
if you need any help just shout