Off to certification!

[NHFarrier]

I'm nervous as heck, but it will be interesting anyhow. It takes place in the Hamptons (Long Island NY, for anyone keeping track!). So, all my shoes are done and my truck is packed but I have a few last minute questions.

Should I bring all the supplies needed to construct the shoe they will ask for, shoes, borium, pads, what have you?

One of my traction devices is drill-tect. I put it on with a forge. Though it is well placed and equal in size, it's sort of chunky looking, not like a smoothe spot of borium put on with a torch....anyone think that will be a problem?

Amy

[Bill Adams]

Hey Amy,
If it gives traction and looks profesional, no problem. Ya, bring suplies.
Go at this test like your late for an appointment that you want to get to, and you also want to do a perfect job, and no one is looking. Go at it like you don't care, you just want to show you can.
Be sure to call the tester over to look and have something else to do while they look. Have them look at what you think is the "good" foot.
Good luck, luck being where preperation meets oppertunity.
Let us know.
Bill

[Jason Maki]

Amy,
Bill gave you good advice. Do'nt pysche yourself out, just shoe the horse. When I tested I concentrated on non grey areas ie-flat,(flat is flat) smooth sole work, bars straight and running nicely into the sole at the dot. Flares, just match the bottom third to the top third-(straight is straight). shoe fit ( the shoe matches the foot or it does not), expansion( a dime is a dime here in Ohio or in the socialist country of New York) Seat your shoe from the just in front of the seat of corn to just in front of the seat of corn on the other side. Heel checks- they line up with the buttress and frog, safe the ground side of the medial branch ( not stated but implied like extra credit) Sand the foot and sole before you call the judge. Nails sit niceley into the holes, and are in a line.
We cannot control the foot we get, "balance" is somewhat subjective, but dial in on those things that can be quantified and you'll do very well. Before you quench your shoe while its at a black heat, dunck it quick, brush it hard, then dunck and brush again, this will give your shoe a deep, shiny finish that adds to the positive image. Its all a numbers game, and a PERFECTLY flat foot will get you 9 points , while a foot that will be broken back no matter what will get you a 6, but you are still up 2 points.
Good luck,
Jason Maki CJF

[cowboy_bc]

Hi all,

I started useing loose carbide years ago (I get it for free) and I hava a can full of 1" pieces of bronze rod for sticking them on, years ago when I used the farrier rod I still used the extra bronze because I found that the bronze in the rod wasn't enough. Anyway you can get it by the rod at any welding store and the bare non flux rod works best. Good luck.

Kevin

[J.H. shoeing]

Don't be nervous, just act like you were going to work. Yes, carry everything to build the shoes just like you turn in. They will usually ask you to build the shoe that it looks like you had the most trouble building. The shoeing is just shoeing to their 'script, better to long than too short on the shoe or trim. Study more than I did for the written.

Jeff

[shoerbee]

How did the certification go girl?!?! I've GOT to get mine done this year! Tell me it wasn't any scarier than the Intern Cert.....
Am sure you did well!
Brigitte