halfmiler wrote:
While in the fire; practice the Union test, too!!!

Like the one at NYRA tracks :confused:

ladyblacksmith wrote:
linda,is there a prep book for the union testing? btw walls went up today on the new shop,i should be pounding hot steel out of the coke forge in the shop by the end of next month.

halfmiler wrote:
No prep book; but the test is described in Doug Butler's book, and he know how to swage the test out.
We'll show you how, and I'll have to bring my swage blocks and GEORGE with me!!!!

It's fun to do!! once you get hang of it.

unbridled wrote:
Uhhh???? what????????????

linda,ill have to have yous guys down one weekend when i get the shop done.

ladyblacksmith wrote:


I attended Doug's first advanced course back in the 70's and he had us do one of those.

unbridled in gray

Since no membership is required to test for Certification -- what now does the AFA charge candidates to test for Certification?

Presumably, each candidate will be charged enough to cover expenses.

In previous meetings it was discussed that the fee should increase. Is this a recurring fee each time a non-member candidate tests is it any different for a member?

Why should testing fees be any different for AFA members and non-members? Are some testees more equal than others?

Any details forthcoming with regard to that? And really -- what's the benefit either way???

In terms of public credibility, AFA certification that's restricted to members only is analogous to a state-bred race, while AFA certification that's open to the world is analogous to an unrestricted stakes. Since you're in the running horse business, you should be able to understand the analogy.

The continual drum is beat across these BBs that "certification" doesn't mean anything to the horse-owning public

While the primary beneficiary of the AFA's certification program is to the testee, the public has NEVER been made aware of the benefits of AFA certification. For years, the primary focus of the AFA has been on a forging contest and fielding a shoeing team, both of which are of extremely questionable value to the horse-owning public. In the future, one hopes the AFA will devote its considerable resources to making the public aware of the benefits of its UNRESTRICTED certification program by means of editorials, reportage, and advertising in every media from pulp to slick rags.

coupled with the unanswered question as to what an AFA member really gets for his/her dues

You're married to a former AFA president: Are you still speaking? If so, why don't you ask him?

enlighten me please.

Good grief! Are you ever going to get over being fired by the AFA? If you really were a farrier, you'd understand that we all get fired at one time or another; meanwhile, your continual whining is tedious and obviously fueled by sour grapes.

When does the no-membership required take effect?

Unbridled, and Ron - What Do you have to do with the AFA??

Are you guys active members??? , Trying to make the association , better?? I Damn shure am involved!!

Jake,

I am a member of the AFA in the certification process. I regularly trim and shoe locally. I passed the written earlier this year and am practicing for the practical part.

I asked a simple question -- when does the new rule that you don't have to be a member to test for certification take effect? And what is the price to participate? As I stated previously dicussions ensued that this would change.

You anwers to these simple questions are unclear -- especially for someone as involved in the AFA as you -- what is your position again?

Jake Whitman wrote:First, do not attempt to tie me to Susan. She has her own agenda and I am not in agreement with it.

Second, since you have access to the internet and the AFA website you are capable of answering your own question.

unbridled in gray

When does the no-membership required take effect?

January 1, 2010.

Ronald E. Kramedjian wrote:
My only agenda, as it has been publicly for past 20 years and in every unbridled TV show, is to continually reinforce the fact that the farrier is the most important component of the perfomance horse industry and that he/she is recognized for the contributions they make to the overall well-being of the horse by constantly continuing their education and honing their skills. That's my AGENDA period.