ladyblacksmith wrote:

Expound.... your post is sketchy.. What is WRP??
And why, would me keeping in mind that you "learn from your mistakes" be handy to me...?

ladyblacksmith wrote:

ladyblacksmith wrote: Linda, (dahling),

The GPF is a national professional farrier organization.

The Delmarva Farriers Association a local farriery association.

Other than the fact that some people are members of and actively participate in both organizations, there is no "relationship" between these organizations. They serve different purposes, and you ought to join both organizations - because you would get to see more of ME! That in and of itself is a great membership benefit.

Brian Purrington wrote:
WRP, refers to the squared toe front "world racing plate" which like most shoes in this business work just fine when applied to the right horse. When plating, I had sucess with world racing plates on the horses that needed it and failures when I put them on horses that didn't.

tbloomer wrote:

Yes because you are a good blacksmith!

Sorry I was having a blond moment; and I'm not blond anymore; just grey!...........LOL...........LOL............
See, even the old grey mare can learn something!.......LOL.............

Phil Armitage wrote:


I didn't know you smoked.......LOL..........

ladyblacksmith wrote: I've only done a little "imitation blacksmithing" . . . nothing serious.




__________________

Hey Rick, remember in Vt. when you said it is unfortunate that many farriers are only impressed with ones ability to work in the forge?

I think your right it is unfortunate that a good clinician that understands horses, buisness and many other things may not be respected if he/she cannot pound steel. So if you want to be a popular clinician or teacher in this trade where you can get the attention of the majority you need to develop your blacksmithing skills. The anvil needs to ring and the sparks need to fly. Now don't get me wrong people. I am very impressed with the ability of a good blacksmith and want to learn the skills myself. It is just ashame that many of us would judge the ability of a farrier based on if they use steel, hot fit, work in the forge or not.

I know a lot of very good farriers that can keep horses sound, are good with lameness, keep them competeing and in the winners circle who do not ever hot fit, rarely use steel shoes, shape the shoes hot or even bother to learn how to make handmades. However the two most credible certifications in the US require shoeing a horse front and hind with handmades. I don't know what can be done about this or even if something should be done about it. Just food for thought. For a trade that is supposedly so open minded, progressive in thought, new ideas, new information. I ask with secerity, why is the art of blacksmithing so important? Am I delusional in my thinking that horses are much better off in steel shoes and that I would be a much better farrier if I could master the art of blacksmithing? Any thought from anyone on this without turning this into a ****ing contest and attacks?

Yes Phil we would be better if we were better blacksmiths. How about making the test so that it's ok if you bleed the horse a little? I done it to horses that it didn't hurt them.
Go to the BWFA, their test is like that.
HOw about all those dum-b questions they ask that you'll never see on a horse, or making those dum you'll never use or can buy? It's a dum test but it sounds like it needs to be a lot dummer.
Bill

Phil you do mean Farrier skils
two different professions

blacksmith and farrier


Phil when you do your test or exam
and on the day you have to choose
the right section of iron cut the
right lent make the right shoes
for the horse and do a solid
sound job you might have to

make a pair of bar shoes
you go do it on your own
no help

and after the test the man in charge
says Phil you have passed

thats the difference

Bill and Smitty, you both make excellent points and I agree. My question is more related to what draws a crowd to a clinic. You can have the same lack of skills the other way around, however the farrier is an excellent blacksmith.

So if a farrier's handmade shoe is excellent and fit perfect to the shape of the foot are we to assume the horse was shod right?

Phil Armitage wrote:

While I admire anyone that wears the uniform, don't for one second place yourself in the same ranks as those that actually were and/or are in harms way. There are two jobs in the military the infantry and those that support the infantry, and when I was in N.H. I thanked you for your support, don't make it sound like you were dodging bullets in "Nam" Phil. And I'd be careful taking like that to The Clown, I've seen his handiwork with a shovel first hand.

Dave Purves

Jaye Perry wrote:

Come on now Dave you know that coon was asking for it. Plus I had a real good decoy keeping his attention. Too bad the joker retaliated. Thought he had me. I know you have been having withdrawals from all those coons up there.

Bryan aka The Clown---or the "kid" as Phyllis calls me

Phil Armitage wrote: From my POV, no. Forging skills do not necessarily equate with trimming, balancing, nailing or finishing skills.