Roy Amaral CJF in gray

What resources? For the most part putting on a contest is a break even deal some are even modest money makers if you can get some sponsorship.

I didn't have money in mind. Time is a finite resource and I consider that particular resource much better devoted to furthering education than to putting on contests. At one time the TPFA forging/shoeing contest was the richest contest in the world in terms of payoff to competitors - but any of our several seminars had more educational value.

From my experience competing is a great part of farrier education. I've had the opportunity to spend time, talk shoeing and see some realy incredible farriers work through compition.

I agree that one can see some great farriers at work in contests - but the pace is frantic and there's not much explaining going on. IMO, seminars are a much better educational forum.

You like the certification program. What better practice for the practical portioins of the test than competing?

I agree wholeheartedly with the folks on this forum who've noted that forging most of one's own shoes for a year or so is a great way to practice for the CJF practical - and infinitely better practice than any contest.

The last contest I went to the live shoeing was scored on AFA scoresheets. The judge happend to be one of the testers. If you had a question afterwards all you had to do was ask.

I'd rather ask - or be asked - questions during the trimming, forging, fitting, nailing, clinching, finishing, etc., instead of afterwards. Speed is of relative unimportance in a seminar setting; speed is of paramount importance in a contest format - and that's the primary reason contests are comparatively poor venues for farrier education.

you could be making hand-mades and putting them on for 1 year

or 2 years that doesent mean your making them right

you have no body to guide you right or wrong

what is the shoe for this year if any one has a pic that would be great or a web site thanks

smitty88 in gray

you could be making hand-mades and putting them on for 1 year or 2 years that doesent mean your making them right you have no body to guide you right or wrong.

You bring up a valid point. In this country, most state and regional farrier associations periodically conduct seminars and "warm ups" that teach working farriers how for forge/fit shoes to an arbitrary standard; it's then up to the individual to practice what he's learned until he becomes reasonably proficient. Those farriers who work hot iron every day have few problems with the shoe making portions of the AFA's Journeyman Test; those who have to think about the next step have a great deal of trouble passing the test. Shoe making/fitting is just another motor skill, but like every other motor skill, perfect practice makes perfect.

The written portion of the tests is fairly comprehensive and is a reasonable measure of anyone's knowledge of equid anatomy and physiology.

Since the tests are both difficult and voluntary - as well as being the best kept secret in American horsedom thanks to the AFA's damnable love affair with meaningless contests - the question often arises, "Why should any farrier test?"

I think Jason Maki answered that question as best it possibly can be: Pride!

That is the one problem, what is it used for? I know I never nail anything like that or any of the others on a horses foot. The carriage horses I shoe don't require and need anything close to that stuff-BUT it is a great forgeing exercise and I do enjoy the challenge to build them so I ain't ******in about it! Merry Christmas to All! Gary

Speaking of contests, on multiple occaisions both at the State Association and National levels I personally have offered to sponsor a very specific horseshoeing contest. Included in my offer was both prize money and judge's fee paid by me if I was also allowed to enter said contest. I was rebuffed by past presidents of the Michigan Horseshoers Association and the American Farriers Association, because my simple contest was deemed completely inappropiate.
The rules are as follows: all contestants are required to submit a notarized, complete annual financial statement and a notarized 1040 IRS tax return from the previous year. The judge would be a CPA. The criterion could be...Best net to gross ratio or Best net per hour/day/week/month /quarter or Best utilization of inventory or Best funded retirement account.... Get my point?
I truly believe we would have the best ever educational opportunity possible at a farriers convention. We would soon discover, who walks the walk and who only talks the talk.

Bloody oath Tom
Maki,s gonna be unbearable now he he

Got my new AFJ and see the new Calgary shoe. I enjoy building these shoes with a buddy of mine and have sent some in-BUT I never sent them in with the kind of nailholes required due to the fact I don't use E Head or whatever a MX 60 is that is required this year? Let me show how ****** I am - What size nail is a MX60? I have about 4 brands I have used over the years and am real comfortable with them in my handmades and punched nailholes. I would think that one could punch to what they use and send a nail with the shoe so the "Judge" could see the fit. Sounds like someone is in cahoots with the nail company? Everyone go find a MX 60 if ya want to play? Anyway this is finally a very serviceable shoe and would benefit everyone to make and actually use on a horse? Now where do I find a nail>?? Best, Gary

Jeez Louise Gary, who do you think is the largest sponsor in the horseshoeing world? Does the name "Mustad" ring a bell? And who makes the mx 50 & 60? Good Boy, now buy a box would ya.

Well slap me ******! I use the 4 1/2 Mustads but never any of the other sizes? My local supplier don't have a bunch of variety ya know? Guess I have to use Uncle Barons here Marketplace alittle better? Thanks! :confused:
P.S. I lied I do use #7 regular heads on some draft and TWH shoes

As I have yet to receive the mag, what is the shoe this year and the specs? Can anyone post it for those of us who have to rely on overseas mail to get the mag?

Mikel

I haven't gotten mine yet either and am curious about the new shoe for this year. I had fun making the one from last year.
-Chad

It is the fish tail barshoe, 3/8x3/4 stock 120mm wide x 170mm long. Creased and stamped for mx60 nails,Qtr. clips and rolled toe.

can somebody post a picture of it?
thanks
jason