The American Farrier’s Association announces the return of the Annual Convention and National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition to Chattanooga on March 10-13.
As the only nationwide event of its kind and scale, the AFA convention brings farriers, veterinarians, suppliers, horse owners and students together for four days of education, competition, certification, hands-on learning and networking, as well as a MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the equine industry.
Beginning on Tuesday, March 10, the 49th annual convention will feature guest lecturers who are at the top of their fields in the farrier, blacksmith and veterinarian professions. Including 20 hour-long sessions in just four days, attendees will be able to learn from renowned speakers on a variety of hoof-care related topics.
The National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from March 10-12, featuring over 150 farriers competing in the Open, Intermediate, and 2-Person Draft Classes, and culminating in the Capewell North American Challenge Cup Live Shoeing Finals on March 12 from noon-3 p.m.
It is from this competition that the members of the 2020 American Farriers Team will be named. "These outstanding competitors will then represent the United States at competitions all over the world, but most notably at the International Team Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England in October," officials said.
In addition to lectures and the competition, AFA convention guests will be able to participate in hands-on learning demonstrations with qualified certification instructors, start their journey towards farrier certification with examiners and testers, visit top-of-the-line suppliers and exhibitors in the MarketPlace and network with people from all over the world.
“We are excited to be returning to Chattanooga for our 49th year as it is a great location for our attendees and it allows us to bring all of the elements of our unique event together under one roof in a beautiful convention center,” said AFA Executive Director Martha Jones. “We welcome anyone in Chattanooga to attend - even if it’s only just for one day - to watch and learn from the top farriers and veterinarians in the world and to better understand why using a qualified farrier matters for the welfare of your horse.”
More information on the AFA convention, including the full schedule of speakers, events and competition classes, can be found
here.
For registration information, including one-day passes and guest passes, click
here or call the American Farrier’s Association office at 859-233-7411.