The American Farrier’s Association is returning to Chattanooga, for the first time since early 2020 for its 53rd annual Convention and National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition, Nov. 12–15.
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 robust FIA MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the farrier industry, and that is without a doubt the most fun and engaging tradeshow for farriers nationwide.
Beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 12, guest lecturers who are at the top of their fields in the farrier, blacksmith and veterinarian professions will present twenty hour-long sessions, allowing attendees to learn from renowned speakers on a variety of hoof-care related topics.
This year’s lectures and demonstrations are being presented by the following esteemed individuals in the farrier profession from the United States, England and Scotland.
2024 American Farriers Team
AFA Certification Program Examiners
Lewis Balfour, DipWCF
Brian Beasley, DVM, CJF, DACVSMR
Ben Benson, AWCF
Wren Burnley, DVM
Travis Burns, MSc, CJF, TE, EE, FWCF
Chad Chance, CJF
Gavine Cooper, CJF
Jason Critton, CJF, TE, AWCF
Simon Curtis, FWCF, BSs (Hons), PhD, HonAssocRCVS **Jim Linzy Keynote Speaker **
Austin Edens, CJF
Nigel Fennell, CJF, FE, FWCF (Hons)
Riley Kirkpatrick, CJF
Mark Milster, CJF
Brian Mullins, CJF
Lee Olsen, CJF
Kayla Shepherd, CJF
Lyle Shepherd, CJF
Travis Smith, CJF
Bodie Trnka, CJF
The 2024 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place from Nov. 12-14, featuring over 100 of the best farriers in the nation competing in the Open, Intermediate, 2-Person Draft and Open Jackpot Classes, and culminating in the Mustad Capewell Cup Live Shoeing Finals on Nov. 14 from 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. It is following this competition that the members of the 2025 American Farriers Team and Apprentice Team will be named. These outstanding competitors will then represent the United States at numerous competitions, but most notably at the renowned International Team Horseshoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England.
In addition to lectures and the competition, AFA convention guests will be able to participate in hands-on learning demonstrations with our qualified Certification Instructors, start or continue their journey towards farrier certification with our Examiners and Testers, visit top-of-the-line suppliers and exhibitors in our MarketPlace, enjoy numerous social events, and network with their peers in the industry.
“The countdown is on to our 53rd annual convention, and we could not be more excited for our industry to gather once again. The AFA Convention is a unique and outstanding opportunity, not just for farriers, but for veterinarians, horse owners, horseshoeing students, and guests,” said AFA/FIA Executive Director, Martha Jones. “We are so fortunate to have volunteer members who work tirelessly to ensure our week is full of incredible learning opportunities through lectures, round tables, and Certification events and testing, that our National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition – our very own farrier-style forged in fire! – is a not-to-be-missed contest, and that our FIA MarketPlace is engaging and entertaining. If you’ve never attended before, I strongly urge you to consider joining us in “Scenic City” for what is undoubtedly the most unique farrier event in the country!”
More information on the AFA convention, including the full schedule of speakers, events, and competition classes, can be found here:https://americanfarriers.org/page/2023-convention-home.
Registration is still open and all registration details can also be found by visiting https://americanfarriers.org/page/2021-convention-home or by calling the AFA/FIA office at 859-233-7411.