Some dates to keep in mind:

June 1,2,3/2012 : Rumble in the Broncs @ the Brooklin Fair

July 13,14/2012 : Holstein Rodeo Horseshoeing Contest

Aug 18/2012 : Forging Contest hosted by OFA Member Natalie Starr.

 Travelin’ Tom Barnett to Judge. Look for more info in the June “Stump”

Thanks once again to all those who participated in our March Convention!! See the attached photos courtesy of “Cynthia”       from Marechalerie Bromont.

            Attn. competitors – The winner of the open division will win a free entry package to the 2012 Canadian Horseshoeing Championships held in Calgary in April/2012.

Look to the pictures attached for some ideas regarding this years contest shoes.

Our host hotel, the Holiday Inn Guelph, has graciously extended our booking arrangements. Take advantage of the preferred rates and secure your accommodations before March 9th.

On Friday afternoon, March 23, you will have a great opportunity to take in two more presentations offered at this years convention.

Stephen Morris CJF will be demonstrating building the shoe-board requirements for certification.

Kevin Alcock will be providing a power-point presentation on Equine Behaviour. There will also be an opportunity to watch the video by Dr Chris Pollitt titled “The Desert Brumby”. This video is based on his studies of wild horses in Australia.

The 2012 Convention to be held in Guelph March 22-24 has been approved for ten [10] American Association of Professional Farriers [AAPF] Continuing Education Credits. For mor information visit their website – www.ProfessionalFarriers.com

Added to the list of presenters for the OFA Convention will be Graeme Sheffield. Graeme is a member of the Ontario Artistic Blacksmith Assoc. and will be on hand March 22 at Leatherstone Equestrian. He will demonstrate a variety of techniques including scrolling and joinery. Graeme will also be working on different projects throughout the day. Highlight the attached biography for a better understanding of  “Graeme Sheffield”. You can also visit his website www.ironwoodanvil.com  2012 Bio

If you are interested in writing your certification exams, they will be available on Thursday, March 22nd. in the evening at the host hotel. Please contact Tim Koelln at [519] 969-4644 or tntkoelln@cogeco.ca to ensure your place.

Stay tuned to this site for more updates regarding this years OFA Convention.

Make certain to reserve your accomodations prior to Feb 24th/2012.

You can download the hotel’s reservation page from the OFA website.

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OFA Member Peter Ayranto CF has been added to the list of presenters for this years convention. Peter will be discussing some of the unique cases he has come across as the Farrier for the University of Guelph.

The Stump will hit your doorsteps early next week, there you will find all the convention info. Be certain to book your rooms prior to Feb 24/2012. Go to the OFA homepage, click on the news/convention page and look for the “click here” icon to reserve your room.

Highlight some of the attached pages for the convention news now!!

We hope to see all the members in Guelph for what is shaping up to be a great show!!

Set aside March 22-24/2012 and be sure to attend this years OFA Convention. Guest speakers include Jim Quick CJF and Marc-Andre Blouin from Agribrands Purina Canada Inc. Jim will be providing all the demos at the arena [Leatherstone Equestrian in Arkell, ON] and a power point presentation on “Shoeing for Weight Bearing and Breakover”. Marc-Andre will be presenting a lecture on Nutrition and hoof-health. There will be more additions to the line-up, stay tuned to this site for any changes. 

The Host Hotel will be the Holiday Inn on Scottsdale Dr. in Guelph, ON. Written certification exams will be made available and a shoeing contest, with live shoeing, will be happening on the 22 & 23rd.

The OFA newsletter, the Stump, will be hitting the newstand very soon. Inside you will find all the information regarding this years convention. If you have any questions contact Phil Robinson at p.jrobinson@sympatico.ca or 519-823-8640

Be sure to attend the gigantic “Uber Christmas Clinic” on Dec. 10th/2011. The cost of the clinic will be $40.00  You will have lunch provided plus access to present/past Canadian Farriers Team Members to help you with any of your forging requirements. The clinic will be held at the Canadian Horseshoeing School in Embro, On. If you need directions, check out the website at c-h-s@sympatico.ca

Bring as much of your gear as possible. There are a few forging stations available as well as some steel for your use. We would love to see as many members as possible make it to the clinic for the camraderie and practice. This will be a great way to wrap up the 2011 season.

Attention all members of the OFA!!

Be sure to attend the last contest in the Kanata Kup series for 2011. All the info can be found in the October issue of the Stump. Members should be receiving this issue in the week of Oct. 17th. To accompany the written instructions, look to the following pictures to help you determine expectations for some of the shoes.

Keep the following dates in mind if you are interested in having fun and learning a little along the way :

Sept 17th – “The Water Boy Clinic” – Join CFT Member Tom Barnett at the forge of Chris Zizian’s for a full day of forging, contest forging/tool building [?] and what ever else we can think of. The shop is located at 6250 Walkers Line, Burlington, ON L7M 0R3  Clinic will start at 9:00am

Sept 24th – Forging Clinic sponsored by Luke Proulx. Tong building will be the focus. The location is at the Horse Depot 3510 Bowen Rd., Stevensville, ON L0S 1S0 Check the Aug. issue of the Stump for more details or contact the store.

Oct 1 – Chris Gregory clinic to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Professional Farrier Supply. Clinic and fish fry to be held at the shop. 23 Coles Crescent, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2  Contact the store to reserve your place. 1-800-563-7862

Oct 2 – Headwaters – Horses in the Hills. Forging competition to be held at the Erin Fairgrounds. Contact Sean Elliot for additional info. [519] 826-1122