the Stump - Ontario Farrier's Association

President
Phil Robinson
[519] 823-8640
p.jrobinson@sympatico.ca
Vice President
Cathy Lesperance
[519] 572-9774
cathylesperance@bell.net
Treasurer
Duncan Stewart
[905] 584-8071
stewartfarriery@gmail.com
Secretary
Michele MacRae
[519] 831-9508
mmacrae@porchlight.ca
Directors
Adam Ellens
[613] 732-9355
ellensadam@hotmail.com
Dale Gladwin
[613] 802-0804
wdgladwin@hotmail.com
Tim Koelln
[519] 969-4644
tntkoelln@cogeco.ca
Tristan Miles
[519] 573-8769
happyhooves@hotmail.com
Jonathan Taylor
[905] 269-8746
taylor.farrier@live.com
the Stump
Official newsletter for the Ontario Farriers Association
est. 1980
Editors Corner
All contributions to the newsletter are welcome. Contact me at
p.jrobinson@sympatico.ca
Deadline for next issue will be July 25/2012
Advertising Rates: Full page Blk/Wht $50.00 Full page Colour $150.00

OFA Forecast
July 13,14,15/2012
Holstein Rodeo and Horseshoeing Contest
Aug 18/2012
Hammer-In Horseshoeing Contest
August/September (?)
OFA Clinic with Jennifer Horne CJF
Look for all the details within this issue of the "Stump"
On behalf of the
members of the OFA
Thank You to our 2012
Sponsors
"Silver Level"
Professional Farrier
Supply
"Iron Level"
Marechalerie Bromont
Also in this issue, from the explosive
mind of Tim "TNT" Koelln, a brain
twister of a contest that can win you a
prize!!
Welcome New Members for
2012
Sara Vanderpol CF
Katie Pearce-Donkers

The Horse Depot Is Moving!
Changing Locations, and adding New and Quality Consignment Tack and
Equestrian Apparel!
The Grand Opening is sure to be an event with forging demonstrations by Luke
Proulx and his son Eric, raffles, and door prizes!
We will be offering new, more convenient store hours;
Monday-Saturday, all day long!
Call now for an appointment to drop off your used items!
Find our page on facebook for more details, and to stay tuned!
Www.facebook.com/TheHorseDepot
THE HORSE DEPOT
Monday 8am to 12pm
Tuesday 8am to 12pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday 8am to 4 pm
Saturday and Sunday Closed
We can always be reached for emergency service. Leave a message and we will set something
up!
3510 Bowen Road Stevensville, ON L0S 1S0
*soon to be 2604 Stevensville Road, Stevensville, ON, L0S 1S0*
Phone 905-382-0002, or 905 246 8930 - fax 905-382-003
thehorsedepot@bellnet.ca
www.thehorsedepot.ca

Road Trip to "La Belle Province"
On behalf of the AMFQ, Mr. Claude Lortie hosted a terrific contest/clinic on the May 5th weekend. The judge
was OFA Member Stewart "the Bruce". The clinic on Friday was spent entirely in the forges. Saturday was an
all day affair that didn't see things wrap up until 9:00 pm under a full moon. This contest was all about
teamwork. Four farriers per team forged two classes and then had two live shoeing classes. Everyone had the
opportunity to shoe two feet. The winning team was "the eh Team"
Adam "Lightening" McQueen
Russ "Rustifer" Gaudet
Darren "Hell Boy" Baskerville
Katie "Cheeks" Pearce-Donkers

MARÉCHALERIE BROMONT FARRIER CLINIC
SEPTEMBER 15 TH 2012
“Shoeing for form, function and no pressure”
Farriers are invited to join us for a full day clinic with our guest farrier clinician DOUG
WORKMAN CJF, APF.
This event is sponsored by Farrier Product Distribution.
------------------------
CONCAVE BARSTOCK IS HERE!
Concave barstock from England is available.
We have the following sizes in stock:
5/16 x 3/4
3/8 x 3/4
3/8 x 7/8
3/8 x 1
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE!
WWW.MARECHALERIEBROMONT.COM
You now have access to upcoming events, educational videos, newsletters, the
Natural Angle, our new updated 2012 product list and more…
Maréchalerie Bromont Inc.
11-b, Pacifique est
Bromont (QC) J2L 1J4
TOLL FREE : 1- 877- 267- 2759

The Ontario Farriers Association in 2012
by Phil Robinson
Thank You to the members of the Quebec Farriers Association for hosting a great
clinic/contest at Claude Lortie's forge in early May. Nine teams comprised of four
farriers each encountered a great learning experience with Judge/Clinician and OFA
Member... Stewart "the Bruce". I really encourage the membership to keep an eye open
for next year's contest/clinic. The "team aspect" of this event is a terrific idea and gets
everyone involved. Check out the photos inside this issue of the Stump.
The Rumble in the Broncs was another huge success. This contest/clinic keeps getting bigger and better!! The
Ontario Farriers Association sponsored some of the intermediate classes. We had a nice big promo-board on
hand for all to see. The "board of directors" is working on building a good inventory of promotional material
as well as a "Convention Package" to be used in the future. Again, check out the photos from Brooklin inside
this issue. A huge Thank You to Stewart & Yvonne Bruce for all
their hospitality!!!
Every month for the next few months will offer something to get involved in. The
Holstein Rodeo in July will have a rodeo, country western music and a
shoeing/forging contest. There is a lot being offered at this event, a great chance for
some terrific fun and forging!! Regardless of whether you compete or not,
get your name on the list and come out to the Holstein Rodeo for a
great time!!! Contact Phil Robinson at p.jrobinson@sympatico.ca ASAP!!!
The month of August will see the Hammer-In Horseshoeing Contest in Owen Sound. At this event there will
be a great mix of shoeing and artistic blacksmithing in a museum setting. There is a ton of OFA involvement in
each of these events. Organizers include OFA members Andrew Gismondi, Natalie Starr with
judges/clinicians Stewart Bruce and Tom Barnett. Be sure to support your fellow members.
Volunteers are always welcome!!
The Board is already working on the 2013 Convention and are planning a 2012 Certification in either October
or early November. If you are interested in what's going on, you can find the minutes from the meetings by
going on to the OFA Blog. Click on the News/Convention heading and you will see directions to the blog. You
can make comments and if you like, add something to the blog by contacting me at p.jrobinson@sympatico.ca
The Rumble in the Broncs is becoming truly international. The photo on the front cover is of a Clydesdale from
Canada, shod by David Sutherland from Scotland with a French Hind shoe made from a whopping 3/8 X 1 1/4
inch stock!! I don't recall the length of steel but the foot was substantial and the job was terrific!!

Farrier in the Clinic
OFA member Peter Ayranto CF has been at it again. The following photos
depict how good forging skills allow one to adapt to a variety of situations.
This very small pony foundered about one year ago. They ended up cutting
all the tendons [check and flexor]. In addition to the shoeing, the pony will
be splinted for the next 6 to 8 weeks to recover. This "fishtail bar shoe" was
made from 10 inches of 5/16 X 3/4 steel.
It's incredible what we sometimes come across while out on the road. OFA member Tristan Miles came
face to face with this challenge. Basically this horse got his foot caught in the kick boards. In the process
of pulling it free, the horse almost separated his hoof capsule from the bone... from the hair line down.

Nutrition and Attitude
Marc-Andre Blouin
There are some truths, but numerous misconceptions regarding nutrition and equine attitude. Some
nutritional factors do affect attitude, but most at a cost. For example, a horse that is intentionally dehydrated
or nutritionally deprived to calm its behaviour, may feel less energetic, but should one keep a horse close to its
deathbed in order to keep it quiet? Is this ethically or morally acceptable?
In addition to the influence of nutrition on behaviour, drugs, herbs and non-nutritional factors such as:
genetics, exercise, environment and ambient conditions also can influence attitude. Genetic variability
between horses can result in distinct metabolic or dietary sensitivities in certain horses that may cause
excitability, hence the term “hot” or “cold” blooded. Furthermore, if a horse spends enough time in a 10’ x 10’
stall, it will eventually want to tear the walls down, or burst out of his skin, regardless of his feeding program.
Horses are not notorious for their common sense; however some, especially mares and fillies tend to have an
inexhaustible memory. Thus, a previously abused horse may always remain difficult to handle. Finally, horses
have survived in the wild for years using the flight response instead of fighting; consequently, horses have an
unbelievable capacity to perceive fear or tension, so even minimal human apprehension can affect a horse’s
disposition.
Nutritional factors that influence a horse’s attitude:
Amount of calories:
The first nutritional factor that may influence attitude is the quantity of calories consumed per day. When
horses burn more calories than they consume, they will lose weight and may feel sluggish. In contrast, horses
receiving more calories than they expend will gain weight and may feel more energetic. This element is most
likely the least consequential of all the nutritional factors. If not, all fat horses would be full of energy and all
skinny horses would be sluggish which we know is not the case. It is more often vice versa.
Dehydration:
A dehydrated horse will be either lazy or crazy. We know from human nutrition that the body needs to be
properly hydrated to function well, and we know a healthy body is a healthy mind. Interestingly, elderly
people are often misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s or senile dementia when actually they were only dehydrated.
Water is the most important nutrient in a horses diet, and too often overlooked.
Vitamin and mineral status:
Contrary to popular belief vitamins and minerals do not make a horse “high”. In fact, nervousness is a
common deficiency symptom of many vitamins, and is well documented with thiamine (B1). Vitamins and
minerals play a crucial role in the overall health and well being of the horse and their significance on attitude
correlates to the statement - “a healthy body is a healthy mind.” Since vitamin A, D, perhaps K, and most
micro-minerals need to be fed at specific levels to prevent adverse interactions or toxicity, more is not
necessarily better. Some vitamins, especially vitamin K and the water-soluble B vitamins, are supplied from
microbial synthesis in the hindgut and their precise requirements are not fully understood. To complicate
matters, the requirements for these water-soluble vitamins increase during strenuous exercise, yet microbial
fermentation may be diminished under stressful conditions such as strenuous exercise. When it comes to
vitamins and minerals, the principle objective is to provide a balanced ration. Keep in mind that ingredients
such as oats, beet-pulp, etc. are ‘good horse feed ingredients,’ but ‘bad horse feeds,’ since they are not
balanced, particularly in vitamins and minerals.

Types of calories:
The rationale around a horse “feeling his oats” is quite comparable to a child getting a sugar rush from a
chocolate bar. Technically, there are 4 different types of calories: fat, starch, fibre and protein. Importantly,
protein is not an effective calorie source and should not be fed as such. Each of these calorie types induces a
specific hormonal response once digested and absorbed into the blood. Protein digestion results in the
absorption of amino acids, while starch digestion results in the absorption of glucose. An increase in either
blood glucose or some amino acids will induce an insulin response. We do not know if it is insulin per se, or
one of the many other hormones influenced by insulin, that is speculated to influence neurotransmitters in
the brain and induce the typical “high” followed by a “low” during a “sugar rush”. In other words, the first 30
to 45 minutes the horse is extremely excitable and uncooperative, then all of a sudden there is nothing left
and he’s completely drained. In contrast, fat digestion and fibre fermentation results in the assimilation of free
fatty acids and volatile fatty acids, respectively, neither of which induces an insulin response. Accordingly, feed
products that are fat and fibre based will provide calories without the attitude, while products high in starch
will induce an insulin response and may excite some horses.
Source of starch and processing:
Why is it that whole oats, which contain 45% starch, make horses “hot”, while whole-corn, which is 70%
starch, tends more to make horses colic instead of making them “high”? It depends on where the starch is
digested. In the small intestine approximately 84% of the starch in oats is digested, while only 29% of starch in
whole-corn is digested. Hence, 71% of the starch from whole-corn is digested, or more accurately fermented
in the hindgut. When starch is digested in the small intestine, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and an
insulin response is induced. On the contrary, if starch is fermented in the hindgut, bacteria will breakdown the
glucose and provide the horse with volatile fatty acids that do not induce an insulin response. However,
although this may appear as a valid option to control attitude, starch fermentation in the hindgut is not a
preferred route. Bacteria in the hindgut can only tolerate low levels of starch. If high levels of starch enter the
hindgut it results in a pH drop (more acidic), which has a detrimental effect on the micro flora, leading to loose
stool, founder, colic and vices such as cribbing.
Starches are made of sugars, predominantly glucose. So why is glucose from oat starch digested differently
than glucose from corn starch? It is due to the branching of the glucose molecules. Using an analogy to clarify:
you are given 45 gallons of wet cement and you let it harden in a 45-gallon drum. After the cement sets
remove the drum and with a hammer and chisel start chipping away, it will take hours, if not days, until the
cement is completely broken. Now, repeat the exercise but this time set the 45 gallons of cement over a wall,
approximately ½ inch thick. Using the same hammer and chisel it will probably take only minutes to break the
cement. Therefore, the chemical analogy for compactness is branching. This is also one reason why a coffeecan
of oats weighs around 3 pounds and the same coffee-can will contain around 5 pounds of corn, and why
grains like barley and corn need to be processed when fed to horses.
Pelleting, steam flaking and extrusion are all procedures that increase starch digestibility in the small intestine.
These procedures parallel taking a 45 gallons drum of cement and spreading it out over a ½ inch wall. That is
why a coffee-can of an extruded feed will only weigh 2½ to 3½ pounds. Hence, extruded feeds are ideal for
horses prone to gas colics or whenever increased starch digestibility is necessary. However, extruded feeds
when fed at substantial quantities at one time may excite some horses, much like oats.

Quantity of starch (and/or protein) provided at one time:
This is probably the easiest to understand of all the aforementioned concepts. If one pounds of a starch
induces an insulin response. Than two pounds of starch will induce even more of an insulin response.
Time of grain feeding in conjunction with hay:
Now I will go against the long-standing tradition that hay should be fed prior to grain to slow things down. The
practice of feeding hay before grain was probably derived from the dairy industry where hay slows passage
rate of digesta in the rumen. Unfortunately, the equivalent structure to the rumen in the horse is the hindgut
(caecum and colon) and as the name implies the hindgut is towards the end of the digestive tract (after the
small intestine) in contrast to the rumen, which is the first structure in the cow’s digestive system. Therefore,
for this to be applicable to horses we would need to feed from the other end! The foregut (stomach and small
intestine) of the horse is anatomically similar to humans, and we are all aware that fibre tends to increase
passage rate in humans. Yet, in horses we feed fibre to act as a block and slow things down… not too logical.
Before I go any further, please bear in mind that this information is only applicable to certain feeding
practices. Whether you feed a cup or 3 kg of feed per feeding, or you feed a starch based or a fat-and-fibre
based feed, or whether your horse consumes hay continuously or 3 flakes at one time, does your feed contain
whole, rolled or heat-processed grains, will all determine if the time of feeding grain in conjunction with hay is
relevant. A research study in Kentucky demonstrated that when horses were fed 2.3 kg of a starch based feed
(sweet feed) with 2.3 kg of hay (either at the same time or 2 hours prior to the feed), the hay increased the
passage rate of digesta through the small intestine. Consequently, decreasing starch digestibility in the small
intestine and increasing the amount of starch entering the hindgut. These results demonstrated that hay does
not slow passage rate, on the contrary it increases passage rate in the small intestine.
Ultimately, there is no universally right or wrong time to feed grain in conjunction with hay. It depends on all
the previous factors mentioned and on the horse itself. Is the horse easily excitable or susceptible to gas colic?
If your horse is susceptible to the ‘sugar rush’, then it might be better to provide hay and feed together to
minimize blood glucose after a meal. Obviously, this implies more starch entering the hindgut and therefore
not ideal for horses susceptible to gas colic. You need to match your feeding practices with the individual
horse. Of course in an unrealistic world, the ideal feeding practice is to feed 15 times a day (since horses
evolved to eat 16 to 18 hours a day). So we need to balance what is practical for you and what is acceptable
for your horses based on what they are showing you.
Digestive-upsets: colic, ulcers and lack of, or too much fibre.
Anything that irritates a horse’s digestive system can also irritate his attitude. Colic, ulcers and an impaired
hindgut can notably affect horses behaviour. Fibre is a nutrient that needs to be precisely balanced in your
horse’s ration. It is definitely not a high-octane fuel for performance but it is required for optimum health. Too
much fibre i.e. a hay belly, adds dead weight to the horse, which can negatively affect performance. Though
horses have the muscles and lungs of a prime athlete, they still have the digestive system similar to a cow. Yes,
if a racehorse is not fed any fibre it probably will run faster, if it doesn’t die, get ulcers, or start cribbing. In
other words, we are morally responsible for the well being of our horses and should our priorities be to win at
all costs, or to balance that fine line of optimum health and optimum performance?

Horseshoeing Contest : Manitoba Style
Novice Division
Eagle eye: 30 min keg shoe with center punch mark to fit foot
Forging #1: 60 min :Hind concave shoe,3/8x3/4x11 ? concave safed toe and inside branch ,boxed,6 E-3slim nails,
quarter clipped
Front pre-made bar shoe, Long heeled keg shoe welded as a straight bar shoe ,rolled toe with
clip
Shoeing:60 min: keg shoe to suit foot with toe clip . Specimen shoe :generic shoe shaped for front with hammer drawn
side clips and rockered toe ,safed and boxed
Intermediate Division
Eagle eye:30min:plain stamped straight bar shoe, suitable size steel and nails, center punch mark, boxed and safed
Forging:60min:front concave warm blood shoe,1/2x1x15 ? concave,8 E-7nails,toe clipped, rocker toe, upright heels,
boxed and safed inside
Hind hunter with brazed on jar caulks, 3/8 x 3/4 x 12 , plain stamped, 6 E-4slim nails, safed toe , quarter clipped. Jar
caulks to be made from ? round steel
Shoeing:60 min:Concave with pleasure horse fit, suitable size steel and nails, toe clipped
Specimen shoe: hind light draft, 1/2 x 1 x 14 , ? fullered for 7 E-7nails , toe clip , distinct difference between outside and
inside heels
Open Division
Eagle eye: 30 min:plain stamped shoe with blocked heels and jump welded toe bar. To use 3/8 x 3/4 steel. 3/8 square
for toe bar .Suitable nails ,center punched
Forging:60 min: Front lateral extension bar shoe, 3/8 x 1 x 14, fullered for 6 E-4slim nails, double fullered on extension,
hammer drawn toe clip
French Hind 3/8 x 1 x 12" Masselotte clips (not drawn) fullered 7 E-5 slim nails
Shoeing: 60 min Pleasure shoeing ? fullered shoes suitable steel and nails. Toe clipped.
Specimen: Heavy hunter hind concave caulk and wedge ? x 1 x 15" safed toe, 7 - E-7 nails, quarter clipped
2 Man forging : 70 min:
Front: ? x 1 x 14 1/2 deep seated straight bar shoe. fullered heel to heel 7 E-7 nails . bob punched toe clip
Hind draft with scotch heels and jump welded toe bar. ? x 1 ? x 18. Hammer drawn toe clip. Fullered 8 E-9 nails. Toe bar
from 5/8 square.
All these times are for a hot start.
OFA Member Adam McQueen will be the Judge/Clinician for this contest!!
It happens on July 27,28th. a couple of hours from Winnipeg!
Contact " p.jrobinson@sympatico.ca" for more information !!

The Rumble in the Broncs - 2012
Another fantastic "Rumble" at the Brooklin Fair the first weekend of June. Farrier's from Quebec, New
Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta, Scotland and many members from the OFA represented all three divisions
in this very challenging contest. I will let the pictures do the
talking but the winners
were as follows:
Novice - Vanessa Morency
St-Pierre
Intermediate - Darren
Baskerville
Open - Adam McQueen &
Tom Barnett
I overheard the draft in this picture had never been shod before.
Here she stands on two feet, (not on purpose), in the final minutes
of competition. Fantastic horses for the contest.

The Canadian Horseshoeing Championships
The Canadian Horseshoeing Championships held annually in Calgary was once again host to an
intense two day competition. Three members of the OFA made the long journey and represented
Ontario well. Congratulations to Doug and Travis Buck, and Jesse Goff for excellent work
during the contest.
The judge for this year’s competition was 2011 World Champion Blacksmiths National
Champion Travis Koons. In addition to a forging clinic focused on a lateral extension bar shoe,
Travis took the time to explain and demonstrate proper clinching technique that was geared
towards the students and apprentices in attendance.
Iain Ritchie’s beveled plate Jesse Goff’s beveled plate Doug Buck’s light draft
Once again the Canadian Farrier team was selected at this competition based on the cumulative
points awarded to preregistered teams of four. The 2012 Canadian Farrier Team is Iain Ritchie,
James Findler, Nathan Powell, and Matt Keuchler. Iain Ritchie was the Canadian Champion for
the second consecutive year and Nathan Powell was Reserve Champion.
At the awards banquet held on the final night of the contest Bob Marshall was awarded the
Chris Davenport Award. This is an award given to an individual in our industry as an
acknowledgment of their contributions. Few members are aware that last year that award was
given to the modest, and deserving, OFA President Phil Robinson.
Jesse Goff and Travis Buck in the final Travis and Doug Buck
minutes of the light draft class
Article submitted by National Correspondent : Jonathan Taylor

HAMMER – IN HORSESHOEING CONTEST
Grey Roots Museum and Archives, Owen Sound, ON.
9am Saturday August 18, 2012
Judge: Tom Barnett
This event will be held in Moreston Heritage Village, outside the museum, during an artist blacksmith gathering. It
will be a good chance to find out more about the artistic stuff and tool making from the OABA members. Due to
time constraints there will be no clinic however there will be plenty of opportunities for feedback, learning, possibly
some "out-loud judging." Live shoeing available for all those who RSVP - no need to qualify. All 3 divisions will run
classes simultaneously. Bring your own free standing units and a fire extinguisher. Site open at 8am for set-up. All
vehicles will need to be removed from the historic zone by 9am when competition begins. Lunch will be provided.
Novice: $60
Intermediate: $80
Open: $100
Call or text Natalie for further info or to RSVP 519-375-1171
If you don’t call at least 48 hrs ahead a $20 late charge will be
added to the entry fee
www.greyroots.com

HAMMER- IN HORSESHOEING CONTEST SHOE LIST
OPEN
EAGLE EYE (30 Min)
-3/8 x 1"
-3/4 Fullered Lateral Extension
-Appropriate. Nails, Center Mark
FORGING 1 (70 Min)
-Left Hind Caulk And Feather w/ Massilot. Toe Clip (Drawn)
-3/4 Fullered, 6 Mustad ESL4 Nails
-??? Of½ x 3/4
-Shoe to Measure 5 Wide and 5 ½ Long
-Right Front Deep Seated w/ Massilot. Side Clips (Drawn)
-3/4 Fullered, 6 Mustad ESL5 Nails
-??? Of ½ x 3/4
-Shoe to Measure 5 1/4 Wide x 5 5/8 Long
FORGING 2 (70 Min)
-Left Hind Light Draft w/ Jumped Toe Bar and Toe Clip
-Scotch Heels, 3/4 Fullered 6 Mustad ESL 6 Nails
-14 ½’ of 3/8 x 1" (3/8 Sq. For Toe Bar)
-Left Front Light Draft w/ Jumped Toe Bar and Toe Clip
-Scotch Heels, 3/4 Fullered 6 Mustad ESL 6 Nails
-15" of 3/8 x 1" (3/8 Sq for Toe Bar)
LIVE SHOEING (75 Min)
-Hind Roadster, Appropriate Stock and Nails
-3/4 Fullered, Toe Clip
Specimen: TBA
*City Head 5, 5/16 Tongs*

INTERMEDIATE
EAGLE EYE (30 Min)
-Plain Stamped Straight Bar
-Appropriate Stock and Nails
-Center Mark
FORGING 1 (70 Min)
-Right Front Lateral Extension
-3/4 Fullered, 5 Mustad ESL 5 Nails
-13 ½" of 3/8 x 1"
-Left Front Deep Seated Bar Shoe
-Plain Stamped, Toe Clip 6 Mustad ESL 4
Nails
-14" of 3/8 x 3/4
FORGING 2 (70 Min)
-Left Hind Medial Extension w/ Beveled
Outside
-3/4 Fullered, 5 Mustad ESL 5 Nails
-13' of 3/8 x 31"
-Plain Stamped Heart Bar
(straight bar/wrap around/jumped... etc)
-6 Mustad ESL 4 Nails
-16" of 3/8 x 3/4
LIVE SHOEING (75 Min)
-3/4 Fullered Front w/ Toe Clip
-Appropriate Stock and Nails
Specimen: TBA
NOVICE
EAGLE EYE (30 Min)
-Plain Stamped w/ Center Mark
-Appropriate Stock and Nails
FORGING 1 (70 Min)
-10" of 3/8 x 1" To Make A Right Hind
-Plain Stamped, 6 Mustad ESL 4 Nails
-Shoe to Measure 5 1/4 Wide x 5 ½ Long
-6" of 3/8 x 1" To Make A Ring
-Completed Ring Should Be 3/8 x 3/4 Stock!
-Hammer Finished
FORGING 2 (70 Min)
-Pair of Plain Stamped Fronts
-Definite Inside/Outside
-12 ½ of 3/8 x 3/4
-Judged As a Pair
FORGING 3 (70 Min)
-Right Front Plain Stamped Bar Shoe
-6 Mustad ESL 4 Nails
-14' of 3/8 x 3/4
-Left Hind 3/4 Fullered
-6 Mustad ESL 4 Nails
-11 ½” of 3/8 x 3/4

Iain Ritchie - Pitt Meadows, BC:
Introducing the 2012 Canadian Farriers Team
I was born and raised in Scotland and started
into a five year Farrier Apprenticeship in 1989, at age
16, with my mentor Sandy Duff. It was at this time that I
was introduced to competing in the industry, and spent
much of my spare time travelling the length and
breadth of the UK to various shoeing competitions and
clinics. After my Apprenticeship I decided to travel for a
while, continuing to gain experience and competitive
prowess, before settling down and immigrating to
Vancouver, BC.
I currently live in Pitt Meadows and have been
operating my full-time shoeing business for the past 14
years, and have had the fortune of working with
wonderful clientele. I have found that I truly enjoy the
competitive aspect of the industry and how it pushes
our limits and abilities to the maximum of creativity all
while continually raising the bar on the level and quality
of workmanship. Some of my greatest achievements
include finishing 5th overall at the Calgary Stampede’s
World Championship Blacksmiths Competition in '09
and winning the Canadian National Championships for
the last two years in a row. Last August I was blessed
with marrying my beautiful wife Jenna.
James Findler - Langley, BC:
The idea of becoming a blacksmith originated from
my Grandfather. His father also James was a Blacksmith
in Scotland and since I rode horses myself he thought
that blacksmithing might be of interest to me. A short
time later, the fall of 1982, I enrolled in the Kwantlen
College farrier program. Within no time my life was
totally consumed with shoe making and learning all that
there was to know about the horse and hoof. I was
fortunate to have a great instructor and mentor right
from the start, Hank McEwan.
The most rewarding accomplishment to date was in
1993 winning first place in the Top Ten Horseshoeing at
the World Championships in Calgary, Alberta. Another
very memorable moment was becoming Forging
Champion in 1996 at the Calgary Stampede. After not
competing for five years I managed to win Best Shod
foot in the Finals at Calgary in 2005 along with third
overall. Many great memories were had travelling and
competing on the Canadian Farriers Team throughout
North America and abroad in England and Scotland. I
was also delighted to judge the World Team
Championships in Stoneleigh, England in 1996 as well as
the World Championships in Calgary in 2002.
I would like to thank all my great mentors including
Hank McEwan, Bob Marshall and Dave Duckett. I am
thankful for all my horseshoeing friends around the
world this is definitely one great surprise.

Introducing the 2012 Canadian Farriers Team
Nathan Powell - High River, Alberta:
I was born and raised in the small town of
Valemount, BC (if you are a snowmobiler you know
it, otherwise good luck). I started pulling nails out of
rusty horseshoes for my father, Dan, at a young age. I
remember helping him when I was young but he quit
shoeing in the mid-eighties. I worked as a wrangler for
various outfitters throughout high school before
applying to take the Farrier Science Program at Olds
College in 1993. It was here under the instruction of Art
Gallais and Murray Young that I nailed my second
horseshoe on. Then in 1993 I was selected to be part of
the Calgary Stampede Floor Crew for their World
Championship Blacksmiths Competition. After spending
a few years working under farriers such as Ron Tucker
and John Cook in the Calgary area I managed to
establish enough of a business to call it home. I made
the Canadian Farrier Team for the first time in 1998 and
have enjoyed a few trips to the International
Competition in Stoneleigh, England since then.
I have enjoyed the company of many
knowledgeable and interesting farriers in my short
twenty years. I currently live in High River, Alberta with
my wife Lindsay. I enjoy spending time on our ranch
with our kids Taryn, Matayia and Norman. My shoeing
business is mainly focused in the southern end of
Calgary and consists of a combination of show
jumpers, dressage and ranch horses.
Matt Kuechler - Cremona, Alberta:
Matt Kuechler is an Ontario native that
graduated from Olds College in 2003. He resides in
Cremona, Alberta with his lovely wife of six years,
Marlies and their three children Kora 5yrs, Aidan 3yrs
and Lane 17months. Matt took a break from the
demands of competing with their latest addition to the
family and has just recently returned to the competitive
stage. Some of Matt’s accomplishments include being a
part of the Canadian Farrier Team for 2008, 2009 and
again in 2012.

Justin Fountain - Kamloops, BC:
Introducing the 2012 Canadian Farriers Team
Hi I'm Justin Fountain, I'm 23 years old from
Kamloops BC. I've been shoeing horses full time for five
years now, and have been competing since I was in
farrier school. Living in Kamloops and being around and
riding horses all through high school, I knew I wanted to
shoe horses as a career. So after graduation I moved to
Langley where I was a working student for a dressage
trainer for a short time before starting farrier school.
During this time I also met Steve Dixon who would later
become my boss as I served my three year
apprenticeship under him, and then went on to work for
him for another year and a half. During this time I also
passed the AFA exams to become a Certified Farrier and
then a Certified Journeyman Farrier. I also competed in
many small competitions as well as some larger ones
such as the Calgary Stampede, AFA Convention, and
Canadian Horseshoeing Championships. In 2011 I was
selected for the Canadian Farrier Team, and once again
had the opportunity to compete at the Calgary
Stampede, as well as the International Team
Championships in Stoneleigh, England. Since returning
home from England in the fall I have relocated back to
my home town of Kamloops where I am working on
establishing and expanding a business of my own. This
year I was selected as alternate on the Canadian Farrier
Team, and will once again be competing in Calgary and
England.
Theresa Coates (Manager) - Harrison Hot
Springs, BC:
I have been around horses my whole life; I grew
up on a family farm in the Fraser Valley, BC. I went
through the Kwantlen University Farrier Program in
2009 and then progressed into an Apprenticeship with
Steve Dixon. I had a setback last year with a wrist injury
that resulted in surgery and time off that I decided
would be best spent by furthering my education by
obtaining my Business Degree which I could later
combine with farriery. I am currently between my 2 nd -
3 rd year of my Business Degree with a Major in Policy
and Program Development, and a Double Minor in
Economics and Communications. In addition to my
schooling and return to farrier work I co-manage the
WCFA website and Facebook page, am the Fraser Valley
Representative, and am on the Senate for the University
of the Fraser Valley and the Senate sub-committees for
Governance, and Academic and Planning Priorities.
I also had the opportunity as a student to work
as part of the Calgary Stampede Floor Crew for the 2009
World Championship Blacksmiths Competition and was
impressed with the high level of commitment and
professionalism that the competitors from around the
world engage in. I was further impressed with the
willingness and generosity of all the competitors to
extend invitations, enabling us to spend time learning
from them. This, combined with my time spent speaking
with and learning from farriers at various events has led
me to respect and appreciate the strong sense of
community that this industry enjoys and I am delighted
to have the opportunity to give back by promoting and
managing this year’s team. I have had so many
occasions to meet great farriers and mentors and I’m
looking forward to meeting many more in the years to
come.

A Day in the Saloon !!
A few more pictures from a day in the shop at Adaleen Farm.
Adam McQueen and Andrew Gismondi spent a day in the
forge building a pile of tools. Forging out fullers requires
drifting an eye for the handle. The photos depict a pretty
decent technique for achieving a "true eye".

A Horses
Place in
History
A shoers life
come summer
time can get a
bit crazy.
When things
seem to get
overwhelming
I try to
remember that
others have a
significantly
more hectic life than I. Take for instance all of the events that
have shaped the life of the woman in the accompanying
photo. Significant to the equine world?.....probably not! A fall
from a horse though had her "fictitious character" addicted to
alcohol and painkillers. [shoeing some require an addiction to
alcohol and painkillers?]. The woman in the photograph is
Melody Ann Thomas. The role to which she is famous for is
that of Nikki on the Young and the Restless. During my
apprenticeship with Doug Buck, a client would cart the TV out
to the barn so she could watch the Y&R while holding horses.
As a result we all developed a rather disturbing addiction to
this daytime soap. Melody Ann Thomas began her career on
the Y&R in 1979 at the age of 23. Up until that time her
biggest claim to fame was a bit part in John Wayne's final film
"The Shootist". The life of a day-time soap star reads like a
cross-country course, full of obstacles and water
hazards."Nikki's" is no exception. The following is a brief
synopsis of a fully lived life.
� killed her own father in self defense while being
drunkenly attacked
� worked in a strip club
� contracted a venereal disease
� became a prostitute under the guise of a modeling
agency
� stabbed
� survived a shooting attack that saw her shot four
times
� cancer survivor
� developed a serious addiction to painkillers and
alcohol after a fall from a horse
� kidnapped
� shot by a carjacker
� hit by a car
� killed a woman although had no recollection of
doing so
� Married Victor Newman 3 times although one was
deemed illegal
� Also married Greg, Kevin, Tony, Jack, Dr. Joshua
Landers and David
� suffered post traumatic stress disorder [after
reading this you might be suffering as well!!]
Thanks to Doug for sending along this photo. Melody Ann
was making a guest appearance at the Georgetown Mall
where this photo was taken. [Doug assures me he didn't
make a special trip, it just so happened she was there!!]
Ace
Thoughts !!!

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Horseshoeing Contest @ the Holstein Rodeo-July 13-15/2012
Novice Division - $75 Entries
Eagl Eye - 30 min.
plain stamped w/ toe clip
flat plastic pad to fit with shoe
appropriate stock/nail
Forging 1 - 75 min.
left front plain stamped bar shoe
15" x 3/8 x 3/4
7 ESL4
right hind plain stamped bar shoe
14" x 3/8 x 3/4
6 ESL4
Forging 2 - 75 min.
pair of plain stamped hinds w/ toe clips
to measure 5 3/4" long & 5 1/4" wide
6 ESL4
2 pieces of 3/8 x 1 x 10"
TOP FOUR !!!!
Live Shoeing - 60 min.
shoe one hind foot using a keg shoe
shoe provided is an SSP *Front*
must be quarter clipped, definite inside/outside
heels
specimen shoe: 3/4 fullered shoe for the opposite
front foot. 3/8 x 3/4 x appropriate length, 6 ESL4
[does not have to fit to actual foot]
Tool Makin' Classic !!!
Novice vs Novice, Int. vs Int., Open vs Open
make your best punch & pritchel to fit plain
stamped ESL4 in 3/8 x 3/4. Open punches
must have wooden handle. $10 to enter,
winner take all !!!!
[entries must be received prior to contest start]
Intermediate Division - $100 Entries
Eagle Eye - 30 min.
3/4 fullered w/ toe clip
flat plastic pad to fit with shoe
appropriate stock/nail
Forging 1 - 75 min.
left front 3/4 fullered front bar shoe
15" x 3/8 x 3/4
7 ESL4
right hind 3/4 fullered bar shoe
14" x 3/8 x 3/4
6 ESL4
Forging 2 - 75 min.
pair of 3/4 fullered hinds w/ toe clips
to measure 5 3/4 long & 5 1/4 wide
6 ESL4
2 pieces of 3/8 x 1 x 10"
TOP FOUR !!!!
Live Shoeing - 60 min.
shoe one hind foot w/ 3/4 fullered, must be
quarter clipped with definite inside/outside heels
using appropriate length of 3/8 x 3/4
specimen shoe: plain stamped shoe for the
opposite front foot. 3/8 x 3/4 x appropriate length,
6 ESL4
[does not have to fit to actual foot]
Belt Buckle to the Open Champ!!!
Prize Money
Everyone gets a chance to shoe a foot!!!
Free Standing Rigs !!
OPEN DIVISION - $200 Entries - We'll keep you posted...Hahahaaa
Clinic - Friday Contest - Saturday & Sunday

Holstein Rodeo Horseshoeing Contest -
Open Division classes
[In case you wanted to know!!]
Class1
eagle eye ( judges choice)
Class 2 - 60 mins
deep seated fullered front 1"x3/8 13"
Front heart bar 3/8 3/4 17 1/2"
class 3 - 60 mins
French hind fullered w/ masselots 13"
Plain stamped roadster 11 1/2" toe clip
Class 4 - 65 mins
live shoeing fullered front appropriate stock
Specimen .. Carriage horse hind with block heel
caulking's jump welded toe bar fullered 16 1/2" of
1x1/2
Top 5 competitors qualify for the finals to shoe
two feet flat 3/4 fullered front or hind clipped
appropriate stock .
60 min
The Ontario Farriers Association made a donation
to the Ontario Standarbreds Adoption Society in
exchange for the use of their horses at convention.
We recently received a very nice Thank You card
with a note that we are more than welcome to use
the horses again in the future!!
June 2012 OFA Battle of the Brains- Winner
to win a $25 Tim Horton's Gift Certificate
Rules
-The FIRST one to answer all True and False Questions
correctly will win Gift Certificate.
- When submitting answers please include your mailing
address.
- Answers will ONLY be accepted between June 24th to 30th
{to give everyone a chance to receive their newsletter}.
Please e-mail to Tim Koelln
tntkoelln@cogeco.ca
- All other correct answers will
go into a Mystery Draw to be
drawn at Spring Convention.
- OFA Board Members will be
EXCLUDED from contest.
-Cheating is allowed and
encouraged.
1- Phil Robinson was the first
person to discover America.
2-The Lateral Extension Tendon is different between the
Thoracic and Pelvic limbs.
3-Ontario Veterinary College is located in Guelph Ontario.
4-Main Extensor Tendon inserts proximal end P1, proximal
end P2, and proximal end P3 .
5-Casius Clay was the greatest Black golfer to ever play the
game.
6-Chris Zizian was one of the founding members of the OFA.
7-Muhommand Ali was also
on the
boat when
Phil
Robinson
discovered
America.
8-Arteries
pump red
oxygenated blood away from the heart.
9-Adam McQueen and Stewart Bruce have
both been on the Canadian Farriers Team.
10-A Blemish will make a horse unsound for their daily work.
Bonus Question- Worth 2 Draws to Mystery Draw
This man did not know where he was
going, did not know where he was
when he got there, and when he got
home did not know where he had
been. Who was this man?
GOOD LUCK

The Members Page
Keep a look-out for an OFA sponsored clinic in late August/early September!! Michele
MacRae and your board of directors are working on hosting Jennifer Horne CJF from
Michigan to present a
shoeing/forging/blacksmithing clinic. Jennifer
is a dynamo and has been an integral part of the
Michigan Horseshoers Association, the oldest
organized assoc. in the USA. for the past several
years. I have seen her recently win the "best prepared draft foot"
at the Jan. contest and her blacksmithing skills are amazing!!

For All Your
Horseshoeing Needs
P r o f e s s i o n a l F a r r i e r S u p p l y I n c
At Professional Farrier Supply we pride ourselves on customer service and
have worked hard to become a Canadian leader in the industry. By offering
competitive pricing on an extensive inventory in a friendly atmosphere, we
like to consider ourselves both knowledgeable and dependable.
P r o f e s s i o n a l F a r r i e r S u p p l y I n c .
23 Coles Cres
Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2
For all your horseshoeing needs.
Phone: 1-800-563-7862
Fax: 519-940-9432
E-mail:
info@profarriersupply.com