The American and International Associations of Professional Farriers (AAPF/IAPF) is accepting applications for its annual Roy Bloom Scholarship.

The program aims to encourage farriers to pursue continuing education by attending the International Hoof-Care Summit, as well as participating in the AAPF/IAPF Mentoring program.

The scholarship program annually recognizes two eligible farriers by providing each of them a package that includes:

• Registration to the International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Transportation to the Summit (either by auto reimbursement or air travel).
• Lodging at the Summit (up to 4 nights).

A grand prize winner will be selected from the two farriers who will also be awarded an opportunity to work 3 days with an AAPF/IAPF mentor of their choice. Transportation and lodging expenses will be paid by the program.

Scholarship entries will be separated into two categories:

1. Farriers having less than 5 years of experience.
2. Farriers having 5 or more years of experience.

To be eligible for the scholarship, the farrier:

• Must be a current member of the AAPF/IAPF.
• May have previously applied.
• Must never have attended the International Hoof-Care Summit.
• Must be willing and able to attend the AAPF/IAPF annual General Meeting at the International Hoof-Care Summit.
• Submit an application.
• A fellow member of the association must submit a letter of recommendation for the applicant.

The application should include an essay that discusses the subject, “Why I Would Like to be a Recipient of the Roy Bloom Scholarship.” The essay should address the following considerations:

• What you hope to receive by attending the International Hoof-Care Summit.
• The impact of attending the Summit on your farrier practice.
• The benefits you have received (or hope to receive) through your involvement in the AAPF/IAPF Mentoring program.
• Additional information describing your education and experience.

The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 1, 2019. Winners will be announced no later than Nov. 15, 2019.

The program is named for International Horseshoeing Hall Of Fame member and founding AAPF board member Roy Bloom of Drummond, Wis. The owner of Bloom Forge is a popular clinician, having presented clinics in more than a score of states. He is known for his uncanny knack for delivering highly valuable shoeing ideas. His successful line of instructional videos has helped him reach an even wider audience. 

For information, contact Frank Reilly, chair of the Scholarship Committee, at (610) 241-4773 or equimedsurg@aol.com; or Bryan Quinsey, AAPF/IAPF executive director, at 859-533-1465 or bryan@professionalfarriers.com. Applications may be submitted online.