Changes in the makeup of the board of directors and a refinement in the officer structure were major accomplishments made by the American Farrier’s Association during its recent convention in Albuquerque, N.M.

Instead of having representatives from nearly 50 local chapters meeting in twice-a-year board meetings, a bylaws change reduces the board size to 15 members plus the six officers. By mid-summer, it is anticipated that three new board members from each of five regions will be elected.

In addition, the board created single-year terms for the vice president, president elect and immediate past president, along with a 3-year term for the treasurer. The board will appoint the AFA secretary.

New officers include president-elect, Andrew Elsebree of Greenville, N.Y.; and vice president, Dick Fanguy of Chauvin, La. They join four others serving on the AFA executive committee: president Dave Ferguson, Cambridge, Md.; treasurer John Blombach, Westminister, Mass.; past president Craig Trnka, Edgewood, N.M.; and board representative Tom Trosin, Moorpark, Calif.

Award winners at the AFA convention included: Walt Taylor distinguished service award, Lee Green, Yucaipa, Calif.; outstanding educator, Mitch Taylor, Kentucky Horseshoeing School, Mt. Eden, Ky.; Jim Linzy outstanding clinician award, Mark Milster, Dibble, Okla.; and journalism award, Loose Shoe, Weatherford, Texas;

Earning a AFA certified journeyman farrier therapeutic endorsement were Jeff Hampton, Otis Orchards, Wash.; and Gerard Laverty, Langley, British Columbia.

Members of the AFA 2007 farrier team include: Bill Poor, Manvel, Texas; Billy Reed, Baytown, Texas; Conrad…