Sooner than later it will be time to take the annual trip to the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) convention. The event will be held from March 6 through 9, 2002, in Lexington, Ky.  

Convention organizers are in the process of putting together a great lineup of speakers on the latest horseshoeing issues. 

Thomas B. Parris from Alpha Omega Equine Service in Woodbine, Md., will discuss the business aspects of running a shoeing service, Roy Bloom of Drummond, Wis., will speak on tool maintenance and Dr. Tracy Turner, an equine veterinarian from the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minn., will share his expertise on equine lameness, orthopedics, colic and podiatry.

Some of the speakers will also offer demonstrations.  The AFA Gold and Silver Teams will demonstrate their shoeing skills, Mitch Taylor from the Kentucky Horseshoeing School in Mt. Eden, Ky., will perform a hoof dissection and Robert Parks of Sugarcreek, Ohio, will do an Arabian shoeing demonstration.

Certification is bound to be a hot topic at this convention as Bobby Menker from Findlay, Ohio, Steve Stephenson from Molt, Mo., Richard Becker from Lapeer, Mich., and Andrew Elsbree from Greenville N.Y., will discuss their views. 

After you’re through with the convention take the opportunity to explore and experience the Bluegrass Region.

Known as the “City in the Park,” Lexington offers a charming blend of big-city amenities and small-town friendliness. Located in the heart of Kentucky, it’s surrounded by fine restaurants, over 200 antique shops, breathtaking nature reserves and much more. 

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