Members of the American Farrier's Association gathered in Omaha, Neb., in late February for their 35th annual convention. As always, the event featured contests, camaraderie, entertainment and education, but the convention also was one of those years that signaled a changing of the guard.

Dave Ferguson of Cambridge, Md., was elected president, filling the post being vacated by immediate past president Craig Trnka of Edgewood, N.M., who had served the maximum two consecutive terms allowed by AFA bylaws. Ferguson received 785 votes to 631 votes for Leighton, Iowa, farrier Jeff Ridley.

John Blombach of Westminster, Mass., was elected treasurer, receiving 901 votes to 487 for Michael Joshua of Denver, Colo. Blombach takes the post being vacated by David Edens of Graham, Texas.

Bob Earle of Chino Valley, Ariz., continues as vice president and Walt Taylor of Albuquerque, N.M., continues as secretary.

Shortly after the convention, AFA Executive Director Bryan Quinsey announced he was resigning to take a position with the Friesian Horse Association of North America. Mike Nolan of Frankfort, Ky., has been engaged to serve as a consultant to the Executive Committee until a new executive director has been named.

Among the highlights of the Board of Directors meeting were:

• The election of Tim Quinn of Jeddo, Mich., and the Michigan Horseshoers Association as the AFA Board of Directors representative to the Executive Committee.
• The approval of the 2006-2007 budget, which included a dues increase for regular and associate members from $105 to $150 and student dues from $35…