The American Farrier’s Association is accepting nominations for its annual achievement awards.

“The AFA is a community of member farriers who give unselfishly of their time and expertise, all of which makes our association the vital force that it is in the equine world,” according to the AFA achievement awards nomination form. “Once a year we step back and take the time to honor those individuals who give of their time and talent so freely in service to our community. Please take this opportunity to nominate someone who deserves to be recognized for his or her valuable contributions to the AFA and the farrier industry.”

The deadline to submit nominations is Thursday, Dec. 1. To nominate online, visit https://americanfarriers.org/achievement-awards-nomination-form-submit-online/. Nomination forms may also be filled out by visiting https://americanfarriers.org/achievement-nomination-form-to-print-and-mail/. Forms that are postmarked by Dec. 1, 2016, may be mailed to: American Farrier’s Association, 4059 Iron Works Pkwy., Ste. 1, Lexington, KY  40511. It’s important to note that when nominating an association newsletter, copies of the publication must be submitted to the Achievement Committee. For more information, contact a member of the committee.

AFA Achievement Award Categories

The Allen Smith Award for Excellence in Administration: Recognizes outstanding ability to organize and implement farrier functions.

Jim Linzy Outstanding Clinician Award: Recognizes the exhibition of exceptional abilities while conducting farrier clinics.

J. Scott Simpson Outstanding Educator Award: Recognizes outstanding service and dedication to the field of farrier education.

Edward Martin Humanitarian Award: Recognizes an active effort to promote goodwill in the farrier profession.

Journalism Award: Recognizes meritorious service in collecting, editing and presenting information of interest to farriers.

Walt Taylor Award: Recognizes unlimited service, distinguished contributions and unselfish devotion to the farrier industry.

Sharon Walker Association Newsletter Award: Recognizes the best newsletter from an AFA chapter or other recognized group.

Technical Writing Award: Recognizes outstanding writing involving the shoeing of a horse or treatment of ailments of the equine hoof.

General Interest Article: Recognizes business articles, short stories, editorials, etc., about anything related to the AFA.

Awards will be presented at the 2017 AFA annual Convention in Arlington, Texas.