Western Canadian Farriers AssociationFebruary 2017 Newsletter

Board of Directors

President: Iain Ritchie (604) 786-1531Vice President: Spencer Hazelwood (403)559-6533Treasurer: Mary Blackstock (604)-462-8572Secretary: Marie Leginus (604) 838-5380Newsletter: Sherry Payne (403) 586-1055Vancouver Island: North- Mark Hobby(250)703-3311 South- Ben Yager (250) 889-3776Fraser Valley: John Dixon (604) 831-3011 Heather O’Brien (604) 329-2468Okanagan: Adam Dagenstein (778) 808-2431Northern B.C.: Calvin Read (250)698-7387Northern Alberta: Greg Torunchuck (780)886-9182Southern Alberta: Kim Lacey (403)391-6903Saskatchewan : Paula Morch (306)960-9366Manitoba : Patrick Cleaver (204) 794-5247

Presidents Message

Hello everybody, Even though temperatures in Western Canada have been frigid over the last couple months, it sure has been heating up with lots of WCFA activity ! We started off the year with the Hank Mcewan Memorial competition in Langley BC. Thanks to Aaron Steeves and Rick Higginson for judging and to Teressa Coates and Alissa Ruschienski for organizing. Great job everybody that took part. Since then, there have been a number of great clinics organized by some of our area reps...We've had a "Competition Preparation Clinic " at the Olds college with Mr Justin 'Ice Man' Fountain. The guys in the Okanagan hosted a "Back to Basics Clinic " with Mr Matt 'Solid Brother' Keuchler. Even the usually dormant group on Vancouver Island got in on the act and invited Mr James ' Hall of Fame' Findler to head across to share his thoughts on dealing with quarter cracks. Heading into late March and April, we have two contests coming up in Alberta. They are usually very well attended, give away terrific prizes and belt buckles and I guarantee if you attend at least one of them, that you will learn something that will make you a better horseshoer ! We (the association) haven't directly organized, but have been involved with a "Tool Making Clinic "on Salt Spring Island and a "Leg Disection and Anatomy " clinic in Edmonton over the last month too. Great work by everyone involved! So my message is..... To all you guys and gals that help organize and run these competitions and clinics... I would like to say a huge THANK YOU!! It's because you do what you do that makes this association the most active and healthiest in North America!!

Speak soon,

Iain Ritchie DWCF

Upcoming Events

March 4Forging Clinic with Colain DuretContact Doug Neal for info(403-923-2438)

Wildrose Blacksmithing CompetitionMarch 24-25 Barrhead Alberta Judge Iain Ritchie

March 31-April 1Mitch Taylor Clinic at Olds CollegeContact Kim Lacey for info

FAWS Spring Competition April 6-8 Walla Walla, Washington Judge Travis Koons

Alberta Farrier ChampionshipsApril7-8 Strathmore Alberta Judges/Clinicians Dean Sinclair and Travis Buck

Masters Cup & Team Trials May 5-7 Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec

Hello everyone! Hope everyone is having a great winter, especially the farriers on the west coast!

In February we had Justin Fountain fly out for a contest preparation clinic at Olds College. It was a great turnout of participants who were from the novice to the open divisions. Justin covered everything from forging techniques to prepping and shoeing horses in everyday work and under pressure of a contest atmosphere. I wanted to give a big thank you to Justin, Mike and Bari. It wouldn't have been such a success without your help and the time you provided to make it happen.  In Alberta, we are looking forward to a very busy spring. Here is what's coming up;-March 4: Forging Clinic with Colain Duret hosted by Doug Neal-March 24/25: Wildrose Shoeing Contest-March 31 & April 1: Mitch Taylor Clinic @ Olds College-April 7/8: Alberta Farrier Championships Feel free to call me if you have any questions Kim Lacey403-391-6903

Canadian Farrier Team report

Hello everyone! As the last competition for the 2016 Canadian Farrier Team draws near, fires are burning hot despite the frigid winter temps!

The World Horseshoeing Classic is the final competition for the 2016 team. It is being held in Lexington, KY and hosted the Kentucky Horseshoeing School. It is promising to be a fantastic competition to both compete in and attend to watch.

In preparation for the next competition the team has scheduled 3 team practices the first of which was held at Rachael and Randy Brassard’s. These folks are unbelievable hosts! We had a great time and THANK YOU to Aaron Steeves, CFT alumni and a judge at this year’s Classic, for donating his time to help fine tune the team for this up-coming event. I have included a few pictures from the practice for you to see.

Travis Buck

Randy Brassar

Sara Vanderpol Dan Corkery

This has been a great year for the team. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year’s team trials! The Masters Cup held in Quebec. May 5-7, 2017 For more information check out their Facebook page.

“La coupe des maîtres” “The Master Cup”All of our national associations have been extremely supportive for the team this year and the team is very grateful. Thank you all for your support!!!Watch for an update on The World Classic Horseshoeing competiton….

Once again a shout out to our sponsors, it’s just not possible without YOU... FPD, Professional Farrier Supply, WCFA, AMFQ, OFA, Silverback Chaps, Flatland Forge, JA Tools, Foreman Tools, Renegade Tools, Russ Gaudet, Derek Gardner, Back On Track.

Farriery as a Trade in Alberta

I have met up with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Board. This is the branch of government who works with established trades and designates new trades in Alberta. In Alberta, there are two main types of trades; compulsory and designated trades. A compulsory trade is a skill set which legally requires a certification to work in this field. Automotive mechanic is an example of this in Alberta. A designated trade does not have a compulsory certification legally required to work. After sitting down with this board for almost 2 hours it seemed like of the two types of trades, becoming a designated trade fit our skill set best. It gave the benefits of a structured training process but did not have an extremely rigid apprenticeship found in the compulsory trades. Although anyone could provide services like a designated trade, to be provincially recognized as a skilled worker in a designated occupation one must meet a set of requirements. For a group who wants to achieve this designation, this board will work to develop training and assessment protocol as well as establish ways for examination of newly trained people. Most designated trades have classroom and field components with set hours of enrollment and detailed curriculums. As an industry, we would decide what is taught to new students and what kind of competency is required to successfully complete the training process. The board has the knowledge and experience of setting up many training systems that generate individuals who can be successful in their field. This board has no interest in forcing themselves on any industry and were very clear that industry support was necessary to proceed in the process of making farriery a designated trade. This board does work with similar government branches in other provinces should there be a push going beyond Alberta and can facilitate cooperation between any provinces (ie farriers in other provinces pushing for designation) to develop a synonymous skill set. There is a lot of leg work involved should we as an industry want to be recognized as a skilled profession. 3-5 years is a realistic time frame should we push forward with it. I think this is an excellent opportunity to generate recognition of our skill set and to improve the quality of farriery. It would provide some common ground as to what is proper and acceptable. I would like some feedback on this from members. The good, bad, and the ugly. Email me if you don’t what to talk to me. I truly want to know how this sits within our membership.

Stay safe,Greg Toronchuk

Steel In Motion

In mid summer Iain Ritchie and myself, James Findler were asked to judge the World Championship Blacksmith Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada. We both accepted and next stop we were boarding a plane together from Bellingham, WA. Prior to the Championships Iain and myself had to make specimen choices. I chose a graduated diamond toe shoe and a straight bar heart bar. My choices were to prove challenging and well suited for coke fires. Iain’s choices were also equally as challenging for the competitors. We then had until September to forge the chosen shoes. Little did I know at the time my two pieces of steel; 13 ½ x 1 x ½ and 19” x 1 x 3/8, were to be on a global tour of their own. Iain took our specimens with him to a contest in Wyoming were he would hand them over to Craig Trnka. Next they would accompany Craig as specimens at a contest in South Africa. Finally they would end up In Nevada to be viewed at the National Championships for WCB Dec 8 to 10, 2016. The competition was held over three days and most the work was top notch. A past World Champion was competing along with top contenders and young up and comers. An extremely fun, well organized venue, exceptional equipment and a positive atmosphere. A must attend for any farriers wanting to test their skills and continue learning. Big thanks to Craig and Christine Trnka, all the WCB members and my co-judge Iain Ritchie.

Marie Leginus’ A.W.C.F. Journey

I had first learned of the Associate of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, (A.W.C.F.) Exam when Gerard Laverty was prepping to take it himself in 2009. At that time, I had been out of school for a year, and working as Gerard’s assistant at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. In my eyes, this exam was so far ahead of me that I would have to be shoeing for years and years to attempt it. It was something that I had thought was out of reach for myself, as I put it up on a high pedestal that only the ‘great’ would be accomplishing. It was always in the back of my mind, and as a few years go by, Gerard had said ‘It’s much easier while you’re young to attempt the exam, rather than later in life when things are busier with family etc’. So the wheels started turning, and it was October of 2015 that I made up my mind, the following year I would sit the exam. For those who are not familiar with this exam, it is the second highest level of examination in England by the Worshipful Company of Farriers. The Worshipful Company of Farriers is a guild that was created in 1356, as a means to keep a standard of farriery and horse welfare its main objective. Over the years, it has changed, providing higher levels of examinations, farrier registration, training, horse welfare, and more. There are three main examinations, the Diploma, the Associate, and the Fellowship. Those who graduate the diploma level, which would be a 4 year apprenticeship program to set you out on your own as a farrier, are able to take the second level which is called the Associate. Being Canadian, and having the equivalent level of the diploma by holding the AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier made me able to take the Associate Exam. This exam was an in depth exam, focusing on theory, and practical parts of horseshoeing. There is an essay exam, two separate oral examinations, a live horseshoeing exam, a modern materials section (glue on shoes etc), and a therapeutic horseshoe display board that was to be brought with me from home. The live horseshoeing exam was difficult, as you aren’t told what you were to be making on the exam date. In the Syllabus there is a list of 25 shoes, along with their variations that on the day two of these shoes would be put on. I sent messages around asking others who had passed the exam their thoughts, and asked for advice, tips, and strategy for studying and practicing. This part was the most overwhelming part; there is a daunting list of shoes and study topics in front of you that seems endless. Sarah Beane F.W.C.F., a renowned female farrier in the U.K., was a large part of my theory and practical preparation; she guided me with study topics, and questions each week. Gerard Laverty, and Iain Ritchie were very helpful at home, helping me with forging and figuring out how to make certain shoes. A local veterinarian, Dr. Robyn Kopala from West Coast Equine Clinic helped me with the X-Ray/Nerve Block aspect of the exam. I travelled a lot throughout the year, going to England twice prior to the exam, once to spend time with Gary Darlow, and a second to Sarah Beane’s. I felt these trips were essential to getting a feel of what the exam was going to be like, as well as having a full week or so away from home and other distractions.

My weeks went from relaxing after work, or heading to the gym, to studying at my desk, or going to the shop to forge. Stress became a large part of my life, and I learned I had to structure which day of

the week I was going to do what. Between managing a business, trying to study, forge, and spend time with family, it became a very scattered year. There were days I would wonder what I was even doing, and if it was worth it, I wanted to quit, go home early, and throw down the books, all the negative thoughts were there. Pushing those thoughts away with all the reasons why I wanted to do this made it much easier, though it was still a roller coaster ride. The exam itself was held in October in Melton Mowbray, at the Army Barracks. It was a beautiful facility to have the opportunity to spend time at. I spent the week prior to the exam with Sarah Beane working on strategy and finessing certain aspects. This felt like the longest and most stressful time of the whole year, though at the same time it was a very surreal experience. She drove me to the exam site and hotel the night before the big day. I can say I didn’t sleep much that night! Nor could I eat anything other than toast and water, the nerves had set in. I did my best to get my head in the game and focus. I met some lovely people at dinner who were also taking the exam and we all talked about the whole process. The exam was held over two days, the first day being the theory & oral part and the second day was the practical horseshoeing and modern materials. There was the theory exam, in essay format, followed by oral exams by three separate examiners, two farriers & one veterinarian. They each held a horse and their questions were on anatomy, lameness, diagnosis, as well as x-rays. The next step was the shoe display oral, where I sat in front of my examiners and explained the reasoning behind the shoes I chose to bring. The second day was our live shoeing practical exam, that morning we found out the shoes we would be making. They were an aluminum ¾ fullered equilibrium shoe with quarter clips on the front paired with a graduated hind straight bar with a set toe on the hind. These horses were large hunt horses, with feet measuring about 17-18” around, making things a bit more difficult. Last but not least was the modern materials aspect, where we were given two tasks to apply to a cadaver leg. The tasks were to glue on an aluminum shoe and then apply a lateral extension applicable to the cadaver leg we were given. This part of the exam is good, because these skills are necessary to have when dealing with different types of lameness, or injuries. The ability to glue on a shoe may come in to play in your future; on perhaps a laminitic horse who is uncomfortable with nailing, or even glueing on an extension on a foal who wouldn’t be able to hold a shoe. The relief that was felt after it was all said and done was incredible. I had a few drinks and phoned everyone who had a part in me being there to let them know I had completed it. Now a different type of stress was upon me, as the results aren’t posted immediately. It took almost a week until I found out how I did via email. All that time and energy put into this one goal, all the hours spent studying, practicing, and travelling, it had all come down to this result; the email said Congratulations, you have passed the AWCF Examination!

A long time ago, a friend told me “You’re going to do great things”. I have always thought of this when I’ve come to an obstacle, or a new goal in the future and I have taken it to heart. I want to do great things, and I want to be great. My motivation for doing this exam was to try to fulfill that quotation, and to truly inspire others to be great as well.

Marie Leginus A.W.C.F.

Hank McEwan Memorial Clinic

Another great year at the Hank McEwan Memorial contest. Aaron Steeves and Rick Higginson dedicated their valuable time and knowledge to come out and judge this year. They also put on a great clinic where they both shod some feet and explained their views on the work they were doing. Dr. Maloufi led a horse limb dissection on the first evening, focusing on muscle and connective tissues. It was very interesting to see all the different muscle groups as we got further into the limb. Dr. Maloufi did a great job identifying and explaining the different tissues as he was removing them from the limb. The contest ran very smoothly through both days and there were some great prizes awarded to the competitors. I would like to give a huge thanks to Theresa Coates for organizing everything.

Contest High Point Results:Division 1-Jessica BookeyDivision 2-Spencer Wall Division 3- Matt Findler

Matt Findler

Anatomy Clinic

On February 18, Dr. Sean Archibald opened the doors of this clinic and farrier shop for us to provide an anatomy clinic which included a limb dissection and radiograph overview. We had a great turnout that even included a few keen horse owners nearly filling Sean’s clinic. A long-time client of mine graciously donated her lame mare’s front legs to us for a limb dissection. We were able to acquire some old radiographs which were used as a comparison to new ones Sean took before the dissection. The dissection took nearly four hours (with a short break in-between). There were tons of questions and interjections that kept derailing Sean from the dissection although every conversation was extremely interesting! After lunch Sean gathered some radiographs featuring some common causes of navicular/heel type pain, some laminitic feet, plus some odd and unusual patients. He showed us how different positions of radiograph exposure can change how the images are projected. Sean gave some insight about a couple new treatments which have been providing positive results. There was an excellent discussion that continued well into the afternoon. Thank you for everyone who attended and I want to extent our appreciation to Sean and Christine Archibald for donating their time and hosting this event.

Greg Toronchuk

Riley Kirkpatrick visits Southern Gulf Islands

On February 3-4, 2017 on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia; Jeri and Alison Sparshu werepleased to host Riley Kirkpatrick, of Salem, Oregon at Thistle Rock Forge, their home shop.Fifteen eager participants travelled from western Canada and Oregon to attend an intensive twoday tool making clinic. The first day focused on hammers and the second tongs. Kirkpatrick started by congratulating the attendees on “Owning their trade”, a theme thatembodied the weekend. Drawing on knowledge from his recent trip to Flatland Forge andchanneling a bit of Jay Sharp, Riley demonstrated a fantastic step-by-step lesson plan thatenabled everyone to stay on task and work together to learn his style of tool making. There were rookies starting out, and those who have been shoeing for over 40 years, no one cameaway without learning a lot. Bold big steps for some, the small subtle nuances of moving steeland hammer control for others. Mother Nature had a laugh, and hit them with an unusual springsnowstorm, but there was plenty of food, steel, fuel and enthusiasm, so they just kepthammering away until they'd gone through a lot 4140 tool steel, 300 lbs of propane, 30 lbs ofpulled pork, maybe a beer or two, and built some impressive tools.

Clinic sponsors included The Western Canadian Farrier's Association and Mighty Forge.Proceeds from this clinic are going to Ross Kettleson, a local farrier going through some majorhealth challenges. The hammer that Riley built on the weekend is up for auction, with the moneygoing to Ross and family too. Information is on Thistle Rock Forge’s/Kirkpatrick Forge’s/WesternCanadian Farrier’s Association’s FB pages. Auction close February 28, 2017.

Hammer-In and Contest Practice in Strathmore

I just wanted to make a quick note and say thanks to Chad Lausen for opening up his shop to everyone for practice on February 4th. There was an awesome turnout of guys and gals, ranging in all levels of experience. Having get-togethers like these benefits everyone, it’s a great way to not only get in lots of practice, but also learn from different people, see different ways of doing things and keep learning and growing in the trade. Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand or give a demo, as well as critique each-others work and motivate each-other. Plus we got to hang out and have pizza, so who can complain about that!