Seems that some Canadians have decided to join the pretenders . . . http://www.americanfarriers.com/pag...ciation-of-Professional-Farriers-launches.php
Is that American group the new one that gives CE points?... I think we need another org that focus on Shoeing the horse in all aspect of the trade ..as I feel AFA puts to much efforts in other areas of the trade ..I do think its a great thing they do and have done but feel it needs a major balance..it seems a little one sided and I feel it needs to push more understanding of what they do to horse owning public ..more than not clients don't know what AFA is..when the new org come out I was pretty hopeful ..but I noticed some had valid point so felt I would wait to see what they where gonna to push and was it just a new group of guys that started it due to internal issues while in the AFA and most seem to have been pretty high up in the AFA..so was this just them getting they toys and leave to start they own org so they could have it they way....does anyone know how that org is doing ..I seen where they would no approve the AFA in there CE points..if I seen that right I have a big issue with that..I feel any and all ce should count..I think that's what the orgs should be all about.. did I see and understand that correct..that the new org did not allow ce credits for one of the AFA shin digs
With Fran as their official blogger they are doing just fine. I did notice they have "barefoot trimmer" listed as a profession under farrier search. For that, I can't find fault with them. Maybe they will eventually bridge the gap and have a system where the two (trimmer, farrier) can co-exist peacefully. But that's a whole 'nother topic. Travis, It looks like if you attend the AFA convention that is worth 20 CE points (the IHCS is worth 24). Looks like it takes a minimum of 16 CE credits to stay accredited. It's possible if the AFA clinics are not recognized for CE credits that the hosts did not apply for CE credit status--I'd suggest you call the host of the AFA clinics and ask them if they even applied..
Besides the convention, the AFA does not host any other clinics. It is denigrating to the AFA to have any of their programs recognized by this pretentious bunch.
Tom, The following is a quote from an article on Blackburnforge.com Is that no longer true or is a workshop not a clinic?
Tom please in detail on why you feel this strong negative about the new org and they system they have in place..I have watch enough of your post to know you study on things pretty hard...... Also can someone confirm that fran is a real spokesperson or is she just a blogger... Anyone can join..but does the org take claim of her having a role as the mouth pc for this org or is she acting alone as a blogger......Dennis trimmers and farriers should be able to have a professional relationship..and trimmers should be able to belong to any org that deals in hoofcare..that's my opinion but I know it can be tuff..and let's face it .some trimmers make it tuff to respect them as I'm sure some farriers do as well... Imho our industry is in need of a no agenda org that is willing to teach and teach horse owners and bridge that gap as a one power house that is about nothing but education and it being straight across...no teams ...no segragation of other orgs ..every org has someting to offer ..every farrier every trimmers ..every horse owner every vet has something to teach and pass on to the next guy for a better horse as the end result..
Denise, the AFA does not "host" workshops, clinics, or certifications. The hosting is done by local organizations, individuals, or schools. The very next sentence in the publication you are quoting says, "Information about Pre-Certification Workshops and Certification events is available from any of the several local, State, or regional chapters of the AFA." Having organized a few of these events myself, I can tell you for a fact that the AFA was not involved in any capacity, the DFA (hosting organization) is not an AFA chapter, and I am not an AFA member.
Let me see if I understand you correctly. You organized events that were geared towards AFA pre-certification or actual AFA Certification and there was no involvement from the AFA or from a member of the AFA? (I just know that's not what you meant). What I am saying to Travis is--- if someone, anyone, hosts a clinic that is geared towards AFA certification, the host of that clinic could probably contact the Professional Farriers and request that clinic receive CE status. The fact that the AFA convention rates 20 CE credits would lead me to believe a clinic geared towards AFA certification, hosted by whomever, would rate CE credits. I think it's the host responsibility to request the CE rating if they want to receive CE rating.
Travis, I think one venue that tries to present a broad education is the IHCS. You can go to one lecture where one speaker will present his perspective of tackling a particular issue and the very next speaker contradicts what the first speaker said. It can be a very confusing sort of way to learn things, but it does show the diversity in people's opinions or how there can be more than one way to solve a problem. Sometimes have to have a very open mind to entertain some of the ideas presented though.... One downside of the IHCS is it is not a hand's-on clinic with demos on live horses or where you can actually get your hands dirty.
I think you go out of your way to get the meaning of whatever I write wrong. Obviously you see some value in an organization that sells phony credentials.
Ce creds are phoney..or do u get some fancy letters behind ur name when u join...I don't know enough about it I guess..I thought it was based on CE... The CE I understand as most anyone that has ever worked outside of Shoeing may have had to have ce credits..kinda makes sense to me..
So if you, as a Trimmer, and I, as a Farrier, each send someone a check, then we can "co-exist peacefully"? How about this scenario; you do your trimming well and I recommend you to clients who just need their horse trimmed that I can't get to for some reason. You recommend me to your clients who need to have their horse shod for some reason. Then when we see each other at a barn we are glad to see one another and speak peacefully together. With the money we saved by not purchasing phony papers and letters, we could even buy each other lunch occasionally.
