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NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATIONS

A.F.B.A

As we approach the end of the year that has flown by; we have had a few changes to committee rolls in both state and national positions. Also new state members- Victorian Master Farriers Association becoming members of the AFBA! We look forward to working with different people that bring with them a fresh approach and passion to help the industry like those before them.

The next AFBA competition to be held is in Gidgeganup, West Australia. This competition will bring with it added interest with the current and future champion farriers competing for a spot on the 2020 Australasian farrier team to be sent to the World Team International Championships held each year in Stoneleigh- England. They have gone to great efforts to put together some hard-hitting classes to be judged by a current International champion ‘Ian Ritchie’ from Canada. All the best to each of them, it’s time to let the walking do the talking for these competitors!!

Although the Gidgeganup farrier competition will be the last of the year, there is still lots of work to be done in preparation for next year. Each state is working hard behind the scenes to organize their own states Farrier Competitions. This effort is entirely volunteer from those state members, with nothing to gain other than the future growth and development of the farrier industry in Australia. 

Each of these members seldom get recognition for their effort and I would like to thank each of them for their work and commitment to the Industry thus far. 

Whether it be a clinic, a lecture or a competition, it is great to see likeminded people work together for the greater good of the Australian farrier industry. We all work within this industry each day; it makes perfect sense to support it and help improve and evolve it best we can.

I look forward to the coming year with the Australian Farriers and Blacksmiths Association!

Regards,

Jordon Hammond

AFBA Secretary

 

N.Z.F.A

We have our National Final Farrier Competition on 30 November – 1 December at the Strathmore A&P Show. Entries close 10 November.

Julianne Bryant

 

W.A.F.A

It’s full steam ahead over here at the WAFA as we have recently had our AGM, have had a slight change in the executive committee and also, our state championships which are being held in conjunction with the first annual Australian team trials at Gidgegannup are drawing ever closer!

I have stepped down as Secretary and Ebony Kain who has taken over the treasury position over the last year has stepped up to take on the secretarial duties for the foreseeable future.

We have also recently had our 3 day hands on Tool & Fullering clinic at Red Gully Forge (Matt Smailes’ place) which was conducted by the one and only Gary Darlow. We all learnt an incredible amount, drawing from his extensive knowledge. We worked our way through basic hunter shoes and Caulk & Wedges, right up to Caulk & Feathers and block making/resetting.

We are in the final stages of organising the Australian team trials event which is being held on the 25th & 26th October. It is looking to be a busy and organised event this year! We have had a good amount of entries and have a fantastic judge coming over, Iain Ritchie from Canada. Iain will be conducting an afternoon demonstration on the 24th at Phill Smailes’ forge for the competitors and will also be giving a full day, hands on clinic on the 27th.

There has been some great stuff going on in the local industry over here lately and it will be very exciting to see what comes along in the near future! 

Josh Smailes

 

P.F.A.NSW

There are a number of events and clinics coming up in the next few months

November Friday 15th   - 12/5 X-ray clinic, John Crowley, in Mittagong
January Sunday 19th - Anatomy and shoe fitting, Micheal Fuin, Horseshoe Express Gosford.
February 7/8th – Tenterfield Show – Farrier and Blacksmith competition.

Craig Etherden

 

P.F.B.A.Q

Hello All,

The P.F.B.A.Q continues to remain in a very strong financial position with a current membership of 63 and a committed executive striving to enhance our association and our industry as a whole.

With the year drawing to an end it gives the P.F.B.A.Q committee a chance to take a breath and look forward to next year’s events. To reflect on the year gone so far, 2019 has been a huge success. The existing competitions are thriving at Caboolture and Gatton. We also had the Australian Apprentice of the year competition started up again at Mudgeeraba show and was very well received with over 20 entries. We are looking forward to running this event again in 2020 as it gains momentum. Not to be forgotten, the biggest event on the Australian calendar, the Royal Brisbane Show. Approximately 85 people competed, and the EKKA has become a standout international event. Mr Bruce Donaldson has become our new president and is currently securing Ben Casserly of England as next year’s international judge.

The PFBAQ has also run several clinics throughout the year, our members have enjoyed making horseshoeing knives with Craig Jones and a number of hammers with legendary Terry Drennan. It is proposed that Ryan Harris Hayes (New Zealand) will do a hammer-making clinic in May next year for PFBAQ members.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank MUSTAD for their support of the Australian Apprentice of the Year competition, as well as their many other contributions to all our other competitions. 

Yours Sincerely,

Kate Bell

PFBAQ Secretary

 

S.A.F.A

We have organised a clinic with Dean Lewis for the 7/8 of December in early preparation for the Worshipful Company of Farriers exam next year in November 2020.  It will be a pure class room environment focusing on the benefits, how the exam is done and a guide to studying and how to go about it and some of the theory that will be required to be known by the participant.

Brad Strauss