2015 AFA Convention Awards

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Dan

The 2015 AFA Convention marked the second year that FPD sponsored the Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division.  Congratulations to the winners and participants highlighted below.

Cole McElroy, high point winner, poses with Dan Burke of FPD.

Cole McElroy, CF, high point winner, poses with Dan Burke of FPD.

 

Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Qualifier Class - Sponsored by FPD, Inc.

Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Qualifier Class – Sponsored by FPD, Inc.

Winners of the Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Qualifier Class – Sponsored by FPD, Inc. were as follows:

1. Sara Vanderpool, CJF
2. Ross Hood, DipWCF
3. Daniel Crowe, CJF
4. Justin Decker, CF
5. Cole McElroy, CF
6. Adam Fahr, CJF

 

Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Journeyman Class - Sponsored by FPD, Inc.

Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Journeyman Class – Sponsored by FPD, Inc.

Winners of the Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Journeyman Class – Sponsored by FPD, Inc. were as follows:

1. Cole McElroy, CF
2. Marc Lemieux (not pictured)
3. Justin Decker, CF
4. Olivier Dufresne, CJF
5. Russel Stevens, CF
6. Remington Leach, CJF

 

Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Specialty Forging Class - Sponsored by Farrier Product Distribution

Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Specialty Forging Class – Sponsored by FPD, Inc.

Winners of the Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division Specialty Forging Class- Sponsored by FPD, Inc. were as follows:

1. Marc Lemieux (not pictured)
2. Sara Vanderpool, CJF
3. Cole McElroy, CF
4. Remington Leach, CJF
5. Daniel Crow, CJF
6. Justin Decker, CF

The American Farrier’s Team presented FPD with a shoe board in appreciation of FPD’s continued support.

The American Farrier’s Team presented FPD with a shoe board in appreciation of FPD’s continued support. Josh Stanley, Ben Mangan, Linda Hill, Robbie Mederos and Team Manager Conrad Trow. Nto Pictured: Rusty Wells and Jake Engler

Josh Stanley, Ben Mangan, Linda Hill, Robbie Mederos and Team Manager Conrad Trow. Not Pictured: Rusty Wells and Jake Engler.

A close-up of the American Farrier's Team Plaque

A close-up of the American Farrier’s Team Plaque.

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The Season is off to a Great Start in Wellington, Florida

Posted on January 23, 2015 by Dan

Guest Blogger Rob Logsdon

It was a great start to the season in Florida as top horses and farriers once again arrived in Wellington. I had the good fortune to spend a couple of days with top professional farriers in Wellington before attending the Palm Beach Farrier Supply Breakfast.

James Gilchrist, Jason Phillips, Erik Goltzene, and Ben Marshall Disscuss Shoe Modification

James Gilchrist, Jason Phillips, Erik Goltzene, and Ben Marshall Discuss Shoe Modification.

I really appreciated the opportunity to watch these talented farriers at work. It always gives me insight into why they choose the Kerckhaert brand.

Modified Kerckhaert SX8 with leatherpad.

Modified Kerckhaert SX8 with leather pad.

Because of the various shoeing styles, and the horse’s needs, Kerckhaert offers a full range of shoes that gives these professional farriers options. Whether it’s the toe and heel width of the Meister or the DF select, or the breakover of the Classic Roller, Kerckhaert offers the styles and sizes they need. Tim Cable, John Favicchia, Mike Wharton, John Sato, James Gilchrist, Jason Phillips, Erik Goltzene, Ben Marshall and Joe Brock were all kind enough to let me photograph their work and share some of those photos here. All of these guys are dedicated to their profession and, I am happy to say, “Loyal Kerckhaert users.”

The Palm Beach Farrier Supply Breakfast is always a favorite of the farriers and, once again, Joy and Eric did a fantastic job with the food and hospitality. The farriers enjoyed a great breakfast and watched a presentation on Kerckhaert, as well as a video from the FPD/Mike Wildenstein series “Anatomy of the Hoof.”

Dustin McCuan, founder of ETHOS E-Tabs introduced his Hybrid Horseshoes and discussed the benefits of these shoes. The farriers were given an opportunity to view his website www.ethosetabs.com and ask questions regarding the application and removal process for these shoes.

Any time farriers can gather at events like this there is a valuable exchange of ideas and experiences. I know I always come away feeling like I have information I can share with everyone at FPD and Kerckhaert; allowing us to enhance our products and services.

Mike Wharton Modifies a Kerckhaert DF Front to a French Roller.

Mike Wharton modifies a Kerckhaert DF Front to a French Roller.

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Farriers working with Belgian Blacksmith – Part 2

Posted on December 22, 2014 by Dan

The first report on the Roger Bockstaele clinic in Wisconsin showed the participants forming the frame and body of the bird.

This was moving along fairly well so Roger started someone on the task of building the feet. They started with round stock that was then narrowed and drawn to form the claws. Texturing was done with a couple different punches that Roger brought with him. Once the texturing was completed on the toes, they were welded to a leg and set aside to be mounted to the body.

Body Building - Roy Bloom continued working through the formation of the body, meticulously cutting and welding the strips to provide the surface for the feathers.

Body Building – Roy Bloom continued working through the formation of the body, meticulously cutting and welding the strips to provide the surface for the feathers.

While the foot work was taking shape, the numerous feathers that would be needed were started through the process. Roger started with the main wing feathers and started piecing them together, using a template he had shipped along with the light gauge flat stock of various widths used for the framing and feathers.

After veining each feather, the "texturing" was done with a cross pein.

After veining each feather, the “texturing” was done with a cross pein.

Veining, texturing, and cutting to length were the key steps, with everyone pitching in. A bird of the size in this project takes several hundred to a thousand feathers. Roy Bloom could see the feather portion of this would take hours, especially with just one veining tool that Roger brought with him from Belgium.

Roy decided to build a spring tool for his Big Blue air hammer and put that to work to help with the feather production. Tom Willoughby also built a new anvil top tool for veining that was similar to the design that Roger has developed.

Roy's spring tool for veining the feathers.

Roy’s spring tool for veining the feathers. “When in need – just build it,” is Roy Bloom’s shop motto. This tool allowed a lot of feather production to happen in a shorter time frame.

A couple days into it and the first wing was complete and the feet were ready to attach to the body.

A couple days into it and the first wing was complete and the feet were ready to attach to the body.

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E-Tabs Offering Alternative Shoe Application

Posted on December 8, 2014 by Dan
Kerckhaert & E-Tabs

Ethos uses Kerckhaert shoes to ensure best performance of the E-Tab system. This is a Tradition race plate being fit before the glue process begins.

Dustin McCuan of Ethos E-Tabs came to Kentucky recently to demonstrate the application of his “hybrid” shoe concept. He has worked for many years on the race track and in development of the E-Tab system. It offers an alternative to nailing, especially for those horses with wall damage or internal issues that make nailing a painful experience.

Ethos E-Tabs

Ethos E-Tabs

 

The beauty of the Ethos system is the relatively simple process. The key to success is the superior Tab or “clip” design that is welded to a superior shoe (Kerckhaert). This allows a minimal amount of glue to secure the shoe to the foot, without having to glue in the heel area where it might restrict function of the foot. The acrylic glue is applied to the ground surface of the shoe in the toe quarters and behind the E-Tab after fitting. It’s then applied to the foot and wrapped so it can set.

The E-Tab stickers are placed on the wall once the first glue application has set. The “bed” that is created with the sticker is then filled with the acrylic, flush with the stickers, wrapped an allowed to set. Once it has set, it’s a quick process to pull the foam sticker off and finish the edges of the acrylic. What you have in the end is a very effective alternative to nailing. The step by step process is laid out on the Ethos website and you can contact them for technical support.

 

Gluing E-Tab

The first glue step involves application of the glue to the shoe and tabs, then placement on the foot and removal of excess glue before wrapping and setting on the ground for the set time.

Ethos E-Tab Glue Patch Sticker

The glue patch stickers are applied to the wall, minimizing the amount of glue that makes contact with the wall and providing a good guide for thickness of the glue. You are only filling the void of the sticker.

 

A minimal amount of Glue is necessary for Ethos E-Tabs

You can see that only a minimal amount of glue over the tab is necessary to finish the job and have a secure result.

Glue is set!

The glue has set, the sticker is removed and now it is simply a matter of beveling the edges and smoothing the glue area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Birdman from Belgium – Part One

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Dan
Roger Bockstaele (left) beside Rudi Kerckhaert responding to question from Tom Willoughby.

Roger Bockstaele (left) beside Rudi Kerckhaert, responding to question from Tom Willoughby.

This is the first of a group of images and information gathered at a recent blacksmithing session held in August. Roger Bockstaele from Landskouter, Belgium shared his talents with a group of farrier/blacksmiths who met at the shop of Roy Bloom in Drummond, Wisconsin. Roger is well known as the “Birdman,” both in Europe and blacksmith circles in North America.

European "Buzzard" built by Roger Bockstaele. Many similarities to the project undertaken in Drummond.

European “Buzzard” built by Roger Bockstaele. Many similarities to the project undertaken in Drummond.

This nickname comes from the numerous life size metal sculptures of all types of birds, from small song birds to full size eagles and herons that he has created. His talents don’t stop there, as he has built many other pieces in his career outside the world of birds.

Forming the body with light gauge metal.

Forming the body with light gauge metal.

Roger was joined by Rudi and Beatrice Kerckhaert, longtime friends from Belgium. The connection for all the farriers attending is Rudi’s long time role in the Kerckhaert Horseshoe Company. Rudi was instrumental in organizing this event.

The project began with Roger’s simple one dimensional outline of the bird and began taking shape with the formation of the body made with light gauge metal strips. He soon had attendees working on various steps of the process including “fleshing” out the body, building the feet, feathers and beak. His goal was to get this bird far enough along to leave it with Roy and the group for completion at another time. No one had any idea, when started, how involved and painstaking the process would be to build not only the body, but then the build and placing several hundred feathers.

Roger's feather veining tool.

Roger’s feather veining tool.

Roy and Tom Willoughby (both phenomenal artists in their own right) began working on additional tooling to help with the feather building – Tom with an anvil top tool and Roy with a spring tool for his air hammer. Even with additional tooling there were hundreds of feathers still to be built by the end of the workshop. The feathers were first veined, given texture with a cross pein, and finally meticulously fit and welded to the body. Roger showed the breakdown on the feathers and types of feathers to be made and they totaled over 800 pieces for the buzzard shown above.

Everyone kicked in and started a flow of feather production, beginning with the veining, texturing and sizing while others fleshed out the body to prepare for them. A good friend of Roger’s from the St. Louis area, Lou Mueller was drafted to be the official welder once this process got underway. Lou met Roger a number of year’s ago at an ABANA conference and worked from the start to the finish of this clinic.

Lou Mueller (on left) traveled from St. Louis to see long time friend Roger Bockstaele.

Lou Mueller (on left) traveled from St. Louis to see long time friend Roger Bockstaele.

Tom working on his veining tool-. In the foreground you can see the body is taking shape

Tom working on his veining tool-. In the foreground you can see the body is taking shape

We’ll be adding to the story with additional images and accounting of what took place at this function in a few more installments. Those that joined in left with a great appreciation for what Roger has accomplished in his many years building “the birds” and other fascinating pieces.

Pieces and parts and the Bockstaele self-portrait.

Pieces and parts and the Bockstaele self-portrait.

 

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News about the Nicaragua Farrier Training Program

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Dan

Guest Blogger Chris Hadel shares his thoughts with FPD on the Granada, Nicaragua Farrier Training program .

One week into the Granada, Nicaragua Farrier Training program and we had a working forge by the third day.  The Granada carriage drivers’ association has generously let us use their facility as our shoeing shop and cart and carriage drivers are coming in for assistance in learning how to better shoe their horses.  After hands-on training, several have been given hand tools, generously donated by: Western States Farrier Association members, The Horseshoe Barn (in Sacramento, Ca.) and FPD (Farrier Product Distribution).

 

IMG_2065

Some of the tools the trainees are receiving are new to them conceptually. There were several crease nail pullers in the items donated by FPD, and the farriers that used them (and a few who have already received them) had never seen one before, and were particularly delighted by the ingenuity and obvious utility of that particular tool.

IMG_2066

When they used my stall jack for shaping shoes, they thought it was the neatest thing since sliced bread.

Dr. Lenz made a small purchase possible at the steel supply in Managua and I was able to teach them how to make one. I will also show it to a local welder/metal fabricator so they can be available locally as a market item.

Any real farrier tool is rare and deeply appreciated. Farrier tools in this area, to my knowledge, are only available at one store in the capital city, which is about 45 minutes away by car. This open source farrier skills training program is primarily funded and directed by Dr. Shelley Lenz (Killdeer Veterinary Clinic, North Dakota). Dr. Lenz is very active in Equitarian Initiative and HSVMA-RAVS (Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association-Rural Area Veterinary Services) projects.

Most of the guys we are working with are Nicaraguan. Many of them live on an income just above subsistence level. Reduction in Central America crop productivity earlier in the year, due to drought, exacerbated economic issues in the region. It is raining more often now, and the animals are looking pretty good, but crop/coffee/ dairy/ beef production issues earlier in the year are still affecting a lot of folks financially (annual income). Feed costs for cart and carriage horses were high; having an effect on the drivers.

We have one trainee from El Salvador attending for the month of September, and another Salvadoran who will attend the last week of September. Both Salvadoran gentlemen attended farrier clinic days held in El Salvador in early July of this year.

IMG_2074

The cart or pack horse is used for jobs to generate income, for basic transportation, to bring home food from market, and to get firewood. In more rural areas, kids ride them to school.

Many people here (and in other places worldwide) rely on horses and other working animals to make a living for themselves and their families. Good (or bad) farriery has a real effect on these peoples’ daily livelihood. It is an incredibly rewarding experience to help others on this fundamental level; using and sharing, to the best of our ability, the skills and knowledge of our trade. This often includes making a tool you need because it is not available otherwise.

There are several organizations active in Central America (and other faraway places) which include hoof care as part of their projects. Farriers that have an interest in supporting hoof care in these international projects can do so with time or material.  It is something that can be done on an individual level, or by adopting support of a particular project with a group of farrier friends, chapter or regional/national association. You can find more information about these projects through your farrier associations, veterinarians and, of course, the internet.

If the ideological or practical approach of a certain organization or project is not a fit for you, there are others you might be interested in being involved in. They come in all flavors.

A partial list of organizations which may be sources for more information regarding opportunities for farriers to help people and horses in developing areas include:  RVETS, World Vets, Equitarian Initiative, HSVMA-RAVS, Donkey Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare.

~ Chris Hadel   2013-2015 WSFA Director    AFA# 9907

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Behind the Scene and Around the Back at the Kentucky Derby

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Dan

from Guest Blogger Rob Logsdon

This year, I had the honor of representing Kerckhaert and FPD at the track during the lead up to the Kentucky Derby. As always, it was a busy Derby week on the backside of Churchill Downs. For much of the week, I was able to spend time in the barn area, visiting with farriers and trainers. It was a pleasure to watch those talented farriers in action!

Congratulations to all of the farriers that shod horses running in this year’s Kentucky Derby and the Oaks. Special congratulations to Judd Fisher who shod the first place winner in the Derby – California Chrome. Spending time with farriers like Steve Norman, who shod Danza, third in the Derby and My Miss Sophia, second in the Oaks, is always exciting; watching him balance his shoeing schedule between scheduled shoeing and last minute adjustments requested by the trainer. I was also fortunate to see other amazing farriers – Todd Boston, Mark Dewey, Frankie Guarneri, Pat Broadus, Chris Broadus, Gary Churchman and Zane Baze – up close and at work during this important racing week.

Wicked Strong Fitting Kerckhaert Tradition Regular Toe

Jimmy Costello fitting “Wicked Strong” for a Kerckhaert Tradition Regular Toe (toe clipped) hind.

Late in the week, the backside was buzzing when trainer Bob Baffert made the decision to scratch one of the derby favorites, Hoppertunity, because of a foot issue. Word on the track is Hoppertunity had a bruised foot and will be fine. It was clear Baffert was putting the horse’s best interest first. No one likes to see a horse get scratched after all of the hard work and effort that goes into preparing for a race like the Kentucky Derby.

Derby morning, while sunny and beautiful, was very busy as I watched farrier Jimmy Costello shoe the hind feet of fourth place Derby finisher, Wicked Strong, and Mark Dewey shoe Samraat, both with Kerckhaert Tradition Hind Toe Clipped. Samraat was the fifth place finisher in the Derby.

Kerckhaert Horseshoes continues to grow in popularity and has become the shoe of choice for many professional farriers and trainers in the racing industry. This year, Kerckhaert shoes were on the feet of at least 21 horses that ran in the Derby and Oaks, far exceeding any other brand!

This was the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby with all of its glamour and tradition, but in my opinion nothing is more entertaining and interesting than watching the farriers at work. I was proud to be there representing Kerckhaert and FPD.

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Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division a Big Success

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Dan
Dan Burke from FPD presents the bronze trophy to Victor Frisco, CJF, the winner of the high point award for the intermediate division.

Dan Burke from FPD presents the bronze trophy to Victor Frisco, CJF, the winner of the high point award for the Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division.

The first year of the AFA’s Kerckhaert-Liberty Intermediate Division in the National Competition was held in Reno and was a resounding success. This division was developed by the Rules Committee to encourage entry level participation in the competition and worked as planned. Competitors are eligible if they have never competed in the AFA open competition other than as a member of the 2 Person Draft Class. Intermediate competitors have a Journeyman shoe class, Qualifier class and Specialty Forging class and a high point award.

Intermediate Journeyman Shoe class ribbons. In order of finish from right to left - Victor Frisco, CJF, Jason Critton, CJF, TE, Ryan Stoops, CJF, Juan Marcos Escabi, CF, Charles Johnson and Adam Tighe, CJF

Intermediate Journeyman Shoe class ribbons. In order of finish from right to left – Victor Frisco, CJF, Jason Critton, CJF, TE, Ryan Stoops, CJF, Juan Marcos Escabi, CF, Adam Tighe, CJF and Charles Johnson.

This year’s high point award went to Victor Frisco, CJF from Kentucky. Victor won the Journeyman and Qualifier classes and placed second to Alan Dryg in the Specialty Forging class. Congratulations to Victor, Alan and all of the competitors in the division. FPD is happy to sponsor this division and we will continue to encourage participation in competitions as a way to improve skills and develop an appreciation for all aspects of the trade. We’re looking forward to the next group to come in 2015.

Intermediate Specialty Forging ribbon presentation. From right to left: Alan Dryg, CJF, Victor Frisco, CJF, Jason Critton, CJF, TE, Ryan Stoops, CJF, Juan Marcos Escabi, CF, Adam Tighe, CJF

Intermediate Specialty Forging ribbon presentation. From right to left: Alan Dryg, CJF, Victor Frisco, CJF, Jason Critton, CJF, TE, Ryan Stoops, CJF, Juan Marcos Escabi, CF, and Adam Tighe, CJF.

Intermediate Qualifier Class ribbon presentation. From right to left, Victor Frisco, CJF, Alan Dryg, CJF, DJ Fiske, Ryan Stoops, CJF, Jason Critton, CJF, TE, Charles Johnson

Intermediate Qualifier Class ribbon presentation. From right to left, Victor Frisco, CJF, Alan Dryg, CJF, DJ Fiske, Ryan Stoops, CJF, Jason Critton, CJF, TE, and Charles Johnson.

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Farrier Tom Willoughby’s New Family of Friends

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Dan

 

The whole family wondering what the excitement is all about.

The whole family wondering what the excitement is all about.

I attended the winter clinic held at Anvil Brand Shoe Co in Lexington, Illinois this February. The clinicians for the weekend were farrier Cody Gregory and blacksmith Brian Brazeal. They put on an excellent clinic but it was hard not to be just as excited and perhaps even more awed by Tom Willoughby’s “Vulture Family”. Tom has been shoeing horses, creating music and phenomenal carvings and blacksmithing for years. He was gracious enough to give us a bit of detail on how he came to this idea. I have that video clip explanation on the FPD YouTube channel.

The baby getting a good feel for the anvil face.

The baby getting a good feel for the anvil face. Probably already wondering who’s been abusing this anvil.

 

 

You should do whatever it takes to check out Tom’s Facebook to see much more of his exceptional talent. We’ll try to get our hands on more items to share with you.

Big Daddy sitting on the anvil. Tom made the pieces to be able to set and keep an eye on his work.

Big Daddy sitting on the anvil. Tom made the pieces to be able to set them up in strategic locations to keep an eye on his work.

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Bloom Forge Tips For Anvil Prep

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Dan

Roy Bloom, AAPF CJF recently put together a number of tool tips with video and still shots that will be added to the FPD Field Guide. This work is a continuation of our effort to produce and post useful how to info for the farrier market. Roy is the owner of Bloom Forge, a company that produces a full line of forging tools for the farrier industry. Keep checking from time to time for the info that he put together as well as numerous other shoeing and other pieces of information to help in your daily business.

This anvil has not been modified and all edges are relatively sharp.

This anvil has not been modified and all edges are relatively sharp.

One of the quick tip clips shows how Roy likes to see the anvil face modified to help with forging steps such as clipping and shaping. In the upcoming piece, he walks through the steps in modifying the sharp edges of the new anvil face to create working areas for shaping and modifying shoes. A simple process that requires an angle grinder with a 4-1/2 inch high density flap wheel and a flat, mill bastard file such as the Bellota 6″ or 8″ file.

1/4" radius approximately 2" long on both sides of the heels. This was done with the angle grinder.

1/4″ radius approximately 2″ long on both sides of the heels. This was done with the angle grinder.

Horn end of anvil face. Notice slight radius blended into the bigger radius.

Horn end of anvil face. Notice slight radius blended into the bigger radius.

Roy likes to see a good 1/4″ radius (approx. 2″ long) on both sides of the heel of the anvil with about a 1/16th” radius (started with grinder and finished with Bellota 8″ flat file) on the both sides of the anvil, ending up with another 2″ long, 1/4″ radius on the opposite side of where he stands at the horn end of the face. These help avoid cold shuts and other marking of the piece you are forging that can occur when trying to modify on sharp edges. The whole process takes less than 5 minutes and ends up saving a lot of time trying to fix unnecessary marks in your metal. The only sharp edges remaining are at the ends of the face. These modified edges also minimize the risk of chipping your anvil edges or hammers should there be a “sudden shift in the earth’s crust” that causes an errant hammer blow.

 

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