December 13th, 2005

Greetings,                                                                                                                

It’s that time of year again, when work finally slows down enough to get busy preparing for winter and the holidays.   Included in my list of things to do is send out my holiday greetings and get your 2006 magnetic calendars to you so you can start using them right away.  It always amazes me how fast the year goes by, so writing a little recap reminds me of everything that I was able to fit in after I serviced 1,547 (+/-) horses in the past year.  That was 1,324 trims, 92 pairs of shoes nailed on, 132 sets of shoes nailed on and 20,536 miles driven.  That’s a lot of work!

Every January begins with a Farrier competition in East Lansing @ MSU.  This year was no different.  I was happy to bring home a couple of ribbons and very happy that my former apprentice, Sheena Wenzel, did even better.  She learned very well!

I headed to Chattanooga, TN in late February for the American Farriers Association Annual Convention.  I arrived a day early and did a little site seeing with several of my farrier friends.  The convention is always an awesome learning experience and  sparks a ‘Fire’ in all of us when we get together.  The first days include many meetings of the various committees. I patiently waited for the Certification Committee’s conclusion to find that my nomination to become an AFA Tester had been approved and I now was moved to the Provisional Testers list.  This begins a series of Certification Exams that I must attend, serve as a tester for the candidates trying to obtain certification status, after which my performance is evaluated and recorded by the Examiner.  When I complete the required exams, in the time limit, with appropriate scores my name will then be moved to the AFA Approved Testers list, another stepping stone in my career path.

Last March, I traveled to Genoa, NY to pick up my new shoeing rig from Stone Well Bodies and Equipment.  The shoeing body has really been nice to work out of and has made my everyday work more efficient.  I love my truck.  Mid March, I traveled to my former apprentice, Sheena’s house to be a clinician for a small group working to gain various levels of certification.  One of the Farriers there just recently passed all three portions of the exams to become a Certified Journeyman, I love to see the farrier industry improve as it’s members work hard and achieve their personal certification goals.

The first weekend in April I attended the Indiana Farriers Association contest for the 4th consecutive year.  This was my first experience as an Open competitor.  I went unprepared, hoping only to have a good time and learn something new.  I did that and also to my surprise placed in two classes.  Even though they were 4th & 5th places, it was enough to show I beat some of the ’big’ boys and boost my confidence in a very tough division!  The following weekend I participated in a hands on clinic at Goodyear Horseshoe Supply in Montrose, MI.  World Champion Blacksmith, Austin Edens of Texas, was there and really worked hard with me and my money was well spent on that educational event.

I spent two days in May traveling to Raven Hill in East Jordan.  There, along with several other women with non-traditional female occupations, I shared my trade with hundreds of young girls.  It was fun, and I hope to have inspired a few to pursue Farriery. Later in May, I was hired to be a clinician for several Farriers outside the Detroit area.  I demonstrated basic shoe modifications and talked about certification.  Someday I may make my living as a clinician.

June was extremely busy.  I serviced 198 horses, earning 18% of my annual income in 19 days.  I spent those hot weekends on my Harley Davidson to stay cool & sane!

July was almost a repeat of the previous month with 176 horses serviced, earning 15% of my annual income in 20 days.   Keep this in mind next summer & schedule your horses appointments in advance to guarantee a visit.

Oh, and then there was August.  I worked double time for the first two weeks so that I could take a much needed vacation the second two weeks.  And it was wonderful.  My parents joined me when I took my boys to South Dakota.  We flew to Rapid City, where my parents rented a motor coach,  and traveled all over beautiful South Dakota camping. We also made a small excursion to Wyoming’s Devils Tower.  Ask me about my vacation, I’ll be happy to tell you how wonderful it was!

September was my 5th anniversary as a competitor.  It all started in Findlay, OH and I haven’t missed

their contest yet.  Again, as an Open competitor, I was tickled to win a ribbon.  Even the 5th place ribbon I brought home is a huge success for a little girl from the U.P. against all those men.

October was my first opportunity to attend a certification test to serve as a tester. It’s a difficult task. I was unable to pass any of the candidates I scored, some of them my friends.  The examiner was happy with my performance, I received good and excellent marks on my evaluation.

November has settled down, thankfully.  We’ve had great weather.  We know winter will be here and the holidays get  busy, so if you still have shoes on, need a trim, or missed a recent appointment please call and we’ll set something up as soon as possible.  With the high cost of fuel I’m trying to group appointments in certain areas, please be prepared for farm call fees when this is not possible.  I will be home for the holidays, so students can schedule their appointments while off school.  Darkness comes early so those late afternoon appointments will become impossible.  I wish you all very safe and happy holidays and thank you for your business!

Your Farrier,

Jennifer Horn

And the Boys….

For Sale