Letter from the President - May 2009

Hello from the Upper Midwest Horseshoers Association,

Well it has been a busy spring so far. Hope everyone is out building their ark’s with all the rain we have had. In my effort to get in better contact with you all here is the first of many updates that I intend to write. But please do not crucify me if they are not as timely as I would like them to be. Just like everyone else spring is here with the rush of shows starting and all the trail riders clamoring for their horses to be shod yesterday. The monthly hammerings at centaur have been going well even if sparsely attended. Hopefully our tool swap and silent auction on May 16th will bring you all out for camaraderie and fun. Also our spring clinic was a big hit for all that made it. The English boys did a great job helping with concave shoes, as well as assisting us in the making and applying some of our own to feet. Also special thanks to the volunteers who helped make the clinic a success.

The WCB contest and clinic at the Midwest Horse Fair the following weekend was also great for those that made it. The excitement of watching the contest seemed to really have fired everyone up. I’d encourage everyone to attend one of these contests if possible. So we can all benefit from the opportunities of shared learning. I believe we have a great wealth of knowledge from our older members and the enthusiasm of the younger members we should be able to have a great year. I have attatched a calendar of events that I know of locally and hope to see some of you there.

I look forward to seeing you all soon. Until then stay dry, keep your head up, and have some fun. We truly have a great profession which allows you to get out what you put in!

Calendar of Events

Saturday May 16th 9:00a.m-4:00p.m Tool Swap, Silent Auction and Hammering- Centaur Forge
June 19-21st WCB competition - Edgewood, NM (Contact information www.worldchampionshipblacksmiths.com)
August 7-8 Land of Lincoln summer clinic - location and clinician TBA
September 25-26 Land of Lincoln certification - Salem, IL (Contact John Stedlin, CFJ for info (618) 267-0059)
October 2-3 UMHA certification - Lowell Johnson’s, Taylor Horse Park (Contact Vern Powell, CFJ (815)568-1788)