Upper Midwest Horseshoers' Association

What perfect timing, we came to the Feb. 17th, practice session and UMHA meeting and were pleasantly surprised that Bill O’Neil was demonstrating how to make a pritchel and hoof gouge. We had just stopped at Centaur on our way to the meeting and bought steel to make a pritchel. Lyle Stoner hosted at his shop where members were able to utilize his coal forge and equipment. Bill donated several pieces of round tool steel for members to practice making their own tools.

 

Thanks Bill, the session was very informative, we left with some great tips.

 

John & Laura Haas

The plan is to practice handmades...by repetition

Great practice before the AFA Certifications for CF and CJF

 

Location: Centaur Forge

City: Burlington, WI

Our next forging practice will be on Saturday, February 17, at 9:00 a.m., at Lyle Stoner's shop. There will be coffee and donuts, followed by the forging of head stamps, drifts, and pritchels, and proper annealling of them.

After the meeting and clinic, we'll break for lunch and then work in the forges until about 3:00. If needed, Centaur Forge wiil provide the forge and anvil. Practice forge work with other UMHA members.

Various topics were covered at the Oct. 28th meeting including upcoming clinics and pre certification testing. Also discussed were the new by-laws, to review the by-laws they are available at www.umha.info. The next meeting will be held on Friday Dec. 1st at Centaur. The practice session will start at 2pm and the meeting at 5pm, with practice available after the meeting also. We may send out for some pizza. We will be starting a organized Ride-Along program. Those interested in participating should contact Laura Haas at Shoe2Win@aol.com or at 920-979-1334 to get on the list. We hope to have this program started by early next year. A reminder, membership dues are now being collected at the 1st of the year.

This could be the best year yet for UMHA with practice sessions being added to the meetings. It is an excellent opportunity for every farrier no matter what his her skill level to improve. A great chance for the seasoned Vets. to pass on their knowledge and skill to some of the newer farriers working their way up through the ranks.

Be involved in your organization, the practice sessions really make it worth your while. The members are friendly, helpful and you can enjoy a better than average donut.