Dedicating a portion of the American Farrier’s Association convention to horse owners was apparently a good move, as record-breaking numbers attended the event in Chattanooga, Tenn., during late February.

In a press release, Brian Quinsey, executive director of the AFA, said 1,800 attended the 34th annual convention, which was held Feb. 23 to 26. The Saturday program featured Horseman’s Day, giving the general public a chance to get a better idea of what the AFA is about.

The Saturday event was highlighted by “The Four Corners of Farriery,” in one of the large exhibit halls of the Chattanooga Convention Center. Attendees could move around freely during a pair of different 2-hour time blocks, taking in a demonstration by the American Farrier’s Team, a discussion of anatomy and motion by farrier and researcher Michael Savoldi, a blacksmithing and forging demonstration by Roy Bloom and Jim Keith or a demonstration by members of the Japanese Farrier Association.

As always, the event also included shoeing competitions, awards presented at the annual banquet, Marketplace and opportunities to expand farrier knowledge by attending lectures and demonstrations.

Here’s a look at some of the educational highlights.

Tips For Shoeing Reiners

Dwight Sanders drew a big and attentive crowd for his presentation on shoeing reining horses. The farrier from Kenly, N.C., told his audience that shoeing reiners so they’re ready to compete is a 4-year process.

He said the high end reiners he works on typically go barefoot for their first 2 years. When they are first…