Kansas city showed many of its faces to attendees at the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) 30th Annual Convention in late February and early March.

Those coming early arrived during a heavy snowstorm that snarled traffic throughout the area, while those staying until the convention closed on Saturday found themselves in near shirt-sleeve weather. But whatever the weather, the AFA convention once again proved itself to be the pre-eminent gathering for horseshoeing education, as more than 1,440 people, including 382 people representing 123 exhibiting companies, gathered in the Westin Crown Center to be a part of the event.

AFA President Emil Carré from Oakdale, Calif., recalled the first time he attended an AFA convention during his welcoming address during opening ceremonies.

“I was hooked,” he said of that first experience.

The opening ceremonies included recognition of all past and present AFA officers as part of the 30th year milestone. The officers were presented with a special commemorative lapel pin. Members of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame, sponsored by American Farriers Journal and the Kentucky Derby Museum, received special name badges to wear throughout the convention.

While snow and ice did slow some people on their way to the convention, the event’s location kept problems to a minimum once they arrived. The Westin Hotel was connected by “The Link,” a covered walkway, to the Exhibit Hall where the convention marketplace as well as the banquet, some shoeing demonstrations and some lectures were held. The hotel was also connected to the Westin…