DIVISION QUALIFICATIONS
STUDENT: Any one currently enrolled Farrier school, teacher signature required.
DIVISION I (INTERN): This Division is designed for Farriers who are new to competition or the trade in general. This person uses keg shoes (hot or cold) for a majority of their work. Their forging skills are very limited. The events for this Division will involve common keg shoe modifications (i.e. clips, square toes, trailers, rocker toes) and some bar stock.
DIVISION II (CERTIFIED): This is an intermediate Division. This person has (average or basic) forging skills and implements a small portion of handmade work in their business. The events for this Division involve basic bar stock forging and advanced keg shoe modification that require forging of metal as opposed to bending.
DIVISION III (JOURNERYMAN & OPEN): This is an advanced Division. This Division is primarily designed for the AFA Certified Journeyman, national and international competitors, and/or past and present American Farriers Team members. This person has several years of experience implements a major portion of their forging skills in their every day work. The events in this Division involve advanced iron or aluminum bar stock work.
SPECIAL CLASS DEFINITIONS
BLACKSMITHING CLASS: Judged by Jeff McCann - Open Jackpot Class – Take as much time as you need, no time limit, entries to be submitted either in person or mailed, all welcome. Any ornamental or functional metal object may be entered. Entries close at 3:00 pm, June 2, judging to be completed that evening. Payout amount depends on number of entries.
WATERMELON CLASSIC: Judged by Neil Miller -One Farrier (any Division) and one non-Farrier compete as a team. The Farrier is NOT allowed to use his/her dominate hand. Team is to make a plain stamped front shoe from 5/16 x ¾. Upon completion of shoe making both team members have to eat a piece of watermelon to the judges’ satisfaction. Shoe and melon rind to be judged. – 30 Minutes
TWO MAN WHEEL BARROW RACE: Judged by Neil Miller. Two Farriers compete as a team to forge a shoe in three heats. Between each heat one team member “wheels” the other member to table for refreshments, Farriers return to shoe for next heat. – 30 Minutes
THREE MAN EAGLE EYE: Judged by Neil Miller. One person from each Division. THE REST OF THE RULES ARE A SURPRISE AND WILL BE ANOUNCED AT THE CONTEST. – 30 Minutes
SMALLEST SHOE CONTEST: – Judged by Neil Miller. 1 pair Aluminum rim shoes no more than 2 1/2 inches. Stock provided. – 30 Minutes
RULES AND GENERAL INFORMATION
· Contestants (individuals or teams) are limited to one anvil, one forge, and one vice per class.
· Contestants are limited to use of top anvil tools; no mechanical devices are allowed (i.e. electrical grinders, arc or oxyacetylene welders).
· Contestants electing to restart a class will be issued a new piece of steel with no additional time allocated.
· Horses will be determined for by means of draw
· All steel and keg shoes will be provided.
· Keg shoeing may be done hot or cold.
· All shoes & forged (functional or ornamental) item become property of the Four Corners Clinic and Contest.
· Fees are transferable or refundable only if a class or event is cancelled.
· When nail type is not specified, a sample nail must be attached to shoe and submitted to the judge or judges.
· No Rigs allow inside arena, only forges, anvils, hand tools, vice and fire extinguishers.
· Four Corners Clinic and Contest Board will determine extra time allocations in case of an unruly horse and/or in case of equipment malfunction.
· Any circumstances not covered here will be resolved by the contest judge and/or the standards for judging Farrier competitions.
· Event Coordinator will have the authority to eject anyone exhibiting poor sportsmanship or disruption of classes or event.
· All class decisions of the judges are FINAL.
· Any conflicts on the arena floor will be settled by the Four Corners Clinic and Contest Board.
· Contestants may participate in one division only. If a contestant has ever placed in a live shoeing contest requiring handmade shoes, he/she may not enter Division I classes.
· An individual found misrepresenting his/her eligibility in order to enter a lower Division will be declared ineligible for the Four Corners Clinic and Contest and will forfeit all entry fees, prize money and/or awards.
· Contestants will be responsible for their own horse holders.
· Any Farrier competing in the forging classes will qualify for the live shoeing provided the live shoeing fee has been paid in advance.
· Changes to the schedule and event may be made at the discretion of the Four Corners Clinic and Contest Board and/or judges.
· A portion of all entry fees will be added to the Farrier Relief Fund.