Twelve years after its last convention in Chattanooga, the American Farrier’s Association is returning March 10-13 for its 49th annual convention and 2020 National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition. The convention is being held in the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1150 Carter St.
The only nationwide event of its kind and scale, the AFA convention brings farriers, veterinarians, suppliers, horse owners and students together for four days of education, competition, certification, hands-on learning and networking. There is also a MarketPlace that includes many of the top suppliers and manufacturers in the equine industry.
The convention will feature guest lecturers who are experts in the fields of farrier, blacksmith or veterinarian professions. Conventiongoers will hear from them on a variety of hoof-care related topics during 20 hour-long sessions over those four days.
The National Forging & Horseshoeing Competition will take place Tuesday, March 10, through Thursday, March 12, featuring more than 150 farriers competing in the Open, Intermediate and 2-Person Draft Classes.
Yes, you read that right. There will be farriers working at forges and beating on anvils to shape horseshoes. There will also be horses in the Convention Center brought in by the Music City Horseshoers Association.