bfba focus logo

BFBA Focus 2021

When: 30th & 31st October 2021

Where: Blackdown Halls, Stoneleigh Park

This superb indoor venue will enable us to host this evolving event ‘all under one roof’ whilst providing a great competition, exhibition and demonstration space and a comfortable bespoke lecture room.

Saturday Speaker Programme

Saturday 30th October

9:00am to 10:00am – Simon Moore

LECTURE 1: HIND FOOT BALANCE. ARE WE GETTING IT WRONG?

The concept of correct foot balance has long been widely debated over many years, but still remains subjective. Increasing research into this sometimes controversial subject is helping farriers, veterinary surgeons and equine professionals, to understand the importance of correct foot balance. Most research and importance, is placed on front feet. This may be because of a higher proportion of lameness in the font limbs and feet. Increasingly, the hind limb and feet are attracting more attention and importance from farriers and veterinary surgeons, as modern diagnostic equipment is being used to analysis horse biomechanics. Unfortunately, when it comes to literature on how best to assess and trim hind feet, there is insufficient information available. This presentation will look at how I assess, trim and shoe, hind limbs and feet. It will give the audience some everyday advise and techniques to take home and try in their everyday work.

10:15am to 11:15am – Wayne Preece

wayne preece

LECTURE 1: FIT FOR PURPOSE?

I will cover the types of shoes we fit, either for equine disciplines or pathologies. What are we trying to achieve with our shoe, pad or modern materials package? Are we shoeing for equine performance, injury prevention or pathology? Today’s farriers are in a unique position at the forefront of equine sport, but quite often the line between shoeing for performance and shoeing to aid in the treatment of lower limb or foot pathologies is blurred.

11:30am to 12:30pm – Mark Johnson

mark johnson

LECTURE 1: HOOF ANATOMY IN ACTION

Beginning with the development of the foal’s foot and Dr Robert Bowker’s words of wisdom, ‘The hoof is a neuro sensory organ’, the theme of internal back of the foot structure, its need to develop and build, its role in the whole horse concept where everything is interconnected and interdependent, along with the all important flow of blood and lymph fluid through the hoof is established. ‘No foot no horse’ becomes defined by just how robust are the digital cushion, frog and lateral cartilages are and the consequences of their failure. How do we build internal hoof structure and, importantly, how do we deplete it through what we do? Allowing the back of the foot to function as nature intended is a challenge when 24/7 hoof protection is needed, but employing a broad thought process can reap rewards. Clinical positioning and its assessment is paramount to whole horse biomechanics, while the preservation of structure, especially of the sole surface of our domestic horses feet appears on balance, to be an element in urgent need of review, trim nothing you don’t need to and if material needs to be removed from a hoof, be sure it’s never done on autopilot and without a clear understanding. Six horses all struggling, none coping with 24/7 shoeing with steel due to upper body asymmetry and or pathology and the resultant loading through their legs and feet, none robust enough to be barefoot for long due to poor hoof structure and environmental challenges, moving to composites became a real door opener and insight into how comfort, flexibility and genuine support (engaging the properties of the hoof biomechanically) transformed these previously “stuck” horses. Finally, a word about the German Duplo composite horseshoe, possibly one of the worlds most technically advanced shoes currently being used, its pitfalls and its incredible benefits.

12:30pm to 1:30pm – Jeff Newnham

jeff newnham

LECTURE: WHY CAN’T ALL MY CLIENTS BE NICE?

This is a question every farrier asks themselves every day! We’ve all been there – arriving at a new client, parking up then being shouted at to ‘move your van, you can’t park there’. Arriving for an appointment to be greeted with ‘Was it today?’, or a client sending you ‘useful links’ to read before their next appointment. And then there’s the gem of a client – supportive, thoughtful and sweet. This interactive lecture will blow the lid on how to identify and deal with the range of clients we have to interact with. Reduce the stress! If you think you are in the horse business then think again, we’re in the people business and we need to learn how to work with them to make our lives stress free and fun! To beware we first need to be aware! Don’t miss this fun lecture…your sanity relies on it! Jeff Newnham qualified DipWCF in 1983. He then spent the next two years working in USA before returning to UK to set up practice in East Sussex. In 2014 he bought the Glushu to market – the first over-moulded aluminium glue-on horseshoe made in the UK. He then formed Pro-Glu Ltd, the first UK company to manufacture a range of adhesives and products for the farriery industry. Recognising a lack of training in these products in the UK farrier training system, Jeff developed and delivered ‘Let’s Get Glueing’ CPD specifically to address this need. Undeterred by lockdown, which prevented face-to-face hands-on training, Jeff has delivered over 70 live Facebook Live broadcasts every Saturday. Jeff has co-authored the Stromsholm ‘Let’s Get Glueing’ guide to adhesives – the first publication of its kind. With lockdown easing Jeff has resumed his Let’s Get Glueing courses helping farriers get the very best out of their purchases. He is helped in his business by his three children Alice, Christopher and Philip.

1:30pm to 2:30pm – Suzanne Rogers and Jo White (HBCA) and The Farriers Foundation

suzanne rogers and jo white

‘FARRIERY: WORKING WITH CLIENTS TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE’

Sponsored by The Farriers Foundation, this talk supports ongoing work from the BFBA injury survey

2:45pm to 3:45pm – David Marlin

david marlin

LECTURE 1: HOW RELEVANT IS SCIENCE TO FARRIERS?

4:00pm to 5:00pm – Focus Forum

bfba focus horseshoe logo

The Focus Forum is your chance to ask questions, seek clarification and share your opinions. Gain a better understanding of the industry we work in and help shape the future of farriery.

In addition to members of the BFBA Executive Committee, representatives will be invited from all organisations relevant to farriery including the Farriers Registration Council, Worshipful Company of Farriers and the farriery training colleges.

  • Saturday 30th October, 4pm in the Lecture Theatre – ‘Where are we now?’
  • Sunday 31st October, 2.45pm in the Lecture Theatre – ‘The future of farriery’

Questions must be submitted, in writing, to the BFBA Head Office (headoffice@bfba.co.uk) by 5pm on October 22nd. Please ask if you would like your question to remain anonymous and state which day you would like your question put to the panel.

To follow

focus on exhibitors logo

Winner of the BFBA Best Stand Award

We are delighted to honour our exhibitor’s efforts by introducing the BFBA Focus Best Stand Award for 2021. Exhibition stands take a huge amount of time, planning and consideration. The stands will be judged by a BFBA ‘secret shopper’ and layout, accessibility, lighting, stock displays and the staff themselves will be amongst the factors considered.

Sunday Speaker Programme

Sunday 31st October

9:00am to 10:00am – Wayne Preece

wayne preece

LECTURE 2: PURPOSE OF FIT?

We need to understand what is expected of the horse between shoeing appointments – is the horse in training, work, sport or in veterinary treatment for an existing injury, pathology or rehabilitating (recovering) from an injury or disease? I will cover different shoeing packages and discuss whether we are shoeing to maximise performance or aiding the veterinary treatment of the horse

10:15am to 11:15am – Simon Moore

simon moore

LECTURE 2: THE MANY USES FOR GLUE IN OUR EVERYDAY WORK

Hoof glue has become a vital tool for farriers to use on a variety of problems. Technology has rapidly improved both the products available and the way farriers can use them. During a live demonstration, I will discuss when and why I use hoof glue and demonstrate the application of different glues for various conditions

11:30am to 12:30pm – Suzanne Rogers and Jo White (HBCA) and The Farriers Foundation

suzanne rogers and jo white

‘FARRIERY: WORKING WITH CLIENTS TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE’

Sponsored by The Farriers Foundation, this talk supports ongoing work from the BFBA injury survey

12:30pm to 1:30pm – David Marlin

david marlin

LECTURE 2: TECHNOLOGY FOR FARRIERS – A DISTRACTION OR A USEFUL ADDITION TO SERVICES?

1:30pm to 2:30pm – Mark Johnson

mark johnson

LECTURE 2: BAREFOOT AND FARRIERY – BRIDGING THE GAP. THE WHOLE HORSE CONNECTION

Mark is now 80% barefoot in his business and having learned so much from the barefoot maintenance side of the fence, Mark now integrates all that he has learned into his shod horses. During the presentation Mark will drill down into the details of successfully maintaining barefoot horses while on a personal level, acknowledging that he still has to deploy shoeing for those horses unable to cope. Mark will show why he prefers composite shoes over steel, talk about their benefits as he sees them and the philosophy and practices behind how he applies them.

2:45pm to 3:45pm – Focus Forum

bfba focus horseshoe logo

The Focus Forum is your chance to ask questions, seek clarification and share your opinions. Gain a better understanding of the industry we work in and help shape the future of farriery.

In addition to members of the BFBA Executive Committee, representatives will be invited from all organisations relevant to farriery including the Farriers Registration Council, Worshipful Company of Farriers and the farriery training colleges.

  • Saturday 30th October, 4pm in the Lecture Theatre – ‘Where are we now?’
  • Sunday 31st October, 2.45pm in the Lecture Theatre – ‘The future of farriery’

Questions must be submitted, in writing, to the BFBA Head Office (headoffice@bfba.co.uk) by 5pm on October 22nd. Please ask if you would like your question to remain anonymous and state which day you would like your question put to the panel.

(approx 3pm)

bfba focus logo

BFBA Home International Competition results 

(in the competition area)

Product Demonstrations

(times are approximate and may be subject to change on the day)

Saturday 30th October

11:00am
Mustad (Grant Moon) – Tool maintenance

1:00pm
Werkman Hoofcare – An introduction to Werkman Black and its practical uses by Jonathan Nunn

PM
Handmade Shoes (UK) Ltd – Billy Crothers on shoe modifications and Chris Powell’s revolutionary ‘Vanvil’

3:00pm
VFT Denmark by Bergers Smedie (Wayne Preece) – Introduction to VFTs new range of Caudal Support Pads and discusses their many uses and advantages

5:00pm
Pro-Glu Ltd (Jeff Newnham) – ‘Let’s get glueing’

Sunday 31st October

11:00am
Equitotal Ltd – Come and find out how The Farriers App can help your business. Version 2 has just been launched. You will find out how each element of the App can help you get more organised and save you money. Why not download the App before the talk? Search “The Farriers App” in the App or Play Stores. We will have a Q&A session at the end of the demonstration.

12:00pm
Mustad (Grant Moon) – Tool set up

1:00pm
Werkman Hoofcare (Jonathan Nunn) – An introduction to Werkman Black and its practical uses

Exhibitors

Sponsors

We are indebted to our generous sponsors who provide unrivalled, ongoing support to this event and the association.

Grateful thanks to:

Our event sponsors

mustad logo
Lecture Theatre
Mustad
MNC Limited logo
Programme
MNC
Trinity Farrier Services
Wristbands
Trinity Farrier Services
jim blurton logo
Goody Bags
Jim Blurton Farrier Tools

Our competition sponsors

NAF logo
Competition Arena
Stromsholm and Five Star PROFEET from NAF
londonderry forge supplies logo
Competitor lunches (Saturday)
Londonderry Forge Supplies
Competitor lunches (Sunday)
Iron Block
mustad logo
Nails
Mustad
Gas
Calor

Pre-Farrier Test of Skills

The BFBA Executive Committee is delighted to confirm the ‘Pre-Farrier Test of Skills’ taking place at Focus this year.

This is a new opportunity for students to meet potential ATFs; introduce themselves, demonstrate their skills and get noticed! This is also an opportunity for ATFs looking for their next apprentice.

The ‘Test of Skills’ is intended to be a fun opportunity; a chance to demonstrate forging capabilities. Entrants will be required to make one ‘test piece’ which is confirmed below. This piece will be forged from a coke fire. All participants must bring their own tools and provide their own PPE. Times for the competition will be confirmed on 27th October.

Entrants are warmly encouraged to bring test pieces with them plus copies of their CV to hand to potential employers. This is an opportunity to get a step ahead and meet many ATFs in one location.

Entry is £5 per person and will include access to Focus on both the Saturday and the Sunday.

Test Piece

Set down sections – the detail

Set down sections – example 1

Set down sections – example 2

Set down sections – example 3

focus event graphic