Farrier Industry Association Launches New Web Site

Most real cowboys say, "No hooves, no horse," meaning you'll be the one who walks the trail if your horse has bad feet.

Horses need farriers, and farriers need shoes. If you're not sure where to find some, check out the Farrier Industry Association's member directory for horseshoe suppliers and all things related to farriers, horses and the people who love them. The directory is one of many features on the FIA's new Web site.

The site features an updated design, easy'to-navigate pages and helpful information, including the latest horse products and tips for owners. There's also an events calendar, which includes horseshoeing contests, free clinics and certification courses through the American Farrier's Association. Be sure to bookmark the site for up'to-date industry news, as well.

If you can't find a supplier near you, give us a call. While most FIA members live in the U.S. and Canada, the group is gaining ground in Europe and has representatives in China, Australia and the Netherlands. Every member is a supplier, retailer or manufacturer who provides farriers and horse owners with tools, products and gear to get the job done.

If you're in the business, the FIA would love to have you. There's a membership application online. Members receive the Farrier Industry Report, a newsletter that includes tips on how to improve their business, discounts at FIA's annual conference and reduced exhibition rates at our Marketplace tradeshow, held in conjunction with the American Farrier's Association. Plus, your name is added to the membership directory, which makes it easier for farriers and horse owners to find you.

About the Farrier Industry Association
He jumps behind the wheel of a pickup that's a home office and roving business. He rolls with everything from a laptop computer to a portable anvil and propane forge.

Have anvil, will travel.

A farrier's life isn't glamorous. No one applauds his work, but he's happy steering his truck along a rural highway east of nowhere. He likes setting his own hours, telling himself what to do, driving from barn to barn, dodging a hoof that might break his ribs if he isn't careful, wrestling a horse into position, balancing its foot and slapping on a shoe.

His clients include ranches, farms and single-horse families. His list of acquaintances reaches from the farmer up the road to the supply house clerk to the stable hand at the training track.

His back, always vulnerable in this line of work, will give way long before his anvil's sharp edges wear smooth. What makes life easier are the people who furnish his tools. Distributors, manufacturers and suppliers - all members of the FIA.

Truth is, 7.1 million people in the U.S. are involved in the industry either as owners, employees, service providers or volunteers. Which means at least 1 out of every 63 Americans is involved with horses. That's a lot of friends, and every year more of them are joining the FIA. You can, too.

View the site at http://www.farrierindustry.org