Article from Anvil Magazine dated July, 1991.

Thoughts While Thinking by Jeff Rodriguez

            During a recent Rocky Mountain Farrier Association meeting the topic of the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association and "their" activities in "our" area was brought to the floor. While most of us had little factual information, we readily engaged in a little BWFA bashing. After a few negative, uniformed comments, one of our members, Tony Hughes, stood up and said something that bears repeating. Paraphrasing, Tony said that it seemed to him that any group of farriers that were trying to organize to improve themselves and their craft were people we should be helping not ridiculing. With that statement, Tony earned my respect and caused me to reconsider my attitude and the issues.

 

            Before I arrive at answers, I like to be sure I'm asking the right questions. My first question was what does the BWFA offer prospective members that the American Farriers Association does not? Why would farriers choose the BWFA instead of the AFA? Is there room for two nationally based farrier organizations? Will the overall interest of farriery, and the horse industry, be better served by two organizations?

 

            Whew! These are some large questions, with enormous long term implications. Although Henry Ford said, "History is mostly bunk," I find looking back a useful way to anticipate the future. For instance…

            Did you ever consider that every year the marketplace at the AFA convention has more high quality tools available? Ever realize that each year a company or two is absent…defunct…el-foldo? That's because farriers are fully capable of recognizing something new that will better serve their needs, and are not afraid to make the change.

 

            In the early seventies some Southern nut named Turner announced he was going to transform a local cable television station (Cable?) into a "Superstation". Just to prove he'd swallowed too many peach pits he said that if the Superstation worked he was going to create a 24 hour news station, which would also be available on the cable. (cable? This is obviously the kind of guy who thinks he can have a relationship with Jane Fonda.) Well, good 'ol Ted went to the network T.V. powers and offered them a chance for a joint venture, but of course these fat cats knew he was crazy,  so they had a meeting and amongst themselves they laughed at him. Now they buy their news from him.

 

            When I was in high school you could buy a new Volkswagen bug for $1240.00 (When Rusty Brown was in high school, they had wooden wheels). Sure, they were as ugly and comfortable as a boil (and only slightly faster), but they found a niche in the market and were an enormous success. By the early seventies Datsuns and Toyotas began to arrive in the parking lots. Oh yes, they were better looking and more comfortable. Volkswagens response was to leave the Bugs unchanged so commanding their market share (while the Nixon administration surcharged them out of their low price advantage). What happened, you ask? Well, suffice to say that you can no longer purchase a Bug.

 

            So…before we guffaw ourselves into oblivion, I say we sober up and not underestimate the BWFA. Since I'm an AA guy my primary concern is over our certification program, which I feel is the cornerstone of our existence. I'm concerned the public will be confused over two certifying bodies and be unable to discern the differences between the two programs. I fear this confusion will nullify the positive strides the AA has made and diminish the value of our certification.

 

            I'm also very concerned that if we allow ourselves to form enemy camps we'll only hurt ourselves in the long term. The damage will come from the public watching us spat, reinforcing all the negative perceptions we've worked so hard to overcome. I'm a pretty active volunteer supporter of the AA, and I know full well that there is a limited amount of volunteer energy at our disposal. It seems to me negativity is like driving a speeding car, not only is it unwise, but it consumes more energy and increases the chance of a breakdown.

 

            So…what I think I need is factual, verifiable information to help me make more informed decisions and better conduct myself. I ashamedly admit that I have both listened to and made anti-BWFA remarks, but I'm gonna stop. The absolute last thing practicing farriers (both AA and BWFA members) need to do is run each other down. It's contrary to our mission, which is to help and support each other.

 

            Here's a suggested plan; let's use the ANVIL Magazine as a forum to air our views and concerns, as well as respond to questions about our organizations. Our rules will be to be polite and limit our statements to documented, verifiable information. Heck, I'm in so deep now I might as well start the ball rolling…

 

           

           

Remember, if you choose to participate we don't want to hear "stories" submitted as evidence. Let's keep to facts, not innuendo (which Myron McLane insists is an Italian suppository).

 

            Don't let the mirth fool you, these are important issues. A mature organization like the AFA needs to question itself, and a new organization like the BWFA should be able to respond to these questions.

 

            O.K. folks, let her rip.

 

 

 

 

           

On Behalf of the BWFA, Ralph Casey:

 

            This letter, in whole, is a response to the article, previously printed in the July issue of the Anvil Magazine, by Jeff Rodriguez, entitled, "Thoughts while Thinking." The topic was the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association. I would like to thank Jeff and also Rob Edwards for the opportunity to respond. I realize my response is very lengthy; however, as stated in Jeff's article, and I quote, "These are some large questions with enormous long-term implications."

 

            Let me say before I answer Mr. Rodriguez' questions that I praise some of your statements made in your article. I praise the fact that you had made anti-BWFA remarks, ashamedly and are "Going to stop". I think this takes a big man to make such a statement. I salute you, but Jeff, we have to both take a closer look. If it weren't for men like Tony Hughes to remind us of what our missions are, we might all be in trouble.

 

            I have never been anti-AFA but I do disagree with some of the AFA policies. In your letter you said you were an "AFA Guy". Well, I publicly state that I am not just a "BWFA Guy". It plainly states in the BWFA pledge; I will support the BWFA and farriery industry by barring discrimination and criticism in any way towards any individual, educator, school, organization, fellow member of working farrier. I will support those who are attempting to make the farriery trade his or her professional business. This is a pledge that must be signed by any individual before becoming a member of the BWFA. There are no stipulations in the BWFA guidelines that prevent a member to associate with any other farrier association.

 

            I will try to answer your questions as openly and honestly as I possibly can, trying very hard not to offend anyone.

 

            You asked, "Why should a farrier choose the BWFA instead of the AFA?" I will answer this question in part with a question. "Why should an individual in the United States choose to be a Democrat or Republican?" It is just difference in opinions. Fortunately, farriers now have a choice to make, which I don't think is a bad idea, but actually a good idea. You asked "Is there room for two nationally based farrier organizations?" Jeff, if there is room for Democrats and Republicans, there is room for two farrier associations. I think it has already done some good. Democrats and Republicans are working for the betterment of our country, I feel, though, the AFA and BWFA are different in some opinions; however, we are working for some of the same goals. 

 

            You also said that your certification program was the cornerstone of the AFA's existence. I do not feel that our certification I the cornerstone of our existence. I feel that 'education' is our foundation. If we get the farriers educated, they won't have any problems taking high-level tests.

 

            You also stated that you were concerned that if we were to allow ourselves to form enemy camps, we would only hurt ourselves in the long term. I fully agree with this statement and I feel this article that you have written has opened the doors for some good sound thinking.

 

            I have a plan on my desk that many BWFA members have read and studied. I believe that this will move the farrier industry in a positive direction. There may be many who will laugh and sneer at this proposal. It is only one of the plans of the BWFA, and let me state that this is not hearsay or a story, but simple facts. This plan is to build one of the world's largest farrier training centers. Now, before any horseshoeing school gets feathers ruffled, read this carefully! This is not a horseshoeing school that I am talking about. This will be a training and research center for people who already shoe horses; wherein, people like yourself, Grant Moon or anyone else can come and learn and share their skills. It will be a place where conventions can be held. It will be a place where we can build our museum. This is just another reason why many are choosing the BWFA because our programs are geared more for education. You may already ask since you stated in your letter, "Where does the BWFA get it's money?" Maybe this will answer some of your questions. I am going to ask the AFA to be part of this venture. Not only am I going to ask the AFA, but every manufacturer to be a part of this proposal. If they choose not to do so, then when there is a convention, they will pay exhibit fees to be represented.

 

            You stated in your article that Ted Turner went to the "Fat Cats" and they laughed at him. Well, I don't know about the "Fat Cats" but I am going to ask that everyone in the farrier industry be a part of this program and then we can all work together. It's time, Jeff, for changes, big changes! On my desk there is a horseshoe that I have developed. This horseshoe is unique, though it is only used when placed on the horse running in front of the camera that I developed. The shoe is adjustable. Weights can be added, square toe and trailers can be put on it without taking it off the horse. This shoe is mounted on the horse; wherein, trained farriers can actually see in slow motion and make evaluations of that proper shoeing would suit the horse best. In other words, the shoe is only a training and evaluating devise, not a permanent shoe. I could use up several articles explaining or elaborating on the use of such a training center. "What am I asking?" you might say. You stated "let her rip" so I'm not done yet. I am asking the AFA to be a part. I am asking the AFA to donate $15,000 a year annually just to help pay my salary. "What is my salary?" you may ask. Recently I accepted $15,000 a year salary from the BWFA as the first paid director. Here is the bad part; I am paying someone over $30,000 a year to help run my horseshoeing school while I travel. The reason I am making this statement is to let not only you but the rest of the farrier industry see how much feeling and dedication I have in what needs to be done in the farrier industry.

 

            I am even going to ask Rob Edwards to donate $1,000, and every state farrier association to donate $1,000. Don't laugh yet, I'm still not done. I am going to ask the AFA and the BWFA to physically help erect and build this training center, and I am still not done yet! I am going to ask all farrier-related individuals to form a committee, to volunteer their services, to keep up with the money for the project, and to oversee not only a finance committee but a building committee. Here is what is unique-The AFA and the BWFA can have their conventions in this building- free! The manufacturing companies who help financially can set up their shops-free! Farriers from both organizations will be asked to donate a few days a year of their time to keeping this center open year-round. If I told you any more of the BWFA's plans, you would probably think I was crazy!

 

            Jeff, here is the chance for people to work together. No one can ever say that the AFA was not asked to participate and help. The manufacturing companies cannot say that they haven't been asked. Am I just a "BWFA Guy"? I don't think so. I will paraphrase a statement that I once heard from President John F. Kennedy: "Some people see things as they are and say, 'Why?' Some people see things as they are and say 'Why not?'". Do I strike you as the type of guy who asks twice? If I don't get help from the farrier industry, I will go to outside interested parties, for I believe this is something that is needed now!! Not five years from now!! Maybe it just might be that people are coming into the BWFA because we are looking into the future of all farriers, not just a handful. It is time we get down to the basics. The basics of learning and going beyond what our grandfathers did yesterday. It takes men and women with visions to change things. It takes only fools to stand and gossip, but it takes a better man to say I am wrong and to move forward.

 

            You asked about the origin of the BWFA, this information is included in our printed literature as follows: The BFA, or Brotherhood of Farriers Association, was originally formed on December 10, 1901 by the late Talmadge Young, Bob L. Casey, and Elliot Sams. It was formed for the sole purpose of having an organization where a person would not be discriminated upon learning the horseshoeing trade sue to his former public education. In July of 1989, the word 'working' was added to be known today as the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association. The BWFA Master Educators was formed by a group of concerned horseshoeing school owners, along with the members of the BWFA. The purpose of forming the BWFA Master Educators is to allow the owner a more powerful voice in the direction of the horseshoeing industry.

 

            A Constitution and Bylaws govern these activities of this Association. These provide for a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and a board of directors. The officers of the BWFA are as follows: President- Mr. Ralph Casey; Vice-President- Mr. Bill Burgee; Treasurer- Mr. Ricky Austin; and Secretary- Mr. Steve Sandidge. The background of the officers are career farriers, some having degrees in business, engineering, Ph.D. and Financial Management. All officers are elected into office except when appointed to fill a vacancy until the next election. Elections take place every four and five years.

 

            The financial affairs are controlled by the Board of Directors who are: Jack Hysinger, as Chairman; Tony Phillips, Cyle Hames, Thomas Whaley, Tom Kennedy, Marcus Pierce, Bill Burgee, Steve Standidge, Russell Isaacs, and Herb Schneider. The members of the board are elected into office for four-year terms, having no fewer than two and always an even number of members. The Board members execute the Bylaws and Financial affairs of this Association. All officers and board of directors' members serve without compensation except for the full-time working Director who received a sum decided upon by the Board of Directors. The financial records are the responsibility of the secretary and treasurer, with service provided by a certified public accounting firm. Operating capital is obtained by way of continued annual dues from members, educational clinic proceeds, donations, gifts, fund-raising programs and grants.

 

            The Master Educators are owners of horseshoeing schools or persons who have had at least one year of teaching experience in farriery. This division allows for a President, Mr. Bucky Hatfield; and Vice-President, Jack Roth. Master Educator members are listed in our literature. These members are responsible for designing the farrier certification testing procedures of the BWFA.

 

To continue answering your questions, you asked me "What does the BWFA have to offer that the AFA does not?"           

 

            We continue to adopt new programs and to make changes that are needed for a rapidly growing association and for continuing education in the farrier industry. I have tried to answer your questions as openly and honestly as I possibly can. I welcome the opportunity to speak to any farrier groups to answer questions or to elaborate further.

Ralph Casey, President

Brotherhood of Working

Farriers Association

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