In the rolling hills and pastures of northwest Georgia, Ralph Casey began a school to teach the fit-ting and making of horseshoes 20 years ago.

Continuing with that tradition, he will hold a free clinic to educate horse owners and farriers (horseshoers) on Oct. 30-31.

“A happy horse makes a happy owner,” said Ralph. “When owners learn more about the most im-portant part of the horse and what a farrier is trying to accomplish in trimming and shoeing their horse, it makes a much better communication.”

The annual Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association horseshoers convention is located on Ga. 136 in Villanow, about 20 miles from Calhoun in Walker County.

Casey opened his ranch 20 years ago, and he also operates a full-time horseshoeing school.

Similar to the classes he teaches, the clinic will also go address the do’s and don’ts on nutrition and dentistry.

“If services are needed by the equine dentist it is $60 per horse,” said Casey. “If soreness is de-termined the equine adjuster will charge $35 and up.”

Other services that the clinic will provide include flexion therapy, thermal imaging and specialty horse products.

More than 100 farriers will attend the event and 25 to 30 horse owners will be there each day, he said.

“The clinic like all of our courses, educational DVDs and TV shows are devoted to help ‘Educate the Farrier and Owner’,” said Ralph. “A farrier must be educated in all aspects of the horse.”

“A horse owner should be aware of all care needed especially knowledge and routine services by a professional farrier,” he added.

Horse owners that are planning on participating in the event need to call ahead with information about any horse problems or requests so clinicians can have adequate time to assess the horse. Also, horse owners must bring a negative Coggins. Visit www.bwfa.net for more information or call 706-397-8909.