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About Us
"Forging skilled farriers in Canada, one apprentice at a time."
The Association Farrier Trainers of Canada (AFTC) focuses on farrier accreditation through the process of examination. We believe in creating a higher and more consistent standard of farrier knowledge and skills across Canada. To achieve this. the AFTC focuses on both hard and soft skills of being a farrier; that includes anatomy, professional communication, forging and shoeing skills.
This certification program is designed by Canadian farriers for Canadian farriers. The exams encompass many of the challenges that are unique to this vast country, while also intending to keep pace with other international farrier certification standards.
The current levels of certification offered are:
Level 1, Approved Apprentice Farrier of Canada (AAFC)- This exam is perfect for recent graduates from a farrier school or new farrier apprentices.
Level 2, Approved Farrier of Canada (AFC)- This exam is ideal for farriers who have mastered the basics of hoof care and can demonstrate a high level of everyday farrier work.
Level 3, Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada (AJFC)- These exams are for experienced farriers who are able to demonstrate advanced levels of farrier work.
Association of Farrier Trainers of Canada (AFTC) Membership
Are you a member of one of these farrier associations, OFA, EOFA, AMFQ, or WCFA? then you're also a member of the AFTC!
The AFTC membership is made up of all members in good standing of regional farrier associations of Canada that support the AFTC. There is no membership fee for individual members, as the regional farrier associations financially support the AFTC.
The AFTC. board is created from two members from each regional association. The executive of the AFTC. is elected by the board members.
The board will decide apprentice placements, exams dates and locations, and awarding of credentials.
The AFTC is a registered Non Profit Association
Meet the Examiners
Russell Floyd, AWCF British Columbia
Russell Floyd is a professional farrier based in Prince George, British Columbia. A 2003 graduate of the Olds College Farrier Science program, Russell has spent his career combining farriery with his passion for the outdoors. He earned his AWCF in 2020 and is one of only three farriers in Canada to hold the qualification. An active competitor and educator, Russell has competed extensively throughout Western Canada and has a particular interest in distal limb anatomy and physiology.
Oliver Dufresne, CJF
Quebec
Olivier Dufresne has been a full-time farrier since 2010. He studied at Oklahoma Horseshoeing School and Heartland Horseshoeing in Missouri before gaining experience working with farriers across Canada and the United States. Olivier earned his CJF in 2017 and remains active in farrier competitions and continuing education. He has served as President of the Association des Maréchaux-Ferrants du Québec and spent six years on its board of directors.
Dean Sinclair, CJF
British Columbia
Dean Sinclair has more than 44 years of experience as a farrier, educator, mentor, and competitor. A graduate of the Olds College Farrier Science program, Dean operated a successful practice before returning to Olds College in 2000 as Coordinator and Head Instructor of the Farrier Science program, a role he held for 14 years. A five-time Canadian Farrier Team member, Dean has mentored numerous successful farriers, including 11 former students who went on to join the Canadian National Farrier Team. He is now semi-retiredpractices part-time in Vernon, BC.
Jason Wrubleski, CJF
Alberta
Jason Wrubleski has been a full-time farrier since 1999 and earned his CJF in 2005. He was a member of the Canadian Farrier Team in 2007 and has served two terms as President of the Western Canadian Farriers Association. A longtime competitor at the Calgary Stampede's World Championship Blacksmiths' competition, Jason operates a busy farrier practice in the Edmonton area and remains active in clinics, competitions, and continuing education.
Jonathon Green, CJF
Manitoba
Jonathon Green has been a professional farrier since 1989 and is a Canadian Farrier Team alumnus. In 2016, he achieved the highest practical score on the AFA Journeyman examinations. Jonathon is passionate about lifelong learning and professional development and enjoys the education, competition, and camaraderie offered by farrier clinics and industry events.
Sean Elliot, CJF
Ontario
Sean Elliot graduated from Olds College in 1998 and has operated a successful farrier practice in Southern Ontario for more than 25 years. He earned his CJF in 2013 and has competed extensively in Canada and the United States. Sean has been involved with the World Championship Blacksmiths' competition at the Calgary Stampede and, alongside Stewart Bruce, helped organize the Rumble in the Broncs competition in Ontario for nearly 20 years. He continues to promote farrier education and clinics alongside his wife, Dr. Bri Henderson, DCVSMR.
Dr Kate Robinson, DVM
Ontario
Dr. Kate Robinson is an equine veterinarian with extensive experience in clinical practice, education, and research. Following 11 years at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, where she completed an internship and residency in Equine Field Service and served as an assistant professor, she joined McKee-Pownall Equine Services in 2020. Dr. Robinson serves as medical lead at the practice's Rehabilitation and Reproduction Facility. Her clinical interests include equine podiatry, diagnostic imaging, dentistry, rehabilitation, and Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy.
Dr. André Dubé, DVM
Ontario
Dr. André Dubé graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2007 and spent eight years practicing in New York, focusing on sports medicine, reproduction, internal medicine, and wellness. Returning to Canada in 2015, she has developed a practice focused primarily on performance horses and sports medicine. Her clinical interests include advanced diagnostics, regenerative therapies, physiotherapy, veterinary acupuncture, rehabilitation, podiatry, geriatric medicine, and reproduction.
Dr. Chad Hewlett,DVM
Alberta
Dr. Chad Hewlett is the founder of Energy Equine and specializes in equine sports medicine, performance horse soundness, and locomotion. Originally from Iowa, he completed his veterinary education at Iowa State University and postgraduate training at the Ontario Veterinary College. He further developed his expertise in equine lameness at Moore Equine Veterinary Centre and Interstate Equine in Oklahoma. Dr. Hewlett established Energy Equine in Calgary in 2006 and holds postdoctoral certification in veterinary acupuncture through IVAS.
Dr. Anya Floyd, DVM
British Columbia
Dr. Anya Floyd is a British Columbia–raised equine veterinarian and a 2024 graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College. A lifelong horsewoman and former three-day eventer, she has a strong interest in equine sports medicine, podiatry, and dentistry. Dr. Floyd is currently completing her Chi University Veterinary Acupuncture Certification and practices with Energy Equine, where she is excited to provide comprehensive care and complementary treatment options for equine athletes.