The idea of creating a new trade association for professional farriers had been brewing in the minds of several well-known and respected farriers for some time. When a small group of these farriers began holding monthly and then weekly telephone calls in February 2011, they quickly realized that there were some core concerns shared by many involved in today’s farrier industry.
In June 2011 a meeting was held in Georgetown, Kentucky to discuss these issues - certification, publications, continuing education, professional relations, and alliances. The discussion was inspiring and gave impetus to the importance of moving forward with a plan.
An organization and rallying point was needed, one that would provide information which would benefit all farriers and horse owners. It was determined that the foundation of and new association should rest on knowing that the organization would honor the farrier based upon his or her accomplishments as a professional. It was soon decided to begin the process of building the American Association of Professional Farriers and have it dedicated to many of the concerns being voiced. A mission statement for the new association was soon created.
Professional Farriers Mission Statement
"The American Association of Professional Farriers will promote the integrity of the farrier industry by strengthening the knowledge and skills of its members through continuing education and support at the state, national and international levels while improving overall equine health through collaboration with other industry professionals."
Love of the Horse
The horse itself is important to everyone but, the love of the horse to the AAPF means that "all horses deserve to have the best possible hoof care!" All horses deserve to be sound and regularly maintained. The AAPF feels strongly that its responsibility is to provide educational tools and support for farriers. These tools are provided in numerous ways: website content, continuing education and professional forums are immediate ways to support, educate and promote the type of care these loved animals deserve and the job our professionals want to provide.
In an economy where farriers are looking for affordable ways to gain continuing education and recognition for their knowledge base, AAPF recognized clinics by well-respected craftsmen and videos produced by them will provide helpful demonstrations and examples to help with rising education expenses. The American Association of Professional Farriers and its website will provide location and direction to these efforts, enabling people in many different locations around the world to learn from these aids.
Inclusiveness is a foundation of the AAPF. An association which invites all farriers representing all breeds and all levels of hoofcare to participate gives incentive to every horse owner for their horses to benefit from the teaching of good farrier techniques.
Injured Farriers Program
The American Association of Professional Farriers is committed to the well-being and health of its members. To this extent the association has created an Injured Farriers program to provide resources to its members who are unable to work due to illness or injury. Two dollars ($2.00) from every annual dues payment shall also be directed to the fund. Farriers, veterinarians, horse owners and others are also welcome to contribute to the fund. Injured or sick farriers who are members of the AAPF should contact the AAPF office to learn more about this benefit.
Information for this article is taken from the website of The American Association of Professional Farriers.
Read more about the work of farriers.