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.
Overall equine health - goal of farriers
The American Association of Professional Farriers promotes the integrity of the industry by strengthening the knowledge and skills of its members while improving overall equine health.
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.
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.
Expense
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.
Inclusivity
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. Regular membership in the AAPF is open to any full-time or part-time farrier or veterinarian. All others in the horse industry are encouraged to join as Associate or Alliance members.
Since we want to welcome all farriers to the association we also want to encourage members of other associations to also consider joining the AAPF. "Dual memberships" are welcome and encouraged. The AAPF will also recognize the certification and registration accomplishments and honors bestowed upon farriers by all other farrier associations and organizations. Additionally, the AAPF offers a program where horse owners who are committed to having their farriers receiving the best in continuing education can pay for the membership of their farrier.
Accreditation
Accreditation is defined as a certification of competence in a specific subject or area of expertise. The founding members have developed a program for its members which recognizes the on-going accomplishments of the farrier.
Two levels of Accreditation have been established – Accredited Farrier (AF) and Accredited Professional Farrier (APF). Both levels are fully defined on this website under the Accreditation tab. The AAPF will also recognize the certification and registration accomplishments and honors bestowed upon farriers by all other farrier associations and organizations. Click here for additional information.
Continuing Education
A key component of the AAPF Accreditation program is Continuing Education. Participating farriers at all levels of Accreditation will be required to obtain 16 CE credits per year. The AAPF works with sponsors of clinics, conventions, symposiums and other events to coordinate opportunities for farriers to earn their CE credits.
The information for this news article is taken from the website of the American Association of Professional Farriers.