The Beginnings
The Beginnings
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.
AAPF Founding Board of Directors
Pictured (left to right): Bryan Quinsey, Executive Director, Steve Prescott CJF APF-I, Scott Lampert APF-I,
Jennifer Horn CJF APF, Roy Bloom CJF APF-I, Jeff Ridley CJF TE APF, Dave Farley CF APF-I, Ed Reardon CJF APF, Bob Pethick CJF APF, Doug Workman CJF APF, & Dave Dawson APF
In June 2011 a face-to-face meeting was held in Georgetown, Kentucky to discuss these issues - certification, publications, continuing education, professional relations, and alliances. The discussion was inspiring and gave an impetus to the importance of moving forward with a plan. An organization and rallying point was needed, one that would provide information that 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.
Subsequently, the Canadian Association of Professional Farriers (CAPF) and the International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) were created. All three associations (AAPF/CAPF/IAPF) are governed by the same Board of Directors.
Mission Statement
"The International 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 IAPF means that "all horses deserve to have the best possible hoof care!" All horses deserve to be sound and regularly maintained. The IAPF 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, IAPF recognized clinics by well-respected craftsmen and videos produced by them will provide helpful demonstrations and examples to help with rising education expenses. The International 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 IAPF. An association which invites all farriers representing all breeds and disciplines at 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 IAPF 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 IAPF. "Dual memberships" are welcome and encouraged. The IAPF will also recognize the certification and registration accomplishments and honors bestowed upon farriers by all other farrier associations and organizations. Additionally, the IAPF 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. Click here for more information about this program. This is also a great gift idea for any special occasion or another way to express your appreciation for a "job well done".
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 Farrier Accreditation have been established - IAPF Accredited Farrier (AF) and IAPF Accredited Professional Farrier (APF). Both levels are fully defined on this website under the Accreditation tab. The IAPF will also recognize the certification and registration accomplishments and honors bestowed upon farriers by all other farrier associations and organizations.
Continuing Education
A key component of the IAPF Farrier Accreditation program is Continuing Education. Participating farriers at all levels of Accreditation will be required to obtain 24 CE credits per year. The IAPF will work with sponsors of clinics, conventions, symposiums and other events to coordinate opportunities for farriers to earn their CE credits. Credits for members will be recorded on the IAPF's website and individual member's profile.
Transparency
Members of the IAPF will have the ability to view all aspects of their association. Documents, including Board of Directors' meeting minutes, budget, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, etc., will be posted to the "Members Only" section of the website for the members to learn about the activities of their association.
Farrier Assistance Program
The American Association of Professional Farriers, Canadian Association of Professional Farriers and International Association of Professional Farriers are committed to the well-being and health of its members. To this extent the associations have created a Farrier Assistance 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 ill farriers who are members of the IAPF should contact the IAPF office to learn more about this benefit.
Communication
To keep members abreast of their industry, a subscription to our official publication the "American Farriers Journal" will be included in your membership. A subscription to "The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care" is also included in membership.