Facing an examination of their educational programs by the American Farrier’s Association and stung by criticism in an AFA task force report on farrier education, the majority of private farrier school owners in the United States have banded together in a new group called the American Farriers Education Council.

“Recent negative publicity about the quality of farrier education in the United States motivated school instructors and owners to show their solidarity and to defend their excellent record in satisfying the nation’s continual need for new farriers to service horses of all breeds and sports,” according to a statement issued by the group.

“The American Farriers Education Council (AFEC) will operate as a sovereign body, separate from any other farrier organization,” according to the AFEC release. AFEC adopted as its mission statement: “To support and promote superior farrier education at member schools to improve American farrier education.”

AFEC was formed when about 25 people representing 16 U.S. farrier schools attended a two-day meeting held Aug. 19 and 20 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Reggie Kester, owner of the Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School, organized the event.

Kester was named as the president of AFEC. Bob Smith, owner of the Pacific Coast Horseshoeing School in Sacramento, Calif., was named vice president and spokesperson. Susie Goode was named secretary/treasurer. She co-owns the Tucson School of Horseshoeing in Arizona with her husband, George Goode.

Curriculum To Be Set

According to the AFEC, there are about 25 brick-and-mortar private farrier schools in the United States and Canada…