The American and International Associations of Professional Farriers (AAPF/IAPF) announced Monday, April 2, that they have formed an alliance with the Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners (NEAEP).

The alliance was created under the mutual agreement that the relationship between farriers and veterinarians must be enhanced if the horse is to benefit, according to an AAPF/IAPF news release. This decision comes in the wake of discussion surrounding the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) proposed elimination of the farrier exemption from the Model Veterinary Practice Act (MVPA). Much of the discussion surrounding the exemption’s exclusion focused on the negative consequences that might occur depending on how states interpret it.

The AAPF/IAPF and NEAEP support the continued exemption of farriers from the definition of practicing veterinary medicine that’s outlined in the MVPA. An AVMA committee is considering the submitted comments. It’s not clear when the new MVPA will be released.

The AAPF/IAPF and NEAEP are embarking on the relationship with a special offer: all AAPF and IAPF members will receive a $50 discount on their registration for the NEAEP’s Annual Symposium. The Symposium will be from Sept. 26-29 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.