Earlier this year, the American Farrier’s Association (AFA) launched a Facebook page for the International Outreach Committee of the American Farrier’s Association Foundation (AFAF). Before this announcement, an initial project was started in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in 2017 with a single clinic by AFAF members on vacation. Since then, it’s grown to include clinics in Cuba — in partnership with the non-profit Cuba’s Horses — and AFA certifications in Mexico and Colombia.
“The International Outreach Committee was founded to help facilitate educational opportunities in countries lacking organized access to farrier education,” its website says.
With a large demand for additional clinics and certification opportunities, the Committee looks to expand into other countries going forward. The certification study guide and many teaching videos have already been translated into Spanish.
“Long term, our goal is to expand educational opportunities and the network of trained farriers, thus elevating the standard of hoof care in these countries. This, in turn, will spread to more remote areas as the number of trained people grows,” its project summary says.
To donate to the International Outreach Committee or get involved, visit the AFAF website here.
