The Farrier Education Fund is establishing the National Farrier of the Year Award to honor the outstanding accomplishments of American farriers — those who have gone above and beyond in their support of both the farrier profession and the broader equine industry.

Nominees should demonstrate:

• Exceptional mentorship within and beyond the farrier trade.
• A strong commitment to continuing education.

Eligibility requires nominees to be U.S. residents actively practicing the art and science of farriery within the country.

Nominations

Online nomination forms will be available at farriereducationfund.org beginning Dec. 1, 2025, through Feb. 6, 2026.

In addition to the National Farrier of the Year Award, the Farrier Education Fund, together with co-founders and sponsors Absorbine (W.F. Young Inc.), Back on Track USA and Wellington International, will annually present two additional honors:

• National Farrier Apprentice of the Year
• National Friend of the Farrier Award

While both the Farrier of the Year and Farrier Apprentice of the Year are new recognitions. The Friend of the Farrier Award was introduced in 2024.

All award recipients will be honored March 7, 2026, during the Kappy Kaplan Farrier Recognition Award Ceremony and Dinner at the Wellington International, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival.