A question the American Farriers Journal (AFJ) staff often is asked relates to the membership numbers for each of the half-dozen U.S.-based national farrier organizations.

To get these answers, we asked each of these six groups — American Farrier’s Association, Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association, Equine Lameness Prevention Organization, International Association of Professional Farriers, National Alliance of Equine Partitioners, World Championship Blacksmiths — to provide the AFJ staff with membership numbers. 

While the majority of these numbers represent horseshoers, memberships also often include some equine veterinarians, industry suppliers, educators and even horse owners. Several groups also have members living outside the U.S., and, as you would expect, some farriers belong to more than one organization.

A few months ago, each of the following farrier groups provided these membership numbers. And the mission statements listed here from each group.

1. As of Dec. 5, 2025, the American Farrier’s Association reported 2,332 members. 
   Mission: Exists to further the professional development of farriers, to provide leadership and resources for the benefit of the farrier industry and to improve the welfare of the horse through continuing farrier education. 
2. On Nov. 24, 2025, the Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association  declined to share its membership numbers. However, on Feb. 17, 2026, it reported the organization had 8,000 members. We’re assuming this figure represents life-time memberships, so it is not a direct comparison with yearly membership numbers from other groups.
   Mission: To help farriers improver their skills and move them toward education instead of pushing them away through testing that intimidates and discourages them.
   
   
3. As of Nov. 28, 2025, the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization estimated they had 150-200 members. 
   Mission: Dedicated to questioning, monitoring and improving upon practices regarding hoof care where horse owners, horse enthusiasts and equine professionals can go to get help, offer assistance to others, exchange ideas, and discuss the health and soundness of their equine companions.
   
   
4. As of Nov. 18, 2025, the International Association of Professional Farriers reported 605 members. They also indicated their newsletter is distributed to around 1,000 names.
   Mission: Promotes the integrity of the farrier industry by strengthening the knowledge and skills of its members.
   
   
5. As of Dec.7, 2025, the National Alliance of Equine Partitioners reported their membership includes 200 farriers and equine veterinarians. The group was previously known as the Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners.
   Mission: Equine practitioners working together for the well-being of the horse through communication and continuing education.
   
   
6. As of Nov. 27, 2025, the World Championship Blacksmiths group reported 552 active members.
   Mission: Produce horseshoeing competitions at venues where there is a horse owning public to show and educate that a well-educated farrier is a powerful tool and the only equine professional who sees the horse on a 6-week rotation in a non-crisis situation.

U.S. Vs. British Farrier Numbers 

The AFJ staff also compared the membership numbers of these U.S. based farrier groups with the British national farrier group.

British farrier Mark Aikens told us in December 2025 that there were 2,450 registered farriers in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland and Northern Ireland). To work in these three countries, a horseshoer must be licensed by the British-based Farriers Registration Council.

A 2023 report from the British Equestrian group indicated the United Kingdom had 850,000 horses.

Aikens says 1,018 of the licensed farriers are also dues-paying British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association members. That’s an amazing 42% of farriers working in these three countries, a level that’s around five times higher than the number of farriers belonging any U.S.-based national group.

By comparison, the American Farriers Association membership of 2,332 would make up slightly more than 8% of the estimated number of 27,500 U.S. farriers. 

Mission: The British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association exists to represent and be the voice of the professional farrier while supporting and enabling farriers and blacksmiths throughout their career.

Next up in this exclusive 3-part American Farriers Journal series is an in-depth report on the financial situation of these non-profit farrier groups.

View part 1 of this 3-part series, “No Government Agency Tracks Farrier Numbers.”