Over the years, a number of equine footcare groups have been established with the goal of encouraging continuing hoof-care education and establishing specific standards for horseshoeing and trimming work.

If you’ve ever been confused as to what the letters behind a person’s name actually stand for, here’s a handy look at what the initials and titles mean.

AANHCP CP

Certified Natural Hoof Care Practitioner. (Association for the Advancement of Horse/Hoof Care Practices)

AANHCP CSP

Certified Natural Hoof Care Student Practitioner. (Association for the Advancement of Horse/Hoof Care Practices)

AF

Accredited Farrier. (American Association of Professional Farriers)

AF

Apprentice Farrier. (Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association)

AF II

Apprentice II Certification. (Brotherhood of Working Farriers Association)

AFCL

Formerly known as Associate of the Farriers Company of London. Now known as Associateship AWCF. (Worshipful Company of Farriers)

AFEC CF

Certified Farrier. (American Farrier’s Education Council)

APF

Accredited Professional Farrier. (American Association of Professional Farriers)

AT

Apprentice Trimmer. (American Hoof Association)

ATF

Approved Training Farrier. (Worshipful Company of Farriers)

AWCF

Associateship of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. Formerly known as AFCL. (Worshipful Company of Farriers)

CAF

Cytek Accredited Farrier. (Cytek Horseshoe Company, Ltd.)

CBT

Certified Barefoot Trimmer. Formerly known as Certified Natural Balance Barefoot Trimmer. (Equine Lameness Prevention Organization)

CF

Certified Farrier. (American Farrier’s Association)

CF

Cytek Farrier. (Cytek Horseshoe Company, Ltd.)

CFP

Certified Farrier Practitioner. Formerly known as Certified Natural Balance Farrier. (Equine Lameness Prevention Organization)

CJF

Certified Journeyman Farrier. (American Farrier’s Association)

CJF EE

Certified Journeyman Farrier: Educator’s Endorsement. (American Farrier’s Association)

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