Since its inception, the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) Board of Directors identified the need for a program that recognizes the knowledge, education and skills of its members. Four years later, that need was met with the launch of its farrier credential program.

Members of the AAPF, as well as its subsidiary the International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF), have the opportunity to participate in the stackable credentialing process that “will demonstrate to horse owners, trainers, veterinarians and others in the horse industry a farrier’s personal commitment to the profession,” says Marc van der Rest, chairman of the AAPF/IAPF Farrier Credentialing Committee.

Setting A Foundation

The first step in the program is the foundation credential. To qualify, a farrier or veterinarian must be a current regular member. Student members also qualify; however, they must be a recent graduate of a farrier or vet school. No exemptions will be granted, regardless of the number of years in the profession or the accreditations, certifications or endorsements that have been earned.

Each candidate will be issued a 250-page study guide and have 12 months to complete the 395-question, multiple choice, open-book test from their home.

“The credentialing committee wants to give farriers and others an adequate amount of time to complete the test,” says…