The Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners (NEAEP) joined other organizations speaking on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) proposed farrier exemption elimination on Wednesday.

David Dawson, the NEAEP’s executive director and CEO, stated that the organization was the first to define farriers as “equine practitioners.” He also expressed that the NEAEP will continue to support the inclusion of the farrier exemption.

“The Board of Directors values and encourages the collaboration of both professions and is aware of the proposed changes to the AVMA’s Model Veterinary Practice Act,” says Dawson. “We are in active communication with multiple professional organizations to present a united voice in support of the current art of farriery exemption. The NEAEP will continue to advocate for the betterment of both professions.”

The American Farrier’s Association (AFA) and American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF) also recently voiced their concerns over the proposed change to the Model Veterinary Practice Act (MPVA). The AAPF issued a statement in support of the farrier exemption. The AFA and AAPF have also been in contact with other farrier organizations and continue to monitor progress of the decisions being made about the proposed changes.

The AVMA has invited the public to make comments until March 25 on the proposed changes to the MVPA, and the AFA and AAPF encourage farriers and horse owners to do so. To leave a comment or suggest a change, visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/AVMA-Model-Veterinary-Practice-Act-Comment-Form.pdf.