If you have a desire to go into farriery as a career, it’s worth knowing about your local association. They can provide much in the way of business advice, educational training and even qualification details. Not to mention promotion of your services, related farrier events and more. The American Association of Professional Farriers has much to offer on their website.
I love that they have a Career Centre on their site. It provides details on farrier schools, gaining a farriery qualification and even scholarships for the year that can be applied for. If you want to start you career as a farrier in the US, this looks like the place to go!
There is also a mentoring program, by the looks of things. If you have questions about farriery as a career, who better to go to then a mentor? You can learn from someone who has already been there, done that! You may be provided with insight that you wouldn’t otherwise gain. Mentors can teach what not to do in particular situations and even give much needed encouragement.
Tools are a much needed aid in the world of trimming horses’ feet. On the Professional Farriers website you’ll even find links to different farrier supply stores. This can help you to determine what your ongoing costs will be and how this will affect what you charge clients.
I think the mission statement on their website sums things up nicely:
“The American Association of Professional Farriers will promote the integrity of the farrier industry by strengthening the knowledge and skills of its members through continuing education and support at the state, national and international levels while improving overall equine health through collaboration with other industry professionals.”
The American Association of Professional Farriers
Back in 2001, issues of certification, publications, continuing education, alliances and professional relations for farriers were raised in a meeting held in Georgetown, Kentucky. This led to a decision to start building the American Association of Professional Farriers. This also led to the creation the Canadian Association of Professional Farriers and the International Association of Professional Farriers. All three are governed by the same Board of Directors.
As I’ve said before on Equus Education, if you know of an association that helps to build and promote the industry you plan to go into, be sure you make use of its resources and contacts! They’re there to help you.
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