02/15/2026
I feel like this is a great article that will help people understand what it is to be certified.
I am very proud to hold my certified farrier title and being 2/3rds done with my certified journeyman farrier with the AFA. Its a great way to put your money where your mouth is and be judged by your peers. Instead of just being another Facebook post certified mouth.
This is a great article (as taken from an EQUUS article) and the same advice should be applied to equine trainers, massage therapists, acupuncturists, and other equine professionals...
FARRIERY CREDENTIALS EXPLAINED⎯ Steve Kraus, BS, CJF, with Laurel Scott. January 13, 2025
Here’s how to decipher the acronyms that indicate how horse shoers are trained and certified.
Farriery is a profession that relies on know-how. But if you’re like most horse owners, you haven’t given much thought to when and where your horseshoer acquired his skills. That’s okay if your current farrier is reliable, understands your horse’s hoof-care needs and communicates well.
The meaning of credentials becomes more important, however if you ever need to find a new hoof-care professional. Then, an understanding of farrier certifications can help you to find the best person for your horse’s needs.
In the United States there is no legal framework governing farriery work. Nor is there a unified system for certifying farriers. In other words, anyone with the right tools can set up business as a farrier here, with or without training. That means you need to do your homework on the various farrier credentials out there and what they mean.
ACCREDITATION VERSUS LICENSING:
Word of mouth is still a time-tested way to find out how well a farrier knows his business. However, any farrier who puts forth the additional effort to improve his or her skills is likely to be better for it.
American farriers have several options when seeking to achieve nationally recognized credentials indicating a certain level of competence. Whether or not he or she chooses to pursue this status is usually a personal choice.
It’s important to note, however, that farrier licensing is a separate issue in this country. Don’t confuse licensing with certification or accreditation.
Although the United States has no unified system for training and certifying farriers, various state horse racing and wagering boards have instituted a licensing system for racetrack farriers. This includes a competency exam and a background check. But these licenses only pertain to work done on racehorses or at racetracks.
So here’s a look at several types of certifications and accreditations you’re likely to encounter when shopping for a sporthorse or pleasure-horse farrier.
CERTIFICATE OR CERTIFICATION?
Armed with knowledge about national farrier training programs, you’ll be better able to tell the difference between a farrier school diploma, a certificate (which merely recognizes the passing of a course) and full-fledged professional certification.
If a farrier claims a certification, ask for specifics. You can verify the claim by either calling the organization or visiting its website. Also beware of overseas farriers migrating to the United States and claiming bogus European certifications.
Also remember that some certificates simply signify attendance at short seminars or clinics—usually held over a weekend and often for limited to hoof trimming. Some horse owners take these clinics because they want to work on their own horses. However, it takes a lifetime to learn about equine feet and true farriery skills cannot be learned over a weekend.
