Southern Appalachian Farrier’s Association, SAFA, is the chapter of the American Farrier Association, AFA. The members are dedicated to following the standards set by the AFA as the AFA level of standards and practices are internationally recognized.They are to continue education ever after certification and obtain International recognition with these credentials. The two most respected certifications are the CF and CJF, Certified Farrier and Certified Journeyman Farrier respectively with the CJF as the higher level of certification and is the benchmark to obtain any other endorsements, instructor or examiner credentials.
Pre-certification is actually a clinic or workshop where AFA certified examiners are brought in to evaluate each members’ work to then teach and help them meet the Association’s standards of excellence and consistency.
The CF clinic and testings consists of three parts, the practical, the written and the shoe board. The examiner’s will critique each portion and offer suggestions for refinement and improvement. Largely, the industry is unregulated hence the necessity for oversight and self-regulation by the professionals in the industry under the umbrella of the association.
An aspiring farrier has the best success through apprenticeship or a reputable farrier school, regular pre-certification clinics and regular testing to advance through the profession to becoming a certified farrier, a journeyman and possibly an examiner which require additional AFA endorsements. This process is quite expensive between travel expenses, time in training and continuing education fees. As a farrier progresses through the industry, they learn education never stops and is ongoing. It is necessary.
Passing all three parts of the testing process is quite difficult and an aspiring farrier has two years to pass all three parts once they pass one of the three portions. Passing through the testing process is quite a feat and a hallmark in a farrier’s life in becoming a Certified Farrier with the AFA. Once crossing this hurdle, the Association members continue to train and work together to progress and refine the trade.
The fellowship connections are invaluable as a client and their horse may move or travel between areas. The communication the farriers have really helps keep the horse on a consistent hoof care program with the understanding of the hoof physiology particular to the client’s horse in mind which ultimately affects the efficacy of the work. Certified Farrier Roy Davis states, “Iron sharpens iron and networking with the association is invaluable.”
The people who join the Farrier’s Association do so to learn and grow at a faster rate with high quality knowledge to better serve their customers. A farriers true satisfaction is when he/she can help a lame horse to walk away more comfortably than before. (Additionally) ….when a farrier has an extended education in anatomy, physiology, pathology and possesses the skills to build shoes applicable to each case the sense of accomplishment is realized.
Mr. Davis indicated when he sees a horse and owner, he strives to build a relationship between the farrier, the horse and owner and if necessary the veterinarian to achieve the best possible outcome for the horse. In my case, I prefer my horses barefoot. However, it does limit riding to drier trails heavier in loam with few rocks. He indicated some of his clients use hoof boots but if they ride the Big South Fork several times a week on a regular basis, they often opt for shoes.
When asked about how a horse owner can help their horse get the best results from the farrier, Mr. Davis shared these pillars: 1. provide proper management from the nutritional aspects, stall maintenance, (if applicable) turnout and regular hoof care. 2. Prep for arrival by having the horse up, clean and ready with attentive handling as a plus. 3. Provide an optimal working area which is level, dry and free from obstacles. 4. Train the horse to stand quietly. Shoe shape, trim, and nailing are only part of this equation. Horse owners can contribute to a more successful experience for the farrier and their horse by these practices.
SAFA and SAFA farriers Jared Brown, CJF; and Rachael Millard, CJF; host the upcoming pre-certification clinic in Crossville, TN on April 22, 2022 which requires pre-registration. To learn more, please visit Facebook Events, https://www.facebook.com/events/1560867100960644/?active_tab=discussion or call your SAFA farrier. SAFA officers and board members are scattered throughout VA through TN. General members are live and work throughout the entire southern Appalachian region.
