About NAFA
The North American Farrier Association (NAFA) is a
modern, for-profit professional trade association created to redefine how continuing education, certification, and professional recognition are delivered within the equine hoof-care industry.
NAFA was founded on the belief that education,
advancement, and recognition should be earned through
merit—not politics, favoritism, or closed-door decision
making. Our organization brings Veterinarians, Farriers,
and Barefoot Trimmers together under one fair, structured
system that values skill, ethics, and real-world performance.
NAFA is built to recognize professionals for the work they do—not the hands they shake. Horse owners can nominate members for leadership and achievement awards based on verified client testimonials, while mentors
and peers can provide professional evaluations that reflect real dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity. Above all, NAFA is a member-first organization. Our goal is to build every member up, provide equal opportunity for recognition, and elevate the hoof-care profession as a whole through education, accountability, and fairness.
NAFA is built to recognize professionals for the work they do—not the hands
they shake. Horse owners can nominate members for leadership and
achievement awards based on verified client testimonials, while mentors
and peers can provide professional evaluations that reflect real dedication,
craftsmanship, and integrity. Above all, NAFA is a member-first organization.
Our goal is to build every member up, provide equal opportunity for
recognition, and elevate the hoof-care profession as a whole through education, accountability, and fairness.
Founder's Statement
NAFA was created because the farrier industry deserved better. After years of working in this profession, I saw firsthand
how education, certifications, and professional recognition were often controlled by politics, favoritism, and closed-door decision-making. Too many skilled, ethical professionals were overlooked—not because of the quality of their work, but because they weren’t part of the right circle or willing to play the game. That is not how a profession should operate. The North American Farrier Association was founded to provide a fair, transparent, and structured alternative—one that puts members first and recognizes professionals for their work ethic, continued learning, and real-world results. NAFA was built to remove the barriers that have held good people back and to create opportunities based on merit, not influence. I believe continuing education should be accessible, flexible, and reflective of how professionals actually learn and grow. Education doesn’t only happen in classrooms or clinics—it happens through mentorship, experience, collaboration, research, writing, and open discussion. NAFA recognizes all of those pathways and brings certifications and continuing education credits together under one roof. NAFA is also about unity. Veterinarians, Farriers, and Barefoot Trimmers all play vital roles in equine care, and progress happens when those roles work together with mutual respect. This organization was designed to encourage collaboration—not division. Most importantly, NAFA exists to build people up. Every member deserves a fair opportunity to be recognized, spotlighted, and supported based solely on the effort they put into their craft. Whether you are just starting out or have decades of experience, NAFA is here to help you grow, succeed, and be acknowledged for the work you do—not the hands you shake. This organization is my commitment to fairness, education, and the future of the profession.
— Jeff Mangone
Founder & CEO
North American Farrier Association (NAFA)