Awards
NAFA Leadership Award
The NAFA Leadership Award is a one-time, lifetime achievement award recognizing members who demonstrate exceptional leadership through professionalism, integrity, education, and dedication to the equine industry.
This award is not based on popularity, tenure, or titles. It is earned through consistent real-world impact, strong work ethic, and the respect of clients and peers. Once awarded, a member is no longer eligible to receive the Leadership Award again. For example, if a member receives the award in 2032, they remain honored for life but are not
eligible in future years. This ensures the award remains meaningful and allows new leaders to be recognized
annually.
Eligibility & Nomination
• Any active NAFA member is eligible to be considered each year until they receive the award.
• A member may nominate themselves.
• While self-nominations are allowed, client, mentor, or colleague testimonials carry greater weight and strengthen the submission.
Who Can Submit a Testimonial: Only one testimonial is required to be considered.
Submissions may come from:
• A horse owner or client
• A mentor
• A professional colleague (Farrier, Veterinarian, or Barefoot Trimmer)
• The member themselves (self-nomination)
All testimonials are submitted through the official NAFA link
below and reviewed based on merit and professional
conduct.
What Qualifies a Member
Testimonials should reflect one or more of the following
leadership qualities:
• Ethical, professional conduct and integrity
• Consistent high-quality hoof care and dedication to horse welfare
• Mentorship, teaching, or support of other professionals
• Commitment to continuing education and personal growth
• Positive leadership within the equine community
• Respectful collaboration with clients, veterinarians, and peers
Leadership is demonstrated through actions—not titles, influence, or popularity.A Fair, Member-First Honor. The NAFA Leadership Award exists to recognize professionals who lead by example every day—often without
recognition. It is designed to be fair, transparent, and accessible, ensuring leadership is honored wherever it exists.
If you are doing the work and earning the respect of those you serve, you are eligible—until the day you earn it.
Submit a Testimonial
Recognition begins with one voice.
If you believe a NAFA member deserves this lifetime achievement honor, submit a testimonial using the link below.
[Submit a Leadership Award Testimonial]
NAFA Top Five Continuing Education Award
The NAFA Top Five Continuing Education Award recognizes members who demonstrate an exceptional
commitment to ongoing education and professional growth. This award highlights individuals who actively
invest in learning, skill development, and staying current within the equine hoof-care profession.Continuing education is the foundation of progress, and NAFA believes those who lead through learning deserve to be recognized.
Two Fair Award Categories
To ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all members, the Top Five Continuing Education Award is divided into two separate categories:
Non-Clinicians
Recognizes the top five members who earn the highest number of continuing education credits in a calendar year without serving as clinicians.
Clinicians
Recognizes the top five members who earn the highest number of continuing education credits while also serving
as clinicians. Separating these categories ensures that members who are primarily attending and consuming education are evaluated independently from those who are teaching, presenting, or hosting clinics.
How the Award Is Determined
• Awards are based on the total number of verified continuing education credits earned within a calendar year
• CE credits may be earned through clinics, certifications, mentorship and mentee development, educational podcasts, written contributions, and approved partner content
• Rankings are calculated objectively based on documented CE activity
As NAFA membership continues to grow, the number of award recipients will expand accordingly. The Top Five
model will evolve into Top Ten and beyond to reflect the size and diversity of the organization.
Annual, Repeatable Recognition
The Top Five Continuing Education Award can be earned every
year. Members remain eligible annually as long as they place
within the Top Five of their category for that year.
This award is designed to recognize consistent commitment
to education, not a one-time achievement.
A Professional Achievement & Marketing Tool
Being recognized as a Top Five Continuing Education Award
recipient is both an industry achievement and a powerful marketing
tool. Members may promote this recognition to clients, barns, and the broader equine community as proof of their dedication to staying educated, current, and professional.
NAFA believes education should be visible—and rewarded.
Member-First Recognition
This award reinforces NAFA’s core belief that effort matters. Professionals who invest in themselves elevate
the entire industry, and NAFA is proud to spotlight those who lead through learning.
Statewide Farrier Recognition Award
We’re proud to launch our online nomination and voting program to recognize one outstanding farrier service in each state. This annual recognition is designed to highlight excellence, professionalism, and dedication within the farrier industry.
Nominations are open to clients, trainers, barn managers, and fellow professionals who would like to recognize a farrier that consistently delivers exceptional hoof care and service. Each state will have one recognized farrier service per year.
Selected farriers will receive official online recognition and a printable award badge to display. Additional recognition materials may also be provided.
Please click the link below and ensure the farrier’s name is spelled correctly when submitting your nomination.