International Association of Professional Farriers

What International Association of Professional Farriers does

The International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit professional trade association headquartered in Norvelt, Pennsylvania. Founded circa 2010–2011, the organization serves professional farriers, equine veterinarians, and horse owners globally under the tagline "A Global Commitment to Farrier and Horse Owner Education." Its mission is to promote the integrity of the farrier industry by strengthening member knowledge and skills through continuing education, professional credentialing, mentoring, and farrier-assistance programs, while improving overall equine health via collaboration with veterinarians and other industry professionals.

The IAPF's core products are member services and professional development programs, not technology. Its portfolio includes a multi-tier credentialing ladder (Foundation/APF-I, Dressage, Hunter Jumper, Forging-Shoes Levels 1–3, Nutrition, and the newly introduced Equine Behavior Credential), a continuing-education platform aggregating sponsor and partner webinars/podcasts (Mustad, EasyCare, Life Data Labs, FPD, Werkman Hoofcare, Vetoquinol, ECIR, PHCP, ISIH, AFJ Online Hoof-Care Classroom, and others), an annual meeting co-located with the International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio, regional clinics (e.g., IAPF Summer Oregon Clinic, Central Carolina Farrier Rounds), a searchable accredited-farrier directory, scholarship programs (Roy Bloom and Frank Gravlee), and a mobile app plus member portal.

Commercial mechanics are organized around annual membership dues (pricing not publicly disclosed), paid CE content (e.g., ECIR webinars at $30 each with one-year video access), the annual summit, regional in-person clinics, and a small online merchandise store (custom Badger Built aprons). The organization is member-owned and governed by an elected volunteer Board (up to 6 Directors and 3 Officers) with a paid executive team of approximately 1–10 employees led by Executive Director Richard Mongeau and Director of Membership Services Kara Mass. Geographic operations cover North America, with auxiliary presence in Australia (registered as IAPF Inc. Australia, ABN 80133639784) and event activity across Sweden, Norway, and the United Kingdom. There is no evidence of external investment, parent company, or public listing.

Name

International Association of Professional Farriers

Legal name

International Association of Professional Farriers Inc.

Website

https://professionalfarriers.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that provides professional credentialing, continuing education, mentoring, and accreditation services to practicing farriers, equine veterinarians, and horse owners primarily in North America, with international reach into Australia, Sweden, Norway, and the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

West Palm Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation operated as a business trade organization. All payments (100%) to IAPF may be deducted from federal income tax as a cost of doing business. Revenue generated through membership fees.
2. Events and Continuing Education: Revenue from educational clinics, webinars, podcasts, and the annual International Hoof-Care Summit. Members and non-members can earn continuing education (CE) credits.
3. Online Store: The IAPF maintains an online store selling merchandise including custom Badger Built aprons with IAPF branding, with proceeds supporting the association.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization that provides professional credentialing, continuing education, and member services to farriers, equine veterinarians, and horse owners. Its core offerings include multi-level credentialing programs (Foundation APF-I, Dressage, Hunter Jumper, Forging-Shoes, Nutrition, Equine Behavior), a continuing education platform of webinars, podcasts, in-person clinics, and the annual International Hoof-Care Summit, plus member services such as a searchable farrier directory, mobile app, newsletter, mentoring, and farrier assistance programs.

Product overview

The International Association of Professional Farriers (IAPF) operates as a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization offering a portfolio of credentialing, education, and membership services for professional farriers and equine veterinarians. The core offerings include multi-level credentialing programs (Foundation, Dressage, Hunter Jumper, Forging-Shoes, Nutrition, and Equine Behavior credentials), a comprehensive continuing education platform featuring webinars, podcasts, and in-person clinics, member services including a searchable farrier directory and mobile app, plus charitable programs such as Farrier Assistance and mentoring. The association also maintains an event calendar showcasing industry conferences and educational opportunities globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IAPF Credentialing Programs Professional credentialing programs for farriers, including IAPF Foundation Credential (APF-I), Dressage Credential, Hunter Jumper Credential, Forging-Shoes Credential (Levels 1-3), Nutrition Credential, and Equine Behavior Credential. Targeted at practicing farriers seeking professional recognition.
• IAPF Continuing Education Programs Ongoing education delivered through webinars, podcasts, clinics, and virtual events covering equine hoof care, biomechanics, anatomy, laminitis, nutrition, and therapeutic shoeing techniques. Members and non-members can earn continuing education (CE) credits.
• IAPF Membership Services Professional membership providing access to credentialing, continuing education, networking, directory listing, newsletters, and member-only resources for farriers and equine veterinarians. Renewed annually.
• Farrier Assistance Program Charitable program providing support to farriers in need and promoting the farrier profession through donations and community assistance.
• IAPF Mentoring Program Mentorship program connecting experienced farriers with newer practitioners for career guidance and professional skill development.
• Farrier Search Directory Searchable online directory that allows horse owners to find accredited IAPF farriers in their local area.
• IAPF Event Calendar Comprehensive online calendar of upcoming clinics, webinars, conferences, and continuing education events for farriers, accessible to members and the public.
• IAPF Mobile App Dedicated mobile application providing members access to association resources, the farrier directory, and member information on mobile devices.
• IAPF Newsletter Regular electronic newsletter distributed to members with association news, upcoming events, industry updates, and educational content.
• IAPF Online Store Online store selling merchandise including custom Badger Built aprons with IAPF branding, with proceeds supporting the association.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Cascadia EquineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of IAPF Summer Oregon Clinic (July 17-18, 2026). Cascadia Equine sponsored the event where Don Bryant and Mark Male demonstrated shoe modifications and Glu-Shu shoes on live horses.
• Florida Farrier Service, IncminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of multiple educational events including Equine Biomechanics & Myofascial Connections Through Hoof Function clinics (16 CE) and Material Matters: Aluminum, Steel & The Power of Enhancements clinic.
• Life Data LabsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides nutrition and supplement presentations at IAPF events. Part of the webinar education series available to members featuring content on equine hoof health and nutrition.
• EasyCareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides hoof boot webinars as part of the IAPF continuing education program. EasyCare products are featured in educational content about hoof protection.
• Mustad HoofcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides webinars as part of the IAPF continuing education program. Marguerite Paige, formerly with Mustad Hoofcare, was honored with the G.E. Forge & Tool Leadership Award in 2022.
• Badger Built ApronsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom apron manufacturer creating 'IAPF Special' aprons only available through IAPF website. Features IAPF logo, country designation, and member name/credentials. Supports IAPF through exclusive merchandise sales.
• Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHCP clinics and webinars are listed on IAPF calendar and provide CE credits. The IAPF recognizes PHCP certification and coursework as part of its credentialing and continuing education programs.
• The International School of Integrative Hoofcare (ISIH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISIH Horse & Hoof 5-Day Clinics and Mini Clinics are listed on IAPF calendar with CE credit. The integrative hoofcare curriculum complements IAPF's education mission.
• Equine Cushing's and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerECIR webinars on metabolic conditions (PPID, laminitis, seasonal rise) are listed on IAPF calendar. These educational webinars on equine metabolic health provide 1 CE credit each.
• The Equine Documentalist (Yogi Sharp)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured clinician for 'Equine Biomechanics & Myofascial Connections Through Hoof Function' and 'Cutting-Edge Science For Real-World Practice' events. Content focuses on objective documentation and peer-reviewed research application.
• Charles Heumphreus Memorial Equine Podiatry SymposiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner36th annual symposium to be held at UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine. Program features expert presentations and hands-on labs on equine podiatry, fostering farrier-veterinarian collaboration.
• Hoofcare Essentials FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation run by David Farley CF APF-I. Sponsors Roy Bloom Scholarship Awards for farriers and Frank Gravlee Scholarship Awards for veterinarians to attend the International Hoof-Care Summit.
• American Farriers Journal / Lessiter MediacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Robert 'Red' Renchin Leadership Award. Co-hosts the International Hoof-Care Summit where IAPF holds its annual meeting.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP): AAEP is the largest U.S. professional association for equine veterinarians, offering CE, conventions, and credentialing-adjacent programs. It overlaps with IAPF's veterinary member segment and equine podiatry education but addresses a broader veterinary audience rather than specializing in farriery.
• American Horse Council: American Horse Council is a broad national trade association representing the entire U.S. equine industry, including welfare, legislative, and tax advocacy. It is a broader incumbent working at the industry level rather than specialized in farrier credentialing.

Direct peers

• Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners (PHCP): PHCP is an educational organization for natural/holistic hoof care practitioners, offering certification pathways and clinics that appear on IAPF's calendar with mutual CE recognition. It is a direct educational competitor targeting an adjacent (natural hoof care) segment of the same farrier market.
• Worshipful Company of Farriers: The Worshipful Company of Farriers is a U.K.-based farrier professional body with a centuries-old history, providing qualification examinations (DipWCF) and continuing education to farriers. It is a direct international peer to IAPF, serving the same farrier profession with structured credentialing and CE in a different geography.
• American Farriers Association: The American Farriers Association is the longest-standing U.S. professional farrier trade association, offering certification, continuing education, and an annual convention — directly parallel to IAPF's credentialing and CE mission. Both serve the same core persona of professional farriers in North America and compete for the same member pool.
• The International School of Integrative Hoofcare (ISIH): ISIH provides multi-day clinics and curricula in integrative hoofcare, with sessions listed on IAPF's calendar in a strategic partnership. It competes for education dollars from farriers and horse owners seeking structured learning, sharing the same target audience.

Regional players

• Australian Farriers and Blacksmiths Association: AFBA is the principal Australian farrier trade body, providing certification, conferences, and CE to farriers in Australia. It is a regional peer that overlaps with IAPF's Australian subsidiary (ABN 80133639784), competing for the same member base in that geography.
• National Farriers Association of Canada (if active): A Canadian regional farrier trade body offering certification and CE to Canadian farriers. It is a regional peer to IAPF, addressing the same profession with structured credentialing in a different national market.
• British Horse Council: British Horse Council is a U.K. umbrella body representing equine welfare and professional groups, including farriers. It is a regional player with comparable industry-coordination and advocacy functions to IAPF but operating only in the U.K.

Others

• American Farriers Journal (Lessiter Media): American Farriers Journal is the leading trade publication for the farrier industry, co-hosting the International Hoof-Care Summit where IAPF holds its annual meeting and sponsoring the Renchin Leadership Award. It is an ecosystem partner and content/marketing channel rather than a direct association peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AAProFarriers
• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL0GTbdWbQpPSCBnReq4lQISzUaDhmyoap
• Facebookfacebook.com/ProfessionalFarriers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-association-of-professional-farriers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Association of Professional Farriers