Pairing recent farrier school graduates (mentees) with more knowledgeable and experienced farriers (mentors) has been named a priority program by the American Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF).
In naming the program, it was determined that “mentoring” would refer to a personal and professional developmental relationship that would build between the two parties; with the understanding that true mentoring be more than just answering occasional questions or providing ad hoc assistance. The AAPF plans to have this program focus on developing ongoing lifetime relationships of learning, dialog and challenges.
The AAPF Mentoring Program has two distinct goals:
- To encourage AAPF members to volunteer to accept mentees in relationships for periods of time ranging from one week to one year, and
- To encourage AAPF-member farrier schools to recommend that their graduating students apply for a mentoring relationship through the AAPF.
“Factors that will be considered in the development of a mentoring relationship include specific details about the mentor’s farrier practice,” said Mentoring Committee Chairman John Crothers APF CF, of Clarington, Ohio. “These include breeds/disciplines served, geographical areas, compensation (including wages, room, board and travel arrangements) and the mentor’s overall commitment to farrier education.” (John is also the farrier department instructor at Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre in Waverly, West Virginia)
Other members of the AAPF Mentoring Committee include Gregory Gray APF CJF of Wolverine Farrier School in Clare, Michigan and Lane McNew APF of Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing in Gadsden, Alabama.
The American Association of Professional Farriers is a non-profit trade organization created in 2012 to represent the interests of professional farriers and others involved in the farrier industry. The primary objectives of the new association are: continuing education, member support and serving as a hoof-care reference for horse owners. The AAPF is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
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