Bachelor Thesis - Christina Kuenen - Hufpfleger

− regular further education
The fee for the exam is € 500,00 (Öster. Hufschmiedeverband, 2011).
2.5.1.1.3 Switzerland
The Swiss developed, based on the quality standards of the EFFA, regulations for 'qualified farriers'. The
Swiss metal-union (SMU) is responsible for these. These regulations were developed due to the changing
market demand for experts in hoof treatment and to ensure equine welfare through a standardised quality
system since 2006. To become a “qualified farrier” and be therefore registered in a list, one has to fulfil the
following criteria:
− proof of specialised competence
− proof of own farrier business or employment as farrier
− regular participation in further education.
They have to pay an enrolment fee once and a yearly fee for the union (SMU, 2005).
2.5.1.1.4 Germany
In 2006 the FN developed a certification called the 'FN-Gütesiegel' in Germany. A farrier is allowed to take
part in this program on condition that he is certificated farrier by state. It is a voluntary assessment which is
judged by the FN and the EDHV. The goal of it is to support clients, like horse owners, to find a high quality
farrier. The following topics are part of the certification:
− appearance
− bureau organisation
− garage equipment (fix and mobile)
− working and quality control
− equipment of employees
The certification has to be renewed every three years or can be extended through regular further education
(FN, 2006).
2.5.1.2 Quality Standards for Alternative Hoof Treatment Practitioners
There do also exist quality standards for alternative hoof treatment practitioners. Due to lacking regulations
also in other countries mostly only small groups consents to a certain quality standards or accreditation
system. According to the EFFA hardly any European country has restrictions for practising hoof treatment
excluding iron shoeing (EFFA, 2010).
2.5.1.2.1 America
In America there is a bigger association the American Hoof Association (AHA) (2011) which certificates
natural hoof care practitioners, who are bare hoof practitioners using a special kind of method to treat
hooves, the natural hoof care. Every practitioner, independent of the country or instructive institute he comes
from, who has at least two years trimming experience, can be certificated, if he meets the following
requirements:
- three case studies, each including at least three sets of six photos taken in a time of minimum three months
- a video of a trimming including the advising of the owner.
It is a voluntary system and the participants have to pay a fee of $ 100 (AHA, 2011).
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