The Farriers Association of Washington State (FAWS) was incorporated in 1977 as a vehicle to enhance communication and learning between farriers, and to increase total horse communication. There are many states in the United States which have similar organizations, all of which are united through the American Farriers Association. As stated in the FAWS by-laws, the purpose of the organization includes:

• To organize and promote excellence in the art and science of farriery;
• To define, maintain, and improve the quality of craftsmanship and standard of ethics within the association;
• To inform the public and the horse owner of such quality and standards;
• To establish a medium for the resolution of problems related to the practice of farriery for the concern, interest, and betterment of the entire horse industry. The association does not regulate or interfere with a farrier's clientele, territory or price.

There was a meeting called by a well known farrier in the area, Jack Woods, to start a union of farriers. It was attended by about fifty farriers which was a great number to get together at that time or anytime. It was decided at the meeting that it would be more valuable to possibly create a Farriers Association and a few volunteered to try and come up with something acceptable. The group included John Palmer, Who had tried to create an association in Olympia and had a great program already outlined, Bill Miller who was the instructor at Olympia Community College, and a farrier of great repute, Al Martineau, owner of of farrier supply, Ed Riebe, a farrier and writer for outdoor magazines and Gordon Goss, a show farrier from Redmond, WA.

We met for several months and outlined a program that became Farriers Association of Washington State. We became chapter 2 in the American Farriers Association. We had the first testing program for farrier competency in the United States and much of what we created was adopted by the AMERICAN FARRIERS ASSOCIATION.

 FAWS members organize and participate in clinics and conventions, which provide a medium for horse people, veterinarians, farriers, and related parties to exchange their views and feelings. Communication among farriers has been improving and progressing as never before. Recent improvements in the tools and supplies of the farrier are direct results of the communication within the profession.

Licensing is not a FAWS goal. Although many states have entertained legislation for state licensing, we oppose state licensing and encourage certification within the guidelines set by farrier associations. Our intention is to be prepared, if such circumstances should occur within our state, to guide and influence such legislation in an attempt to protect the future of our profession.

FAWS makes a bona fide effort to handle individual concerns in a constructive, cooperative manner. We welcome you to our meetings, encourage you to be on our mailing list for all the latest events and publications, and most of all, we hope you support our efforts by spreading the word, "FAWS".