EFFA Certified European Farrier Examination

European Federation of Farriers Associations (EFFA) Certified European Farrier Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which layer of the hoof wall provides the primary weight-bearing

surface?

• Periople
• Coronary band
• Stratum medium
• Stratum internum

Rationale: The stratum medium is the thickest layer of the hoof wall,

composed of horn tubules, and bears the majority of the horse’s weight.

• What is the main function of the frog in the horse’s hoof?
• Protects the coronary band 1 / 4

• Absorbs shock and aids circulation
• Provides attachment for the digital flexor tendon
• Forms the hoof wall

Rationale: The frog acts as a shock absorber and helps pump blood

back up the leg when compressed during weight-bearing.

• Which shoeing method is most appropriate for a horse with thin

soles?

• Fullered shoe
• Bar shoe
• Rolled toe shoe
• Open-heeled shoe

Rationale: Bar shoes provide extra support to the sole and help

protect thin-soled horses from bruising.

• Which nail placement is considered safest in the hoof wall?
• White line zone
• Outer wall
• Sole surface
• Frog

Rationale: Nails should be driven into the white line zone to secure

the shoe without penetrating sensitive structures.

• Laminitis primarily affects which part of the hoof?
• Sole
• Frog 2 / 4

• Laminar interface between hoof wall and coffin bone
• Coronary band

Rationale: Laminitis is the inflammation and separation of the

laminae that attach the hoof wall to the coffin bone.

• Which tool is used to remove excess sole and frog?
• Hoof knife
• Hoof knife (cutting edge for sole/frog trimming)
• Nippers
• Rasp

Rationale: The hoof knife is designed to pare away excess sole and

frog safely.

• Which of the following is a sign of navicular syndrome?
• Swelling of the fetlock
• Forelimb lameness worsened by work on hard surfaces
• Heat in the hock
• Clubfoot formation

Rationale: Navicular syndrome often presents as intermittent

forelimb lameness that is exacerbated by hard surfaces.

• What is the purpose of a fullering groove in a horseshoe?
• Weight reduction
• Decoration
• To hold the nails securely
• To improve traction 3 / 4

Rationale: The fullering groove allows nails to be seated securely

while reducing hoof wall splitting.

• Which type of horse foot conformation is prone to quarter cracks?
• Long toe, low heel
• Uneven hoof walls
• Club foot
• Small frog

Rationale: Uneven or imbalanced hoof walls place uneven stress on

the hoof, increasing risk of quarter cracks.

• When is corrective shoeing indicated?
• Always for all horses
• Only for racehorses
• Only after lameness occurs
• When conformation, gait, or pathology requires alteration of hoof

mechanics

Rationale: Corrective shoeing is used to address specific

biomechanical problems to improve gait or reduce pain.

• Which of the following materials is most commonly used for

horseshoes?

• Wood
• Plastic
• Rubber
• Steel
• / 4