Examination Practice Questions And

BWFA Certified Therapeutic Farrier Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a therapeutic shoe?
• Enhance aesthetic appearance
• Correct gait abnormalities
• Increase speed
• Reduce hoof growth
• Correct gait abnormalities

Rationale: Therapeutic shoes are designed to correct gait issues,

provide support, or alleviate pain caused by lameness.

• Which of the following conditions often requires a heart bar shoe?
• Navicular syndrome 1 / 4

• Laminitis
• Hoof abscess
• Thrush
• Laminitis

Rationale: Heart bar shoes help support the coffin bone in laminitic

horses, reducing stress on the laminae.

• What is the function of a wedge pad?
• Protect the sole from bruising
• Alter hoof angles to improve biomechanics
• Reduce the risk of hoof cracks
• Stimulate hoof growth
• Alter hoof angles to improve biomechanics

Rationale: Wedge pads are used to adjust the hoof-pastern axis and

change breakover points for therapeutic purposes.

• In treating navicular disease, which shoeing method is most commonly

recommended?

• Egg bar shoe
• Standard flat shoe
• Rim shoe
• Aluminum racing plate
• Egg bar shoe

Rationale: Egg bar shoes provide heel support and redistribute weight

to relieve stress on the navicular apparatus. 2 / 4

• What is the first step in evaluating a laminitic horse for shoeing?
• Selecting shoe type
• Hoof radiographs
• Trimming the hoof
• Applying a pad
• Hoof radiographs

Rationale: Radiographs allow the farrier and veterinarian to assess the

coffin bone and laminae before deciding on treatment.

• What material is commonly used for therapeutic shoe pads?
• Steel
• Aluminum
• Plastic or rubber
• Copper
• Plastic or rubber

Rationale: Pads made from plastic or rubber cushion the hoof, absorb

shock, and protect tender soles.

• What is the purpose of a straight bar shoe?
• Improve traction on soft ground
• Stabilize the hoof in cases of underrun heels
• Increase breakover speed
• Prevent hoof cracks
• Stabilize the hoof in cases of underrun heels 3 / 4

Rationale: Straight bar shoes support weak heels and provide stability

in cases of hoof deformities.

• How often should a therapeutic shoe typically be reset or replaced?
• Every 2–3 weeks
• Every 4–6 weeks
• Every 8–10 weeks
• Every 12 weeks
• Every 4–6 weeks

Rationale: Therapeutic shoes require regular maintenance to ensure

continued support and to prevent hoof imbalance.

• Which shoe modification is indicated for a horse with a contracted

heel?

• Rolled toe
• Egg bar shoe
• Heart bar shoe
• Straight bar shoe
• Straight bar shoe

Rationale: Straight bar shoes support and stabilize contracted heels

while encouraging proper expansion.

• What is the main biomechanical benefit of a rolled toe shoe?
• Protects the sole
• Reduces breakover effort
• Increases traction
• / 4