Examination Practice Questions And

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

• Which structure of the hoof acts as a shock absorber for the horse?
• Wall
• Sole
• Frog
• Periople

The frog is a wedge-shaped structure that absorbs impact and helps circulate blood in the hoof.

• What is the primary purpose of a heart bar shoe?
• Protect the heel bulbs
• Support the frog and heel 1 / 4

• Improve traction
• Correct toe length

Heart bar shoes redistribute weight to the frog and heels, reducing stress on the hoof wall.

• When fitting a shoe, how much clearance should be left between the

shoe and the coronary band?

• 5–10 mm
• 2–3 mm
• 1 cm
• No clearance is needed

Leaving 2–3 mm prevents interference with hoof growth and coronary band sensitivity.

• Which condition is characterized by a separation between the hoof

wall and the laminae?

• Navicular syndrome
• Laminitis
• White line disease
• Thrush

White line disease occurs when the wall-lamina interface becomes compromised, allowing infection or separation.

• Which tool is used to level a horse’s hoof before shoeing?
• Rasp
• Hoof knife 2 / 4

• Clinch cutter
• Hoof gauge

A hoof gauge ensures the hoof is balanced and level prior to shoeing, reducing abnormal loading.

• What is the normal angle range for a front hoof in an adult horse?

A. 40–45°

B. 50–55°

C. 45–50°

D. 50–55°

The front hoof angle is typically 50–55° to maintain proper limb alignment and gait.

• What is the main cause of contracted heels?
• Poor diet
• Trauma
• Lack of hoof expansion and exercise
• Over-trimming of the sole

Heels contract when the hoof does not expand during weight bearing, often due to inactivity.

• Which type of shoe is recommended for a horse with thin soles?
• Egg bar shoe
• Fuller or bar shoe
• Standard flat shoe
• Toe clip shoe 3 / 4

A fullered or bar shoe helps protect thin soles by providing more support and cushioning.

• The navicular bone is located within which structure of the hoof?
• Wall
• Sole
• Frog and coffin joint area
• Pastern

The navicular bone lies behind the coffin joint and beneath the short pastern, supporting the deep digital flexor tendon.

• What is the primary function of the digital cushion?
• Produce keratin
• Absorb concussion and aid blood flow
• Connect the hoof wall to the bone
• Anchor the frog

The digital cushion acts as a shock absorber and helps pump blood back through the hoof.

• When shoeing a horse with laminitis, which method provides the

most relief?

• Standard shoe
• Heart bar or frog support shoe
• Egg bar shoe
• Sliding plate
• / 4