Examination Practice Questions And

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

• What is the primary function of the hoof wall?
• Shock absorption
• Protection of internal structures
• Blood circulation
• Nutrient storage

Rationale: The hoof wall acts as a protective barrier for sensitive

internal structures like the laminae, coffin bone, and soft tissues.

• The sensitive laminae of the horse’s hoof connect which two

structures?

• Frog and sole 1 / 4

• Hoof wall and coffin bone
• White line and sole
• Navicular bone and tendon

Rationale: The sensitive laminae interlock with the insensitive

laminae of the hoof wall, suspending the coffin bone within the hoof capsule.

• Which material is most commonly used for standard horseshoes?
• Aluminum
• Steel
• Plastic
• Rubber

Rationale: Steel is durable and provides proper support and traction

for most horses.

• What is the ideal angle of the dorsal hoof wall in a mature

Thoroughbred?

A) 40–42°

B) 42–44°

C) 45–50°

D) 50–55°

Rationale: An angle of 45–50° aligns the hoof-pastern axis,

promoting balanced weight distribution and soundness.

• What is the primary purpose of the frog in the horse’s hoof?
• Protecting the coffin bone 2 / 4

• Shock absorption and circulation
• Weight bearing only
• Sole growth

Rationale: The frog aids in shock absorption and helps pump blood

back up the leg, supporting hoof circulation.

• Which tool is used to remove old horseshoes?
• Hoof knife
• Rasp
• Pull-offs (nippers)
• Clincher

Rationale: Pull-offs or nippers are designed to safely remove nails

and old shoes without damaging the hoof wall.

• What is the main difference between hot shoeing and cold shoeing?
• Material used
• Application method (heated vs. unheated)
• Nail type
• Horse breed suitability

Rationale: Hot shoeing involves heating the shoe for a better fit,

whereas cold shoeing applies the shoe without heating.

• What is the term for the junction between the hoof wall and sole?
• Laminae
• Frog
• White line 3 / 4

• Periople

Rationale: The white line is the area where the insensitive hoof wall

meets the sole and serves as a natural bonding site for nails.

• Which type of hoof crack extends from the coronary band downward?
• Quarter crack
• Toe crack
• Vertical crack
• Horizontal crack

Rationale: Vertical cracks start at the coronary band and run

downward along the hoof wall.

• What is the function of the bars in the horse’s hoof?
• Sole growth
• Provide support to the heel and prevent collapse
• Shock absorption
• Aid in circulation

Rationale: Bars strengthen the heel region, helping to maintain hoof

shape and stability.

• When trimming a horse’s hoof, the goal is to maintain which

hoof-pastern axis?

• Broken-back
• Broken-forward
• Straight
• Inverted
• / 4