Brotherhood Of Working Farriers Association (BWFA) Apprentice Farrier Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- What is the primary purpose of trimming a hoof before shoeing?
- To shorten the horse’s stance
- To remove the frog
- To restore proper hoof balance
- To tighten the hoof capsule
- The normal angle of a front hoof in most horses typically ranges
Correct because trimming focuses on establishing correct symmetry, angles, and weight distribution.
around:
- 30–35°
- 40–45°
- 50–55°
- 60–65° 1 / 3
Correct because front hooves generally exhibit a steeper angle around 50–55 degrees.
3. The frog functions primarily to:
- Prevent hoof cracks
- Reduce hoof temperature
- Absorb shock and assist circulation
- Increase traction
Correct because the frog acts as a shock-absorbing, circulation-aiding structure.
4. When rasping a hoof wall, the apprentice farrier should:
- Use long heavy pressure strokes
- Cut deep aggressively
- Use even controlled strokes without removing too much material
- Rasp only in a circular pattern
Correct because careful controlled rasping prevents structural weakening.
5. A hoof that is too long in the toe can cause:
- Increased traction
- Increased breakover
- Delayed breakover and strain on tendons
- Better performance
Correct because excess toe length stresses flexor tendons and delays breakover. 2 / 3
6. The white line is located between:
- Frog and sole
- Sole and navicular bone
- Hoof wall and sole
- Bar and frog
Correct because the white line joins the inner hoof wall with the sole.
7. The purpose of hot fitting is to:
- Sterilize the shoe
- Dry the hoof
- Achieve precise shoe seating and fit
- Shape the hoof wall
- What tool is used to nip off excess hoof wall?
- Rasp
- Hoof pick
- Nippers
- Clincher
Correct because hot fitting ensures a uniformly-seated shoe.
Correct because nippers are for removing hoof wall bulk before rasp finishing.
9. A horse that lands toe-first is likely suffering from:
- Too short toe
- Heel pain or underrun heels
- Shoulder pain
- / 3