Examination Questions And Correct

American Farrier’s Association (AFA) Certified Journeyman Farrier (CJF) Practice Examination Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary function of the hoof wall?
• Circulation
• Traction
• Cushioning
• Weight bearing

Rationale: The hoof wall supports and distributes the majority of the

horse’s weight.

• Which part of the hoof produces the growth of the hoof wall?
• Frog
• Bars
• Coronary band 1 / 4

• White line

Rationale: The coronary band generates the hoof wall horn tissue.

• What is the average growth rate of the hoof wall per month?
• 1/8 inch
• 1/4 inch
• 1/2 inch
• 1 inch

Rationale: Hooves typically grow approximately 1/4 inch monthly.

• Which bone is located inside the hoof capsule?
• Long pastern
• Coffin bone
• Cannon bone
• Splint bone

Rationale: The coffin bone, or P3, is within the hoof capsule.

5. A horse with long toes and low heels is predisposed to:

• Thrush
• Navicular fractures
• Navicular syndrome
• Abscesses

Rationale: Long toe/low heel conformation increases stress on the

navicular region.

6. The white line is located between the:

• Frog and sole 2 / 4

• Bars and frog
• Hoof wall and sole
• Heel buttresses and bars

Rationale: The white line joins the hoof wall to the sole.

• When hot shoeing, what is the purpose of “hot fitting”?
• Hardening the steel
• Lubricating
• Creating a custom seat for the shoe
• Sterilizing the hoof

Rationale: Hot fitting burns a precise seat into the hoof for improved

fit.

• Which material expands least under heat?
• Wrought iron
• Mild steel
• Aluminum
• Copper

Rationale: Mild steel expands minimally under moderate farrier

temperatures.

• What is the typical temperature of a farrier forge when shaping steel

shoes?

A. 600–900°F

B. 900–1200°F

C. 1,500–2,000°F 3 / 4

D. 2,500–3,000°F

Rationale: Steel becomes pliable for shaping in the 1,500–2,000°F

range.

• A horse with laminitis exhibits rotation of which bone?
• Sesamoid
• Navicular
• Coffin bone
• Cannon bone

Rationale: Laminitis causes rotation or sinking of P3 (coffin bone).

• What is a typical indication of thrush?
• Crumbling hoof wall
• Foul odor from frog
• Excessive sole growth
• Heel cracking

Rationale: Thrush causes foul-smelling bacterial decay in the frog.

• Which shoe modification helps stabilize a horse with

mediolateral imbalance?

• Toe clip
• Side clips
• Bar stock
• Rolled toe

Rationale: Side clips prevent lateral movement of the shoe.

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