Farriers FWCF Practice Examination

Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (FWCF) Practice Examination Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary function of medial–lateral balance in

horseshoeing?

• Prevent sole bruising
• Promote symmetrical limb loading
• Increase frog pressure
• Favor one side of the hoof

Rationale: Proper medial–lateral balance ensures equal distribution

of weight across the hoof, reducing stress and risk of limb deviation.

• Which structure is primarily responsible for shock absorption in the

hoof capsule? 1 / 4

• Hoof wall
• Sole
• Digital cushion
• Coronary band

Rationale: The digital cushion dissipates impact forces and protects

internal structures from concussion.

• When addressing chronic laminitis, which trimming principle is most

important?

• Shortening the frog
• Realigning the hoof–pastern axis
• Encouraging medial breakover
• Reducing coronary band height

Rationale: Realignment corrects mechanical pull on the laminae and

reduces ongoing laminar strain.

• Which horseshoe modification best aids in relieving strains on the

deep digital flexor tendon in laminitic horses?

• Heeled shoe
• Rocker shoe or wedge pad
• Rim shoe
• Sliding plate

Rationale: Elevating the heel reduces DDFT tension on the coffin

bone. 2 / 4

• What is the primary purpose of a bar shoe?
• Improve traction
• Provide caudal support
• Reduce hoof length
• Restrict hoof expansion

Rationale: Bar shoes stabilize and support the rear section of the

hoof, useful for navicular, quarter cracks, etc.

• Which condition benefits most from a heart-bar shoe?
• White line disease
• Laminitis
• Navicular syndrome
• Suspensory injury

Rationale: Heart bars support the frog to transfer load away from

damaged laminae.

7. The normal angle of the hoof–pastern axis in a healthy hoof should be:

• Broken forward
• Broken backward
• Straight
• Acutely angled

Rationale: A straight HPA ensures efficient force transfer and proper

biomechanics.

• Which shoe would best suit a reining horse requiring controlled

sliding? 3 / 4

• Rim shoe
• Sliding plate
• Egg-bar shoe
• Rocker shoe

Rationale: Sliding plates allow extended hind limb sliding during

stops.

• Which section of the hoof generates new wall growth?
• Frog
• Sole
• Coronary band
• Bars

Rationale: Hoof wall growth originates from the coronary corium

beneath the coronary band.

10. Excessive toe length results in:

• Reduced breakover
• Increased breakover effort
• Reduced limb extension
• Reduced DDFT tension

Rationale: Long toes delay breakover, increasing stress on the DDFT

and laminae.

• Which condition is most commonly associated with underrun

heels?

• Sole bruising
• / 4