FITS Certified Master Farrier Examination

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

1. The primary function of the frog in the equine hoof is to:

a) Absorb shock and provide traction

b) Anchor the hoof wall

c) Support the navicular bone

d) Strengthen the digital cushion

a) Absorb shock and provide traction

Rationale: The frog acts as a shock absorber and provides traction during

movement, helping to dissipate forces transmitted through the hoof.

• Which layer of the hoof wall is directly responsible for bearing the

horse's weight?

a) Stratum externum

b) Stratum medium 1 / 4

c) Stratum internum

d) Laminar corium

b) Stratum medium

Rationale: The stratum medium, made of keratinized horn tubules, is the

thickest layer of the hoof wall and primarily bears weight.

• What is the primary blood supply to the equine distal limb?

a) Radial artery

b) Median artery

c) Digital arteries

d) Ulnar artery

c) Digital arteries

Rationale: The medial and lateral digital arteries supply the distal limb,

including the hoof, providing nutrients to bones, laminae, and soft tissues.

4. The most common cause of white line disease is:

a) Trauma to the hoof wall

b) Fungal or bacterial invasion

c) Nutritional deficiency

d) Poor shoeing technique

b) Fungal or bacterial invasion

Rationale: White line disease occurs when fungi or bacteria invade the

junction between the hoof wall and sole, leading to separation and decay. 2 / 4

• What is the ideal breakover point in a correctly shod front hoof?

a) At the toe tip

b) Just behind the apex of the frog

c) At the quarters

d) At the heel bulbs

b) Just behind the apex of the frog

Rationale: Placing the breakover point just behind the apex of the frog

reduces strain on the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular structures.

• A horse presents with caudal heel pain. Which type of shoeing is

typically indicated?

a) Egg-bar shoe

b) Open-heel shoe

c) Rim shoe

d) Heart-bar shoe

d) Heart-bar shoe

Rationale: Heart-bar shoes support the frog and redistribute load from

painful heels, alleviating caudal heel pain.

• Which ligament is primarily responsible for supporting the fetlock

joint?

a) Suspensory ligament

b) Check ligament

c) Collateral ligament

d) Extensor ligament 3 / 4

a) Suspensory ligament

Rationale: The suspensory ligament supports the fetlock joint, preventing

excessive extension during weight-bearing.

• Which tool is primarily used to remove excess sole material?

a) Hoof knife

b) Nippers

c) Rasp

d) Clincher

a) Hoof knife

Rationale: The hoof knife is used to pare away loose or excess sole and

frog tissue for better hoof balance and shoe fit.

9. The most effective method to correct a contracted heel is:

a) Rolling the toe

b) Applying a wide-web shoe

c) Trimming the heel back

d) Using a heart-bar shoe

b) Applying a wide-web shoe

Rationale: A wide-web shoe increases heel support and encourages

expansion of the hoof capsule.

10. A clubfoot is characterized by:

a) A long, sloping toe

b) Upright hoof angle with contracted heels

• / 4