Equine Hoof Care

Question 1

AFA Certified Farrier (CF) vs AFA Certified Journeyman Farrier (CJF) requirements

Answer 1

Both:
- written exam + 2-part practical exam

CF
- only need one year experience

CJF
- need at least 2 years experience
- knowledge more in-depth

Question 2

Identify

Answer 2

Question 3

Describe the IDEAL conformation for proper D-P hoof balance

Answer 3

1. Dorsal surface of hoof wall matches/aligns with the phalanges of distal hoof
2. Angle of heel matches angle of dorsal hoof wall

DP hoof balance => uniform weight balance

Question 4

Describe the IDEAL conformation for proper M-L hoof balance

Answer 4

1. Length of hoof = length of pastern
2. able to “draw” vertical line that perfectly bisects in symmetry

Question 5

What are the goals of any farrier?

Answer 5

When applying horseshoes, ensure:
- balance in D-P plane
- balance in M-L plane
in order to increase the biomechanical ability of each horse

Question 6

Why are horses trimmed every 4-8 weeks?

Answer 6

1. Hoof (nail) grows FASTER than it wears away, and in the direction AWAY FROM the horse’s center of mass.
2. This increases the levers circumferentially around the hoof / distal limb.
3. Leads to -> -> increased strain, increased stress on soft tissue of hoof capsule / distal limb.

All these cumulate to keeping the horse OUT OF appropriate balance

Question 7

Why do horses wear shoes? (4)

Answer 7

1. Protection - hoof is wearing faster than it is growing
2. Traction - to increase (cross-country, show jumpers, racehorses, fox hunters) or decrease (western- reiners, cutting) traction
3. Treatment - disease pathology or compensate for a conformational defect
4. Alter Gait - increase animation (saddlebred, dressage), prevent interference problems (racing)

Question 8

Describe how horseshoes are attached:

Answer 8

Nails
- Nail starts INSIDE the white line
- NEVER should start axial to it (in the sole)

Direct Glue

Indirect Glue

Question 9

What device is used to tighten nails in to ensure shoe stays on?

Answer 9

Nail Clinchers

Question 10

What device is used to trim excess hoof wall?

Answer 10

Hoof Nippers

Question 11

What PPE is imperative to wear when applying/removing shoes?

Answer 11

Apron

Question 12

What tools are used in hoof removal process?

Answer 12

• Clinch cutter
• Nail pullers
• Shoe pullers
• Hoof knife (after removal, clean hoof up)

Question 13

ID

Answer 13

Rasp - trim and shape the hoof (helps with conformation + applying shoe)

Question 14

ID

Answer 14

Hoof testers - assess hoof for injuries, abscesses, pain, etc.