Level 2 - Approved Farrier of Canada

Welcome to the Level 2 Apprentice Program at Farrier Trainers of Canada. Building on the skills and knowledge acquired in Level 1, this stage delves deeper into the art and science of farriery. Level 2 apprentices will enhance their understanding of advanced hoof and limb pathology, refine their shoeing techniques, and develop their ability to diagnose and address more complex issues. This level focuses on applying theoretical knowledge through practical experience, preparing apprentices to tackle a wider range of challenges with confidence and precision. By the end of Level 2, apprentices will be well-equipped to provide high-quality, customized farrier services and move closer to achieving their AJFC certification.

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Download the Exam & Clinic Registation form here:

End of second level exams.

Recommended to be taken between the second and fourth year of apprenticeship.

Portfolio Review

Prior to registering for an exam the candidate will prepare a portfolio of their everyday work. A front and hind, shod, of two different horses.

Examples available on the member page when you sign into your account on this site.

Written Exam - 80% to pass (exam based on Gregory and Butlers P3 textbook)
- Horsemanship
- General whole horse anatomy
- Anatomy of the whole leg
- Anatomical terms
- Physiology (Normal function)
- Safety
- Basic conformation and common faults
- General horse health
- Disease and lameness of the hoof
- In depth anatomy of limbs
- Pathology and Disease
- Lameness of the Limb

Horse management, working position and safety will all factor into
scoring of practical exams

Practical Test 1- Safety Inspection

-Inspection of a complete set of shoeing and forging tools

Practical Test 2-Horse Assessment
-Static horse assessment to create an appropriate shoeing plan.
-Dynamic assessment / trot up with both Farrier and Vet Examiner.
This is a basic evaluation of the horses conformation and movement to
ensure shoeing plan is appropriate.

Practical Test 3 - Shoeing 70% to pass

-80 Minutes
-Shoe 1 side of a horse with keg shoes, appropriate clips to be drawn by
candidate.

Fit Specifications:

-Fit from the widest point forward is to be perimeter fit, the candidate will declare expansion and heel length based on static assessment and shoeing plan.
-No setting shoes back off the toe. The foot is to be trimmed to even wall thickness and fit
to that.
-The longest acceptable length is to the end of the heel bulbs
-The shortest acceptable length is no less than 1/16” shoe beyond the last point of
weight bearing surface.
-At the discretion of the examiners, any shoe likely to cause injury to the horse will be
considered a fail.

Practical Test 4 Bar Shoe- 70% to pass

-Present a bar shoe welded by any means that fits a pattern. i.e. forge welding, stick arc welding, mig welding or brazing.
-Candidates will provide their own pattern. Heels to fit the center of stock.

Practical test 5 Forging- 70% to pass
-Forge a hand made open heel shoe with modified toe . Type of shoe to be made and the toe
modification will be pulled from a hat prior to exam.
- Toe Modifications: rolled toe, rocker toe
- Steel options: concave, fullered or plain stamp
- 30 min - concave, plain stamp
- 35 min 3/4 fullered
-If a ¾ fullered shoe is drawn with a Rocker Toe the fullering will have a hard stop at the toe.
-If a ¾ fullered shoe is drawn with a Rolled Toe The fullering will be feathered at the toe.

Practical Oral Exam- 70% to pass
A practical oral exam will include:
- Discussion with AFTC approved Vet about, anatomy, physiology,
conformation and diagnostic imaging , ie x-ray

Candidates that successfully complete level 2 will be awarded the credential

AFC - Approved Farrier of Canada