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Level 3 - Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada
Welcome to Level 3 of the Farrier Trainers of Canada program, where you are on the path to becoming an Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada (AJFC). This advanced level represents the culmination of your training, focusing on mastering complex farriery skills and demonstrating your expertise in both traditional and innovative techniques. At this stage, apprentices will engage in comprehensive case studies, refine their problem-solving abilities, and exhibit a high standard of craftsmanship and professional judgment. Success in Level 3 requires a deep understanding of hoof pathology, advanced shoeing strategies, and exceptional client communication. Achieving AJFC certification signifies not only technical proficiency but also a commitment to excellence and leadership in the farrier profession.
Download the Exam & Clinic Registation form here:
End of Third Level.
Recommended to be taken no sooner than the third 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 of your account on this website.
Written Exam - 80 % to pass (Exam based on Gregory, Butler and Gill the Whole horse textbook)
- Horsemanship
- General whole horse anatomy
- Anatomy of the leg
- Anatomical terms
- Physiology
- 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
- Therapeutic farriery
- Veterinary Imaging technology - Normal / abnormal images
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
- 10 min
-Static horse assessment to create an appropriate shoeing plan.
-Dynamic horse 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 Forging -70% to pass
-40 minutes
- Build a forge welded, straight bar shoe to fit a pattern provided, 3/4 feather
fullered with a rolled toe. Pattern to be provided by examiners.
Examples available on the member page when you log into your account on this site.
Practical Oral Exam - 70% to pass
- Discussion with AFTC approved Vet about, anatomy, physiology, conformation,
common lameness and diagnostic imaging , ie x-ray
Practical Test 4 - Shoeing
- 90 min
-A minimum score of seven is needed in every section of
the shoeing exam that is scored to successfully complete level 3.
-Shoe 1 side of a horse (1 front and 1 hind) to meet approved shoeing plan
-Both feet to be shod with hand-made shoes.
-Both shoes to be appropriately clipped
-At least one of the shoes will have a modified toe. Rocker toe, rolled toe, safe toe
-At least one of the shoes will be ¾ fullered. The other shoe can be either concave,
plain stamp or 3/4 fullered, as per the approved shoeing plan.
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.
-Setting shoes back off the toe only if deemed appropriate by the examiner
otherwise 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” of shoe beyond the last point of
weight bearing surface.
-The amount of medial and lateral expansion and heel length will be determined and
declared by the candidate during the horse assessment.
-At the discretion of the examiners, any shoe likely to cause injury
to the horse will be considered a fail.
Upon successful completion of Level 3 the credential
Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada AJFC will be awarded
A farrier who holds either the C.J.F. from the A.F.A. or the Diploma of Farriery from the W.C.F.
can apply for the Approved Journeyman Farrier of Canada credential. The fee is $500. Visit the
‘Our Programs’page for more information.
