tbloomer wrote:

If it's not right shouldn't you fail or be stopped? If the trim passes it has to have been scored high enough to pass which means it has met enough criteria not to do harm, it my not be perfect, but it is within the perameters of being correct enough for the horse that the testee can proceed. Have you seen any tests where a trim was detrimental to a horse and the person was let proceed and pass?

BS-Horseshoeing wrote:Right according to what?
Correct according to what criteria?
Detrimental according to what criteria? There is no comparison of before and after. The test does not evaluate the foot before it is trimmed, give it a score, then compare that score to the final product.

There is no BASELINE regarding the horse. No score comparing before and after. There is no criteria regarding soundness, before or after. The horse does not have to walk off better than it walked up in order for the candidate to get a passing score.

Man I had a huge long reply typed up but decided not t post it. Just no convincing those who believe the system doesn't work.

BS-Horseshoeing wrote:It works great for what it is designed to evaluate. But they could give the exact same test on a dead horse and not have to change anything.

The AFA certification test is a fitting test. Same for the shoe dislpays,bar shoe and the practicle or everyday work. You shoe to a perscription and is scored according to the scoring system. Testers go by the book to keep the same standard for everyone. It really is no different than everyday shoeing, the only difference the test requires you to follow the book. Everyday shoeing, the perscription is the horse's use and eviroment. With that being said the test is also set up to keep he horse safe. A lot of people get stopped on the trim. If you score a three on any part it is an automatic stop. If the numbers don't add up to a passing score you will be stopped. You will not be able to go on to the next section unless you are passing. The use of power tools is up to the examiner but I have never seen them allowed in the shoeing part of the test. It can be a real safety hazzard when you have a pile of horses in one area. The testers are there to help you pass, they want you to pass but it is up to you to get the job done in a safe manner.
As for shoe boards go, the more shoes you have in it the harder it is to get them all to fit but you modifications would be easier to do. The fewer shoes you have the easier they are to fit but harder to make really nice modifications. The score sheet for that is set up in sections.
The first section is to see if all modifications are present and if the fronts fit the same foot and the hinds fit the same foot. If any of those don't pass the rest of the shoe board will not be scored.

My best advice is to read the book cover to cover several times! There are sample score sheets in the book. Study the book so you know what is expected of you. Go a test or twelve to get a feel of what will go on. The testers want to see you best work, no different than a trainer,customer or vet who want to see you best work.

Jeff Crane wrote:Agreed. It is about precision and proficiency. The horse deserves that out of anybody calling them self a farrier.

Jeff Crane wrote:
What is considered "The Book"?

Joey Aczon wrote:

The Bible.

Pretty sure Jeff is referring to the AFA study guide.

The AFA has a certification guide. It explains every aspect of the certified,certified tradesman and certified journeyman exams. It contains a list of study materials and has detailed information of what is involved. Everything from time limits and descpitions/pictures of the certified shoe board requirements and journeyman bar shoe. The book also describes all the shoeing practicle exams. There is also sample score sheets.

Joey Aczon wrote:The Certification, Study Guide.

Gotcha. Thanks.

tbloomer wrote:
Tom I suggest that you don't take the test.

Its a skills test that is all that it is. Can you do what you say you will on the day.


If a person has a problem with the test and how it is scored they will never pass. I have tested several horses and we spend time with the person testing before hand and talk about the horse and what is appropriate for that horse and what is not. The test really comes down to will you do what you say you will. A majority of the people that fail miss the fit. They all say they will give an A or B fit and hand a shoe to judge that would be way past a C closer to an F and its not boxed. The test has never failed anyone. People fail themselves.

To the OP. Take the advise to scribe for testers. You get a true understanding of the terms and how it lays out on paper. So many parts affect another score and some things end up getting scored three times. Find out where the real points are and shoot for 7 and 8's

clearthinkingone wrote:I suggest you bone up on your reading and comprehension.

tbloomer wrote:
That is helpful.
I comprehend that in several threads you only find issues with the test. That is why i suggest you don't take the test.

I read plenty, John Grisham, Jack DuBrul, Clive Cussler, Louis Lamore, John Sanford, Edger Allen Poe Etc. Do you need to to "bone up" more on that?

Michael are you a tester?