Farrier Glossary A to Z


Students with broad questions about scheduling, housing, or tools can start with the horseshoeing school overview, then use the answers below for details.

This farrier glossary defines terms used in horseshoeing, hoof care, equine anatomy, and the farrier trade. It is intended as a working reference for students, horse owners, and anyone considering a career in farriery. Knowing the language of the trade matters. It helps you communicate clearly with veterinarians, horse owners, and other farriers, and it helps you evaluate training programs when you are deciding where to learn the work. Select a letter below to see definitions for terms that start with that letter.

Browse Terms by Letter

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z

Why Farrier Terminology Matters


Farriery is a trade with its own language. Some of that language comes from equine anatomy and veterinary medicine, some from blacksmithing, and some from centuries of tradition in the horseshoeing trade. If you are considering a career as a farrier, learning the correct terminology early pays off in several ways.

It helps you communicate with veterinarians and horse owners about hoof problems, lameness, and treatment plans. It helps you read farrier journals, AFA certification materials, and published research on hoof care. It helps you understand what a training program is actually teaching and whether the school covers the skills and knowledge a working farrier needs.

Commonly Searched Farrier Terms


These are some of the most commonly searched terms in farriery. Each one links to the letter page where you can find a full definition along with related terms.

  • Farrier – A professional equine hoof care specialist and shoer of horses. See F terms.
  • Anvil – A steel block against which metals are hammered. The London pattern anvil is the trademark of farriers and blacksmiths. See A terms.
  • Apprentice – Traditionally, an individual whose primary reward for labor is the opportunity to learn a trade. See A terms.
  • Hoof – The foot and all the structures contained within it. See F terms (under “Foot”).
  • Hoof Wall – The outer, horny part of the hoof which is the primary weight bearing structure of the equine foot. See W terms.
  • Laminitis – Inflammation of the laminae of the hoof. See L terms.
  • Founder – The mechanical result of laminitis, where the tip of the coffin bone sinks downward. See F terms.
  • Coffin Bone (PIII) – The third phalanx, the most distal bone in each equine limb, situated completely within the hoof. See P terms.
  • Navicular – A small bone at the back of the coffin joint, associated with a range of hoof and lameness issues. See N terms.
  • Keg Shoe – A standard machine-made horseshoe. Historically sold in 50 pound kegs. See K terms.
  • CJF – Certified Journeyman Farrier. The highest level of certification awarded by the American Farrier’s Association. See C terms.
  • CF – Certified Farrier. The first full level of certification awarded by the American Farrier’s Association. See C terms.
  • Pastern – The part of the horse’s leg between the fetlock and the hoof. See P terms.
  • Forge – A device used to heat horseshoes and other metal stock so they can be worked. See F terms.
  • Rasp – A coarse file used to shape the hoof wall and smooth horseshoe work. See R terms.

About the AHS Farrier Glossary


This glossary is maintained as a reference for students of Arkansas Horseshoeing School and anyone else studying the trade. Definitions reflect standard usage among working farriers and draw on equine anatomy, veterinary terminology, and blacksmithing traditions. The school is led by D. Paul Dorris, CJF, who carries on his family’s long tradition in horseshoeing. The Dorris family has had one or more members working as horseshoers since 1873.

Learn the Trade at AHS


If this terminology is new to you, that is exactly what our farrier courses teach. Arkansas Horseshoeing School offers traditional farrier courses from 8 to 24 weeks, covering horse handling, equine anatomy, hoof trimming, blacksmithing at the forge and anvil, diagnosing hoof problems and diseases, horseshoeing, and the business side of the trade. Classes are hands on and kept small, with direct instruction from experienced farriers.

Learn how to become a farrier and see the typical path into the trade, or compare AHS farrier courses to find the program length that fits your goals. Questions? Call 479-858-1011 (8 AM to 8 PM).