barefoot horse

Pros and Cons of Going Barefoot

Going barefoot refers to the practice of keeping horses without horseshoes, allowing them to walk and run on natural surfaces with their hooves unprotected by metal shoes. This practice is based on the idea that horses evolved to have hooves that are naturally suited to walking and running on a variety of surfaces, and that horseshoes can interfere with the hoof’s natural functions, such as the expanding of the hoof when it hits the ground, much like a human foot.

Everything About Going Barefoot

Benefits of Going Barefoot

  1. Improved hoof health: By allowing the hoof to function naturally, barefoot horses can develop stronger, healthier hooves that are able to absorb shock and resist damage better.
  1. Increased blood flow: Walking and running without shoes can stimulate blood flow in the hooves, promoting circulation and supporting healthy growth.
  1. Better traction: Barefoot hooves can provide better traction on a variety of surfaces, including soft or slippery ground.
  1. Improved overall movement: Barefoot horses may move more freely and naturally, without the restrictions of metal shoes, which can lead to improved performance and reduced risk of injury.
  1. Cost savings: Not having to purchase and maintain horseshoes can result in cost savings for horse owners.

Cons of Barefoot

  1. Hoof sensitivity: Horses with soft hooves may experience discomfort or sensitivity when walking or running on rough or rocky surfaces without shoes. This can lead to lameness or other hoof-related issues.
  2. Maintenance requirements: Barefoot horses require regular hoof trimming and maintenance to ensure proper balance and health. This can require more frequent attention than horses that wear shoes.
  1. Traction: Certain shoeing can help with better traction on different types of surfaces, such as spiked horseshoes in climates with frozen grounds.

Can Every Horse Go Barefoot?

It’s important to note that not all horses are suitable for going barefoot, and that proper hoof care and maintenance is essential to ensure the horse remains healthy and comfortable. Working closely with a qualified farrier or barefoot trimmer is important to determine whether a horse is a good candidate for barefoot and to develop an appropriate trimming and maintenance schedule.

Key Factors for Barfoot Horses

  1. Healthy hooves: A horse with healthy hooves that are well-shaped, strong, and thick is more likely to be able to go barefoot. Horses with weak, thin, or brittle hooves may be more prone to injury and discomfort without shoes.

 

  1. Good conformation: Horses with good conformation, meaning their legs and feet are properly aligned, are better equipped to handle the stresses of going barefoot.

 

  1. Appropriate workload: Horses that are worked on soft, supportive surfaces such as sand, grass, or dirt are better suited for barefoot living than horses that work on hard surfaces like pavement.

 

  1. Gradual transition: If a horse has previously been shod, it is important to gradually transition them to going barefoot to allow their hooves to adjust and strengthen. This may involve gradually increasing the time spent without shoes and monitoring the horse for any signs of discomfort or lameness.

How to Start Going Barefoot:

To start transitioning your horse to go barefoot, consult with your veterinarian and farrier first to make sure it’s a suitable option. Evaluate your horse’s hoof health and adjust their diet to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients for hoof health. Gradually reduce shoeing with your farrier and pay close attention to your horse’s comfort level during the transition. Monitor your horse’s hooves for signs of discomfort and make adjustments as needed. Consider using hoof boots or pads for added support and protection. Regular hoof care, including trimming and maintenance, is crucial for horses living without shoes. Be patient and understand that the transition process may take longer for some horses.

Health x Happie Horse App

Happie Horse App digitale Gesundheitsakte

Learn more about your horse's health using the Happie Horse App!

Track your horse's symptoms in the Happie Horse App to keep track of the course and severity of the illness.

You can also log medications in the app,  in order to receive daily reminders.

Download the app and try all premium features 7 days for free!

Google Play
App Store

Related articles

Horse with a rug in winter snow
Blog Articles Overall

How To Rug Your Horse in Winter

Are you over-rugging your horse out of concern? There are key factors you should keep in mind when using blankets for your horse during winter. During the winter season, most people automatically throw a rug on their horse, or so
Blog Articles Overall

The Equine Skeleton – The Horse From the Inside

It is nothing new that horses are very agile animals. But did you know that a horse’s skeleton consists of 252 individual bones? This means that a horse has 46 more bones than a human. However, horses do not have
Blog Articles Overall

Horses With Asthma – Possible Symptoms and What to Do

Equine asthma, also known as “heaves” or chronic obstructive bronchitis, is a common condition in horses. It is a chronic respiratory disease caused by inflammation of the airways. Symptoms of Equine Asthma: Horses with asthma show a variety of symptoms

well proportioned horse standing in forest
Blog Articles Overall

The Body Condition Score of Horses

Assessing a horse’s overall body condition The body condition score (BCS) is a subjective evaluation method used to assess a horse’s overall body condition and fat coverage. The BCS system typically uses a scale of 1 to 9, with 1
Blog Articles Overall

The Horse Hoof – Symptoms and Diseases

“No Hoof, No Horse.” The horse’s hoof represents a remarkable anatomical phenomenon. The horse rests practically all day on the tip of a single toe or finger. Hence the old adage, “No hoof, no horse.” There is no question that