In this article
Barefoot vs Shod Horses by a Vet – 2025 Hoof Care Guide for Soundness & Performance 🐴🦶
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc
Introduction
One of the most hotly debated topics in the equine world is whether horses should go barefoot or be fitted with shoes. In 2025, advances in hoof care and diagnostic tools have shown us that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each horse is unique in their hoof structure, workload, environment, and health needs. Let’s explore the benefits, drawbacks, and veterinary insights behind the barefoot vs shod debate to help you make the right decision for your horse.
Why Is This Debate So Divisive? ⚖️
- Some owners advocate for completely natural, barefoot lifestyles
- Others rely on shoes for protection, traction, or corrective support
- The reality: Both can be valid—it depends on the individual horse
The Structure of the Equine Hoof 🧬
- Designed to absorb shock and dissipate force
- Consists of:
- Wall – bears the weight and contact
- Frog – absorbs impact and assists circulation
- Sole – protects internal structures
Going Barefoot: Benefits and Considerations 🦶
✅ Pros of Barefoot:
- Natural hoof mechanics – full ground contact stimulates frog and sole
- Better circulation through heel expansion and weight-bearing frog
- Can improve hoof capsule strength over time
- Reduces risk of nail-related injuries or infections
❌ Cons of Barefoot:
- Transition time required – may cause temporary soreness
- Hard or abrasive terrain may wear hooves too quickly
- Performance horses may need additional protection
Best Candidates for Barefoot:
- Horses with healthy, well-shaped hooves
- Horses in low-impact disciplines (trail, light pleasure)
- Young or retired horses
- Those with limited wear vs hoof growth
Shoeing Horses: Pros and Concerns 🧲
✅ Pros of Shoes:
- Protects hoof from excessive wear on rocky or hard surfaces
- Enhances traction on various terrain (ice, mud, arena footing)
- Corrective shoeing can address conformation or gait abnormalities
- Essential for horses with thin soles, hoof cracks, or laminitis
❌ Cons of Shoes:
- Reduces natural hoof expansion
- Requires regular farrier care every 5–8 weeks
- Risk of nail punctures, abscesses, or shoe loss
Best Candidates for Shoes:
- High-performance horses (jumpers, eventers, barrel racers)
- Horses with hoof pathology or special therapeutic needs
- Horses in abrasive environments or rocky terrain
Key Veterinary Insight 🩺
Dr. Steve O’Grady, a renowned equine podiatrist, emphasizes:
- Healthy feet function best barefoot if possible
- Shoes alter the interface between hoof and ground (hoof → shoe → ground)
- Shoes elevate the hoof, decreasing heel expansion and ground contact
- No single approach fits all horses; hoof care must be customized
Common Misconceptions ❌
- “All horses should be barefoot” → not true for those with pathology or intense work
- “Shoes are harmful” → not when applied correctly by a qualified farrier
- “Barefoot horses never need trimming” → false; they require consistent hoof care
Case Example: Trail Horse Transitioning to Barefoot
- 10-year-old gelding used for trail rides in sandy Texas terrain
- Transitioned from shoes to barefoot with 4-week adjustment period
- Hooves toughened over time, required boot support initially
- Improved frog contact, less hoof wall cracking
Boots as a Middle Ground 👟
- Horse boots can provide temporary protection for barefoot horses
- Used for trail riding, endurance, or rocky turnout
- Allow hoof to remain barefoot while protecting from wear
FAQs About Barefoot vs. Shod 🧠
Q: Can all horses go barefoot?
A: No. Horses with thin soles, chronic lameness, or certain work levels may require shoes.
Q: Do shoes hurt horses?
A: No—when applied correctly by a trained farrier, they support and protect the foot.
Q: How often should barefoot horses be trimmed?
A: Every 4–6 weeks, just like shod horses, to maintain balance and prevent overgrowth.
Conclusion
Whether barefoot or shod, the key to hoof health in 2025 is individualized care. Some horses thrive barefoot with improved hoof quality and strength, while others need therapeutic or protective shoeing. Workload, terrain, conformation, and hoof condition must all be considered. There is no universal solution—but there is an optimal one for each horse.
Need help deciding what's best for your horse's hooves? Visit AskAVet.com or download our app 📱 to get expert advice from Dr Duncan Houston and start building a hoof care plan tailored to your horse's lifestyle and needs. 🩺🐴
