The debate between barefoot and conventionally shod horses involves genuine welfare considerations about hoof health, pain, and the appropriateness of intervention for horses in different work and living contexts.
The welfare considerations in hoof care center on whether horses are experiencing pain and whether the management approach addresses the underlying causes of hoof pathology. Neither barefoot nor shoed is universally correct — the welfare-optimal approach depends on the individual horse, their workload, terrain, and underlying hoof health. Chronic lameness from either neglected or incorrectly managed hooves causes preventable suffering.