The debate between barefoot management and traditional shoeing has welfare implications for horses, with the optimal approach depending on individual horse needs, work type, and terrain.
Horse hoof welfare requires individualized assessment rather than dogmatic adherence to either barefoot or shod approaches. A horse working on hard roads with weak hooves needs protection that barefoot management cannot immediately provide. A horse in light work on soft ground may thrive and move more naturally without shoes. The welfare priority is correct regular hoof care — neglected hooves, whether shod or unshod, cause lameness and pain. The most welfare-positive approach works with a knowledgeable farrier or trimmer to assess individual needs, optimize diet and exercise for hoof health, and make shoeing decisions based on the specific horse, work demands, and terrain rather than ideology.