Hoof care is fundamental to equine welfare. Debates about shod versus barefoot management have welfare implications, and evidence-based farriery and trimming approaches support soundness and comfort.
Hoof care welfare encompasses both the immediate welfare of the trimming and shoeing process and the ongoing welfare implications of hoof management decisions. Poorly fitted shoes can cause chronic pain from nail placement, pressure points and restricted blood flow. Overgrown hooves cause abnormal loading that strains tendons and joints. The barefoot movement has introduced evidence-based alternatives that, when applied appropriately for the horse's workload and environment, can support excellent hoof health without shoes. Individual variation is significant — some horses thrive barefoot, others require protection for work on hard or rough ground. Regular, correctly timed farriery or trimming by a qualified professional is the most important welfare intervention regardless of the shoeing decision.