Proper hoof care is fundamental to horse welfare. Without regular farriery, horses develop painful conditions that compromise their ability to move and live comfortably.
Hoof care is the single most fundamental aspect of horse husbandry welfare because the foot is the primary interface between the horse and its environment. Neglected hooves cause cumulative, progressive welfare harm — long-toe-low-heel conformation progressively strains the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular apparatus, while overgrown hoof walls crack and allow bacterial penetration. The welfare responsibility falls on owners to maintain the regular farriery schedule that prevents these problems. Horses that lack access to qualified farriery — due to financial pressures, rural isolation, or owner neglect — develop preventable painful conditions. Farriery costs, while significant, should be considered a non-negotiable welfare expense rather than an optional luxury in horse ownership.