Hoof health is fundamental to equine welfare. Understanding the debate between shod and barefoot management, and evidence-based farriery, helps horse owners make informed decisions.
Hoof health is inseparable from equine welfare — horses in pain from hoof conditions including laminitis, bruising, and unbalanced hooves show significant deterioration in activity, behaviour, and quality of life. Regular professional farriery is essential for most domestic horses, maintaining the balance and health of hooves under the conditions of domestic management. Laminitis — triggered by dietary excess, metabolic disease, or concussive loading — causes severe, often chronic pain and is a leading cause of equine welfare compromise. Barefoot management can work well for some horses with correct preparation, progressive conditioning, and appropriate terrain, but inappropriate or abrupt transitions can cause welfare harm. Working with a qualified farrier or barefoot trimmer to develop an appropriate plan for each individual horse is essential.