Barefoot horse management when appropriate can improve hoof health and welfare through natural wear, enhanced circulation and proprioception, but requires careful transition management.
Barefoot welfare management recognizes that natural hoof wear on appropriate terrain can maintain hoof health and function effectively for many horses, while acknowledging that individual variation means some horses genuinely require shoeing. The welfare benefits of barefoot management include enhanced sensory feedback through an unconstrained hoof capsule, improved circulation from natural hoof mechanism function and elimination of the shoe nail trauma that can cause subclinical bruising. The transition period requires careful management and pain monitoring as newly unshod hooves adapt. Appropriate nutrition, trim frequency and terrain management are prerequisites for successful barefoot outcomes. Forcing barefoot management on horses that show persistent discomfort prioritizes a management philosophy over individual welfare.