Barefoot hoof care management has grown significantly, and evidence on welfare outcomes compared to traditional shoeing informs decisions for individual horses in different circumstances.
Barefoot hoof management represents a genuine welfare option for many horses rather than a compromise approach. For horses with good hoof quality on appropriate terrain and with adequate movement opportunity, barefoot management allows natural hoof mechanism function that shoeing restricts. The welfare case for barefoot management is strongest for horses in retirement or light work on softer terrain, where hoof integrity is typically well maintained. For horses in intensive work on hard surfaces, individual assessment is essential: forcing transition to barefoot management without adequate hoof quality, movement opportunity, or appropriate terrain creates welfare harm from sole sensitivity and hoof damage. The optimal approach is evidence-based individual assessment rather than ideology-driven blanket policy.