The barefoot movement advocates for horses to compete without metal shoes, with welfare implications for hoof health that depend on individual horse, surface, and management.
Barefoot horse welfare is nuanced because what is welfare-positive for one horse may be harmful for another. A horse with well-developed, conditioned hooves on appropriate terrain can thrive without shoes and may benefit from improved circulation and shock absorption. A horse transitioned too quickly, worked on hard or stony surfaces before adequate hoof development, or with existing hoof pathology may suffer pain from inadequate protection. The welfare test is not 'shod or barefoot' but 'is this individual horse comfortable, moving freely, and showing normal behavioral indicators?' Ideology should not override individual welfare assessment - both shoeing and barefoot keeping can be welfare-positive when done appropriately and welfare-negative when done inappropriately.