The barefoot horse movement has generated significant scientific debate, with evidence suggesting that well-managed unshod horses can achieve excellent hoof health in appropriate management conditions.
The barefoot hoof health debate has welfare implications beyond aesthetics. Evidence suggests that well-maintained barefoot hooves provide superior proprioceptive feedback, maintain healthier internal structures through unrestricted hoof mechanism function, and eliminate shoe-related injuries such as nail damage, lost shoe injuries, and interference wounds. However, poorly managed barefoot transition that leaves horses on inappropriate footing with inadequate hoof care causes genuine welfare harm through lameness and discomfort. The welfare approach requires honest assessment of individual horse needs, management conditions, and work demands rather than ideological commitment to either position.