The barefoot horse movement advocates removing horseshoes for health and welfare benefits, though competitive barefoot riding raises specific management considerations.
The barefoot horse welfare debate involves genuine complexity. Wild horses wear hooves naturally through constant movement over varied terrain - a situation fundamentally different from stabled horses on soft bedding moved periodically to arenas. Domesticated horse hooves often cannot transition directly to barefoot work without a conditioning period, during which soreness is a real welfare concern. Competitive barefoot horses may face terrain challenges that cause discomfort if conditioning is insufficient. However, when properly managed with appropriate hoof care, gradual conditioning and terrain-appropriate boot use as needed, barefoot horses may have better long-term hoof health and superior sensory feedback during movement. The welfare case for barefoot management depends heavily on individual horses and management quality.