Horse Barefoot and Hoof Care Welfare

Hoof care including the barefoot versus shod debate has significant welfare implications for horses across all disciplines.

Key Facts

Approximately 85-90% of domestic horses are shod with steel shoes
Barefoot hoof care is growing in popularity particularly for pleasure horses
Hoof quality varies significantly between horses based on genetics, diet and environment
Regular farriery every 6-8 weeks prevents overgrowth and breakage in both shod and unshod horses
Some horses cannot perform adequately without shoes due to hoof sensitivity or performance demands
Laminitis is one of the most severe hoof conditions causing intense pain and requiring urgent management
Diet, particularly limiting sugar and starch intake, significantly affects hoof health in laminitis-prone horses

Welfare Considerations

Hoof care welfare depends on regular farriery, appropriate management for the individual horse, and prompt response to problems. Both neglected hooves and inappropriate shoeing cause welfare harm. The barefoot debate has genuine welfare dimensions - many horses benefit from barefoot transition with appropriate management, while others genuinely require shoes for comfort. Individual assessment by a qualified farrier or hoof care practitioner is the welfare-positive approach.

What You Can Do

Ensure regular farriery every 6-8 weeks for all horses regardless of shoe status
Learn to identify signs of hoof problems including heat, pain response and altered gait
Manage laminitis-prone horses carefully with low-sugar diet and appropriate pasture restriction
Work with a qualified farrier to assess whether your horse is better suited to shoes or barefoot management