Published on: January 20, 2025
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Does a horse perform better barefoot or with shoes? This question has been a topic of debate among horse owners and equine professionals for centuries. As a lifelong horseman and racehorse owner, I’ve witnessed the diverse hoof care needs of horses and the varying approaches used to meet them.
I created this article to educate horse owners on how hoof care decisions—whether to go barefoot or use shoes—impact a horse’s health, comfort, and performance. This guide delves into the ongoing debate over barefoot vs shod horses, offering insights from my years of experience and the latest research to help you make the best choice for your horse’s unique needs.

Describing Horseshoes and Explaining Why They Are Used.
Before diving into the pros and cons of barefoot versus shod care, let’s understand what horseshoes are and why they’re used. Horseshoes are U-shaped devices, traditionally made from steel or aluminum, designed to protect and enhance hooves. Modern options include materials like rubber or composite plastics, catering to the diverse needs of horses.
Shoes are attached to hooves with nails or glue and serve various purposes, including:
- Protection: Shoes shield hooves from wear and damage, especially on abrasive or hard surfaces.
- Traction: They improve grip on challenging terrains, reducing the risk of slipping.
- Corrective Support: Therapeutic shoes can address hoof imbalances and pathologies like laminitis, as highlighted by Grayson-Jockey Club Research.
- Performance Enhancement: Lightweight aluminum shoes, often used in racing, enhance speed and reduce concussion. 👉 Learn more about racing barefoot versus shod in our racing guide.
- Support: Horses with conditions such as arthritis or weak hooves benefit from the stability that shoes provide.
For example, one of my racehorses struggled with traction on turf tracks. Specialized aluminum shoes recommended by my farrier made a noticeable difference, boosting her confidence and performance.
📚 Discover more about the role of horseshoes in hoof health from The Brooke.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Shoeing Horses

While shoeing provides significant advantages for many horses, it’s not without its challenges. Let’s explore both sides.
Pros:
- Protection: Shoes act as a barrier against excessive wear and injury.
- Improved Traction: They help horses maintain footing on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Enhanced Performance: Shoes can boost performance in high-impact activities like jumping or racing.
- Corrective Support: Therapeutic shoes address hoof issues such as cracks or imbalances.
Cons:
- Risk of Injury: Poorly fitted shoes can harm sensitive parts of the hoof. 📚 Learn more from Purdue Extension.
- Cost: Regular farrier visits for shoeing can be expensive.
- Restricted Natural Function: Shoes may limit the hoof’s natural expansion and contraction, reducing its shock-absorbing ability (ScienceDirect).
While shoeing offers solutions for specific challenges, many owners embrace the natural approach of keeping their horses barefoot. Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of this alternative.

Specific Shoe Types
- Aluminum Shoes: Lightweight and used in racing for speed.
- Bar Shoes: Provide extra support for structural issues like navicular disease.
- Wedge Shoes: Help correct limb alignment and ease pressure on the hoof.
Horses in high-performance activities, like showjumping or racing, may benefit from specialized shoes. For instance, aluminum shoes reduce weight for speed, while wedge shoes can alleviate strain on the heels.
Therapeutic Shoeing: Pros and Cons
Therapeutic shoeing involves using specialized shoes to address specific hoof conditions or improve a horse’s comfort and performance. While it offers valuable benefits, it’s not without drawbacks.
Pros of Therapeutic Shoeing
- Support for Medical Conditions: Helps manage issues like laminitis, navicular disease, and hoof cracks by redistributing weight and reducing pressure on affected areas.
- Enhanced Comfort: Improves comfort for horses with sensitive hooves or structural imbalances.
- Custom Solutions: Shoes can be tailored with materials and designs like bar shoes, wedges, or pads to meet individual needs.
- Aid in Recovery: Facilitates healing by stabilizing the hoof and reducing stress on injured structures.
Cons of Therapeutic Shoeing
- Expense: Costs are higher due to the materials and expertise required.
- Dependency: Prolonged use may weaken natural hoof function by reducing its ability to expand and contract.
- Skilled Application Needed: Effectiveness relies heavily on the farrier’s expertise and proper assessment of the condition.
- Not a Cure-All: It manages symptoms but may not address underlying causes, such as poor hoof care or improper diet.

Key Takeaway
Therapeutic shoeing can be an effective tool for managing hoof health, but it requires thoughtful consideration of the horse’s specific needs and condition. Consultation with an experienced farrier or veterinarian is essential to determine if it’s the best option for your horse. 📚 Learn more about therapeutic shoeing in the article.
Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Barefoot Horses
Keeping a horse barefoot embraces the natural functionality of its hooves. Horses evolved to thrive without shoes, with hooves designed to adapt to diverse terrains and endure wear and tear. This natural resilience inspires many owners to choose barefoot care, citing benefits in health, cost savings, and performance.
For example, My grandfather’s barefoot ranch horses, used for roping, hunting, and daily work, thrived with regular trims and proper care, a skill he passed on to me.
However, barefoot care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Proper management is essential, including consistent trims, attention to diet, and conditioning hooves for specific terrains. For instance, I’ve seen barefoot Quarter Horses excel on rugged trails when their hooves were conditioned correctly and their diets supported strong hoof growth.
Why Some Horses Thrive Without Shoes

Barefoot care provides several unique advantages when a horse’s environment and workload align with natural hoof function:
- Natural Function:
Bare hooves expand and contract with each step, promoting blood circulation, improving hoof growth, and reducing the risk of injury by strengthening the hoof structure.
📚 Learn about the structure and function of hooves in this guide from Open Sanctuary. - Shock Absorption and Healthier Movement: Barefoot horses exhibit natural hoof function, promoting better circulation and reducing strain on joints. This natural resilience often results in smoother, more balanced movement.
- Cost Savings:
Barefoot care is generally more affordable than shoeing, requiring only regular trims. This is particularly advantageous for horses in light work or pasture. - Stronger Hooves Over Time:
With proper care, barefoot hooves often toughen and adapt to varied terrains.
For example: With proper trimming and conditioning, barefoot hooves often toughen and adapt to varied terrains. Breeds like Haflingers, historically used on rugged terrain, excel in barefoot care due to their hardy nature. 👉 Practical tips for managing barefoot horses on the road.
Potential Challenges of Keeping Horses Barefoot
Barefoot care has its challenges, and it’s not always the best fit for every horse:
- Injury Risk: Barefoot hooves are more prone to bruising or punctures, particularly on rocky or uneven terrain.
- Wear and Tear: Horses ridden frequently on abrasive surfaces, like eventing Thoroughbreds, may experience excessive hoof wear.
- Transition Period: Transitioning to barefoot care requires proper management, including consistent trimming, dietary adjustments, and sometimes hoof boots for protection. 📚 Learn more in our comprehensive hoof pain guide.

Key Factors for a Successful Transition to Barefoot
Transitioning a horse from shoes to barefoot is a gradual process requiring patience and careful management. It’s not as simple as removing the shoes—proper planning and support are crucial. 📚 Read Making the Switch from Shod to Barefoot in the American Farriers Journal.
- Specialized Trimming: Engage an experienced farrier familiar with barefoot trimming to ensure hooves are balanced and healthy during the transition.
- Dietary Support: Provide a balanced diet rich in minerals like biotin and zinc to promote strong hoof growth. 📚 Learn more about hoof nutrition here.
- Turnout Environment: Choose a suitable turnout environment that encourages natural hoof adaptation, such as soft pastures or varied terrain.
- Hoof Boots: Use hoof boots to protect hooves during the transition, especially on rocky or abrasive surfaces.
- Addressing Challenges: Be prepared for potential sensitivity or bruising during the initial weeks. Regular monitoring and adjustments by your farrier can help minimize these issues.
- Individualization is Key: While many horses thrive barefoot with proper management, some may still require shoes for specific needs or environments. Consulting a knowledgeable farrier ensures the best plan for your horse.
My Experience Transitioning a Horse to Barefoot
Transitioning a horse to barefoot care requires patience and dedication. One of my geldings, shod for years, struggled initially on rocky trails and required hoof boots for protection. With consistent trims and a mineral-rich diet, his hooves grew stronger over time.
Gradually introducing varied terrains helped toughen his hooves, and he eventually moved comfortably and confidently barefoot. This experience showed me that with the right care, even a long-shod horse can thrive barefoot.

Expert Opinions on Barefoot vs. Shod Horses
Experts agree that hoof care should be tailored to each horse’s needs:
- Barefoot Advocates: Pete Ramey emphasizes that barefoot care allows hooves to function naturally, enhancing circulation and shock absorption.
- Shoeing Supporters: Research, such as Grayson-Jockey Club’s findings, highlights the importance of individualized care based on a horse’s workload, environment, and health needs.
Barefoot or shod, the best approach depends on your horse’s unique circumstances and thoughtful management.
Comparing Barefoot vs. Shod Horses: What’s Best for Your Horse?
Understanding the Difference
Shoes and barefoot care affect ground reaction forces (GRFs)—the forces the ground exerts on a horse’s hoof during movement—in different ways:
- Barefoot Hooves: Bare hooves naturally transfer energy by shifting force from the back of the hoof to the front during push-off. This promotes balance, reduces strain, and allows the hoof to expand and contract, improving shock absorption. 📚 Learn more about barefoot hoof function.
- Shoed Hooves: Steel shoes enhance push-off force due to their grip and rigidity, improving propulsion on certain surfaces. However, this grip can increase musculoskeletal strain and reduce the hoof’s natural shock-absorbing ability. 📚 Read about GRFs in shod horses.
Hoof Shape Changes Between Barefoot and Shod Horses: Barefoot hooves naturally expand and contract with each step, promoting a wider, more rounded shape that enhances shock absorption and supports natural movement.
In contrast, shod hooves are often narrower and more fixed in shape due to the rigidity of shoes, which can restrict natural expansion. Transitioning between the two requires careful trimming and management, as the hoof gradually adapts to its new function.
To learn more read, Difference in Hoof Conformation Between Shod and Barefoot Horses: This research by Hampson et al. (2021) provides a detailed comparison of hoof conformation in shod and barefoot horses, noting differences in heel width, frog size, and heel angles
A Simple Analogy
Think of a horse’s hoof as a spring. Barefoot, the spring compresses and rebounds, cushioning impact and providing energy for movement. Shoes can act as a rigid cover, offering protection but reducing flexibility and shifting stress to other parts of the leg.
What to Consider When Choosing Barefoot or Shod Care
Choosing between barefoot and shoes depends on:
- Shoe Material:
Lightweight materials like aluminum can reduce strain on joints compared to steel shoes, which offer better traction but may increase stress. 📚 Explore shoe materials in this guide. - Activity Level:
Horses in high-impact sports (e.g., racing, jumping) often benefit from shoes, while those in light work (e.g., trail riding, pasture) thrive barefoot. - Terrain:
Horses working on rocky or uneven ground might need shoes for protection, while soft pastures support barefoot care.
Key Takeaway
Shoes can improve propulsion and protect hooves but may alter natural biomechanics. Barefoot care promotes natural movement but requires regular trimming and hoof conditioning. 📚 Learn trimming basics.
The Importance of Individualized Care
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your horse’s specific needs, workload, and environment. One of my racehorses thrived with specialized racing shoes on turf tracks, while my grandfather’s barefoot ranch horses excelled in roping competitions. Both approaches succeed when tailored to the horse’s unique circumstances.
Consult with your farrier or veterinarian to create a hoof care plan tailored to your horse’s unique needs.

The Role of Trimming in Hoof Health
Proper trimming is essential for maintaining hoof health and performance, whether your horse is shod or barefoot. Balanced trimming ensures even weight distribution, prevents cracks and strain, and encourages healthy hoof growth. For barefoot horses, consistent trimming helps the hooves adapt to varied terrains, while for shod horses, it supports shoe placement and overall soundness.
Trimming Techniques for Shod and Barefoot Horses
- Shod Horses:
- Maintain a proper hoof angle to ensure optimal shoe placement and performance.
- Use techniques like the “rocker toe” trim to facilitate a natural breakover and reduce tendon strain.
- 📚 Learn about trimming basics in this guide from Utah State University.
- Barefoot Horses:
- Focus on preserving the sole’s thickness and rounding the hoof wall for natural wear.
- Apply the “mustang roll” to prevent chipping and maintain hoof integrity on rugged terrain.
“Proper trimming ensures balanced weight distribution and supports healthy hoof growth. Techniques like the ‘rocker toe’ reduce strain for shod horses, while the ‘mustang roll’ minimizes cracks in barefoot hooves.”

Trimming Frequency and Maintenance
Trimming frequency depends on workload and environment, but every 4–6 weeks is a common guideline. A balanced trim aligns the hoof wall, sole, and frog, promoting long-term durability and performance.
Shoes’ Effects on Hoof Mechanics
Shoes can alter the natural mechanics of the hoof, affecting its shape and function. For instance:
- Reduced Flexibility: Shoes restrict the hoof’s natural expansion and contraction with each step, which may decrease blood circulation and reduce the frog’s shock-absorbing capabilities.
- Altered Angles: Prolonged shoeing can change the hoof’s natural angle, potentially leading to joint strain or imbalances.
The Role of Trimming in Restoring Balance
Trimming is vital to counteract these changes and maintain hoof health:
- For Shod Horses: Techniques like the “rocker toe” trim encourage a natural breakover, reducing strain on tendons and ligaments.
- For Barefoot Horses: Trimming focuses on preserving the hoof’s natural resilience, ensuring strong sole and wall integrity, and preparing the hoof to handle varied terrains.

FAQs on Barefoot vs Shod Horses
Whether you’re new to hoof care or weighing your options, these frequently asked questions address some of the most common concerns about barefoot and shod horses.
How often do horses need new shoes?
Horses typically need shoeing every 6–8 weeks, depending on their hoof growth and workload. Learn more from USRider.
Can all horses go barefoot?
Not every horse is suited to barefoot living. Factors like terrain, workload, and hoof quality matter. Understand why wild horses don’t need shoes in our detailed article on wild horse hooves.
What should I expect during the transition to barefoot?
The transition period may involve dietary changes, consistent trimming, and the use of hoof boots. Get practical tips for managing hoof pain in our comprehensive hoof pain guide.
Conclusion
Choosing between barefoot and shod care requires balancing your horse’s needs, lifestyle, and health. By consulting with experts, staying proactive in hoof care, and considering your horse’s unique circumstances, you can ensure their comfort, health, and performance.
Your horse’s hoof health starts with informed decisions and expert advice. Consult with your farrier or veterinarian to develop a hoof care plan that suits your horse’s unique needs. Have questions or insights? Share them in the comments below!