16/10/2025
The Benefits of Keeping Horses Barefoot
In recent years, more horse owners and professionals have embraced the practice of keeping horses barefoot — that is, without metal shoes. While shoeing has long been a standard part of equine management, growing evidence and experience suggest that many horses can live healthier, more natural lives without shoes. When properly managed, a barefoot lifestyle offers a range of physical, behavioral, and even economic benefits.
One of the primary advantages of keeping horses barefoot is improved hoof health and function. A horse’s hoof is a highly complex structure designed to flex and absorb shock with every step. Metal shoes, while useful in certain situations, can restrict this natural movement, limiting blood circulation within the foot. A barefoot hoof, by contrast, expands and contracts freely, promoting better blood flow that nourishes the tissues and supports stronger, healthier hooves. Over time, this can lead to improved horn quality, fewer cracks, and a more resilient hoof wall.
Going barefoot also encourages natural wear and balance. In a healthy barefoot horse, the hoof wears down at roughly the same rate it grows, maintaining an optimal shape and length without excessive intervention. This natural self-maintenance allows the hoof to adapt to the terrain the horse lives on, resulting in improved traction and stability. The barefoot hoof’s ability to “feel” the ground helps the horse develop better proprioception — an awareness of where its feet are — which can enhance movement, balance, and performance, particularly on varied or uneven ground.
Another key benefit is reduced risk of injury and lameness. Shoes can sometimes create imbalances or pressure points that contribute to problems like bruising, contracted heels, or laminitis. A properly conditioned barefoot horse typically develops thicker soles, tougher hoof walls, and a more robust digital cushion — the natural shock-absorbing structure inside the hoof. These adaptations strengthen the entire limb, helping prevent injuries and improving long-term soundness.
Barefoot management also promotes overall health through natural movement. Horses that live without shoes are often kept in environments that encourage regular motion, such as paddock paradise systems or track setups. Constant, low-level movement on different surfaces keeps joints, muscles, and tendons strong while supporting healthy digestion and circulation. The connection between hoof and environment becomes mutually beneficial: the terrain shapes the hoof, and the hoof adapts to the terrain.
From a practical standpoint, keeping horses barefoot can be more economical and sustainable. Regular trims are still essential, but they are typically less expensive than full shoeing cycles. In addition, the absence of metal shoes eliminates the risk of lost shoes, nail punctures, or damage from shoe-related accidents. Many owners also find barefoot care aligns better with a holistic, low-intervention philosophy that prioritizes natural health and comfort.
It’s important to note that not every horse can transition to barefoot life immediately. Factors such as diet, environment, and past hoof damage all play a role. However, with the guidance of an experienced trimmer and proper conditioning, most horses can adapt successfully.
In conclusion, keeping horses barefoot allows them to function as nature intended — with strong, flexible, and responsive hooves. The benefits extend beyond the foot itself, influencing movement, soundness, and overall vitality. A well-managed barefoot horse is often not only healthier but also happier, more comfortable, and more connected to its environment.
All the horses in our herd at Woolley Moor Equestrian are barefoot and we can help with transitioning new horses to barefoot.
