Can My Horse Go Barefoot? A Complete Guide to Benefits, Risks & Care

Thinking about taking your horse barefoot but not sure where to start? Well, you’re not alone. The world of horse care can sometimes feel like a minefield, and the question “Is barefoot better for horses?” has sparked plenty of debate in recent years.

The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Deciding to take your horse barefoot is a personal choice that depends on a range of factors – from conformation and workload to diet, environment and more. Removing shoes can feel like a big step in a new direction – and it is! But it’s also one that many owners have sworn by long-term.

Recent studies suggest that barefoot horses may enjoy a range of health benefits, including improved hoof function, better circulation and reduced concussion on joints. That said, barefoot isn’t the always right fit for every horse or situation.

In this article, we’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of barefoot horse care, explore what the latest research says and help you decide whether transitioning to barefoot is the right move for your horse.

 

In This Guide:

• The Pros and Cons of Going Barefoot
• Can My Horse Go Barefoot? Key Factors To Consider
• Maintenance Tips and Tools
• Advice for Competing Barefoot
• Conclusion

 

The Pros and Cons of Going Barefoot

Before making the switch, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of taking your horse barefoot. Understanding the latest research and knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision that supports your horse’s long-term health and wellbeing.

 

Pros of going barefoot:

• Improved circulation: Without metal shoes, the frog can make direct contact with the ground and function as nature intended – acting like a pump to aid blood flow up the leg with every step. 
• Better shock absorption: The frog also serves as a natural shock absorber, reducing the impact on joints. Metal shoes can limit this function and often increase concussion on hard surfaces like roads.
• Encourages natural hoof function: Going barefoot allows the hoof to work as it was designed to – flexing, adapting and supporting the horse’s movement, which may reduce the risk of injury or wear over time.
• Self-maintaining wear: In the right environment – one with varied terrain and plenty of movement – barefoot hooves can often naturally wear and maintain themselves, reducing the need for such frequent trimming. 
• No more post-shoeing issues: Say goodbye to sore feet after shoeing, nail bind or worries about pulled shoes. 

 

Cons of going barefoot:

• The transition period can be tough: If your horse has been shod for several years, transitioning to barefoot can take time and patience. It can take up to 12 months for a hoof to fully grow from the coronary band to the toe, and during this time, you may need to adjust your usual riding routine.
• Not every horse finds it easy: Some horses, especially those with thin soles or sensitive feet, may struggle on hard or stony ground during the early stages. Hoof boots may be needed for extra support.
• Management may need to change: Maintaining healthy barefoot hooves can require more frequent trims, increased turnout, varied terrain and careful attention to diet. If your current yard setup doesn’t support this, you might need to reassess your management approach.

 

Can My Horse Go Barefoot? Key Factors to Consider

So, you’re starting to believe that barefoot might be the way forward, but will it work for your individual horse? Like many aspects of horse care, the answer depends on a variety of factors. Before you take the shoes off for good, here are four key areas to consider:

 

1. Your Horse’s Environment

Environment plays a major role in whether a barefoot transition is successful. Ideally, your horse should have:

• Plenty of turnout and regular movement
• Constant access to forage
• Exposure to varied terrain, such as hardstanding, stones or pea gravel to help condition and strengthen the hooves

A track system is often considered the gold standard, as it naturally encourages movement and mimics the diverse surfaces found in the wild. However, not every setup allows for this. 

Even without a track, there are simple steps you can take to make the transition more effective:

• Hand-walk your horse over different terrain regularly
• Increase turnout time on dry, well-drained ground
• Provide access to forage during turnout (e.g. hay boxes placed around the paddock)

These small changes can make a big difference in preparing your horse’s hooves for life without shoes.

Fun fact: One of Red Horse’s original creations was a unique crushed brick bedding called ‘RedBed’. Designed to help condition hooves and strengthen soles, it was a brilliant concept – though admittedly a bit of a challenge to muck out!

 

2. Current Hoof Condition

The current state of your horse’s hooves will significantly influence the length and difficulty of the transition period. Ask yourself:

• Are the soles thin or soft?
• Are the hoof walls brittle or cracked?
• Are the heels underrun or collapsed?

If you’re unsure how to evaluate hoof health, consider consulting a barefoot specialist or qualified equine podiatrist. They can assess your horse’s feet and give you a tailored plan outlining what to expect during the transition.

 

3. History of Injuries or Hoof Conditions

Has your horse dealt with issues such as laminitis, navicular syndrome or recurring abscesses? These don’t necessarily rule out the option of going barefoot, but they do require extra consideration. Horses with a history of hoof-related conditions can still thrive barefoot with the right support system in place.

Work closely with your vet and hoof care professional to create a realistic, step-by-step transition plan that supports your horse’s individual needs.

 

4. Your Support Network

This might sound like a minor detail, but having the right people around you matters. Transitioning to barefoot can be emotionally and logistically challenging, especially if you’re the only person at your yard doing things differently.

Surround yourself with a knowledgeable support team, including a hoof care professional who fully understands and supports the barefoot philosophy. Whether it’s answering your questions, recommending hoof boots or offering reassurance during a tricky patch, having trusted advice will make all the difference.

 

How to Care for Barefoot Hooves: Maintenance Tips and Tools

So, the shoes are off! What now? Transitioning your horse to barefoot is a journey and proper care during this period is essential to keep him sound, comfortable and thriving. 

Here are some key maintenance tips and tools to help support your barefoot horse:

 

1. Schedule Regular Trims

Barefoot horses generally need trimming every 4–6 weeks. However, hoof growth can vary with the seasons – typically growing faster in summer and slower in winter – so be prepared to adjust your trim schedule accordingly. During the initial stages of the transition, your horse may also require closer monitoring as his hooves begin to adapt and reshape.

To support hoof health between professional trims, consider using a tool like a radius rasp. It’s designed to gently round the edges of the hoof wall, helping to prevent chips and cracks. If you’re unsure how to use it, ask your hoof care provider to give you a quick demonstration.

Need more detailed advice? Read our blog on how to care for your horse’s hooves naturally.

 

2. Inspect and Maintain Hooves Daily

Daily checks are crucial when managing a barefoot horse. Early detection of soreness, chips, cracks or holes allows you to address minor issues before they escalate.

• Pick out hooves every day, paying close attention to the frog, sole and hoof wall.
• Remove any lodged stones or debris.
• Use a wire brush (readily available at hardware or homeware stores) to clean the sole and improve visibility. Brushing can also aid in toughening the hoof.
• Learn what a healthy barefoot hoof should look like. Educating yourself will make it easier to spot signs of imbalance or discomfort.

Tip: If you notice small holes, a gap in the white line or your horse is recovering from an abscess, a product like Artimud or Hoof-Stuff can help pack and protect crevices from dirt and bacteria.

Want to learn more about common hoof conditions? Check out our blog on signs to watch for.

 

3. Manage Turnout and Terrain

Consistent exposure to muddy or wet conditions can soften hooves and make them more prone to bacterial infections. During wetter months, it’s important to:

• Provide dry areas or shelter where your horse can stand
• Use mud mats in gateways or high-traffic zones
• Consider protective hoof boots if your horse is particularly sensitive

You can also support the soles and frogs with a strengthening product such as Stronghorn, which helps harden the hoof so it can better resist microbial threats.

 

4. Support from the Inside Out

Strong hooves start with proper nutrition. A balanced diet with the right vitamins and minerals plays a huge role in developing a healthy, resilient hoof capsule.

Key nutrients for hoof health include:

• Biotin
• Zinc
• Copper

It’s highly recommended to conduct a forage analysis to identify any deficiencies or excesses in your pasture or hay. For example, UK grazing often contains excess iron, which can inhibit the absorption of zinc and copper, both of which are essential for strong hooves.

 

Advice For Competing Barefoot

 

For many horse owners, the idea of going barefoot can feel daunting – especially when it comes to competing. It’s often assumed that a barefoot horse needs time off work, but that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, many horses go on to perform just as well – and sometimes even better – without shoes.

A great example is Red Horse Products Director Sam Austin, who successfully competed his horse Pembridge Jasper up to BE Novice level barefoot. Here, Sam shares his top tips for navigating competitions without shoes:

• Check the going carefully. Avoid ground that’s too hard, too soft or on a camber unless it offers excellent grip.
• Mind your speed. Sudden acceleration can reduce traction behind, while rapid deceleration may cause slipping in front.
• Be thoughtful with turns. Sharp turns increase lateral forces and can lead to slips. Help your horse stay balanced by maintaining correct outside bend and keeping your weight centred over the outside shoulder.
• Never change speed mid-turn if it can be avoided – it’s a recipe for lost footing.
• Be aware of stone dressing. Some barefoot horses can be more sensitive to surface changes, especially in front of a fence. Make sure they’re well-conditioned so this doesn’t knock their confidence.

With the right preparation and awareness, barefoot horses can absolutely thrive in a competitive environment.

 

In Conclusion

As we’ve touched on before, going barefoot isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. That said, growing scientific evidence points to a range of health and welfare benefits for horses who transition to life without shoes, especially when managed carefully in today’s modern environments. 

The key is to stay informed, work closely with qualified professionals, and, most importantly, listen to your horse. Every horse is different and their comfort, movement, and overall health should always guide your decision.

At Red Horse Products, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your barefoot journey. Our natural, vet-approved hoof care remedies are designed to help your horse feel and perform at his best. Explore our hoof care range to find the right products for your needs, and don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experts is always happy to offer advice and guidance tailored to your horse.

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References:

Albanozzo, S., et al., 2024. Hoof capability of barefoot-kept horses and ponies walking over artificial environments: An anatomical and radiological study. EC Veterinary Science, 9(1), pp.1–15.

Brunsting, J., Dumoulin, M., Oosterlinck, M., Haspeslagh, M., Lefère, L. & Pille, F., 2019. Can the hoof be shod without limiting the heel movement? A comparative study between barefoot, shoeing with conventional shoes and a split-toe shoe. The Veterinary Journal, 246, pp.7–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.01.012

Clayton, H.M., Gray, S., Kaiser, L.J. & Bowker, R.M., 2011. Effects of barefoot trimming on hoof morphology. Australian Veterinary Journal, 89(8), pp.305–311. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00806.x

Malone, S.R. & Davies, H.M.S., 2019. Changes in hoof shape during a seven-week period when horses were shod versus barefoot. Animals, 9(12), p.1017. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9121017

Spörndly-Nees, E., Jansson, A., Pökelmann, M., Pickova, J. & Ringmark, S., 2023. Chemical composition of horse hooves with functional qualities for competing barefoot. Journal of Animal Science, 101, skad346. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad346