Keeping Your Horse Barefoot: Natural Hoof Care Guide

Over thousands of years of domestication horses have been kept barefoot, and this traditional method of hoof care is currently enjoying a resurgence. Keeping your horse's hooves in optimal condition through diet, exercise and expert farriery is essential, and many owners are embracing barefoot care to promote natural hoof health and functionality.

Before Roman times, horses were naturally barefoot, walking long distances across varied terrain and foraging, which contributed to the natural toughness of their hooves. Today, studies on wild horses highlight that regular movement on diverse surfaces combined with natural foraging supports robust hoof development. Many owners now prefer to return their horses to this barefoot state to enhance their overall wellbeing.

The Benefits of Going Barefoot

The term "barefoot" refers to horses kept and worked without shoes full-time. There are multiple benefits to going barefoot besides obvious cost savings, but this choice requires careful planning. Transitioning a working horse to barefoot can be intensive, often best undertaken with professional guidance at specialist facilities.

Financially, barefoot care reduces the frequent farrier expenses associated with shoeing, which usually requires visits every six to eight weeks plus occasional remedial work for lost shoes. Barefoot owners can learn to trim hooves themselves or arrange less frequent professional trims. However, regular trimming is vital as it directly affects hoof health and must be done thoughtfully.

Many barefoot advocates believe shoes affect the natural biomechanics of the hoof. Steel shoe nails and clenches can restrict blood flow and force the horse to bear weight largely on the hoof wall rather than the entire structure. Shoes may also transmit concussion shock up the leg’s tendons and ligaments instead of allowing the hoof to dissipate impact naturally.

The natural hoof is shaped like a cone, wider at the ground surface than the coronary band, but shoeing restricts this shape, giving the hoof a more cylindrical form.

The Transition to Barefoot

Removing shoes initiates a transition period until the horse develops tough, protective soles often referred to as "rock crunchers." The duration varies per horse, but generally horses sound in shoes remain comfortable on grass and soft surfaces barefoot. On rocky or hard terrain, it takes time for the hoof capsule to thicken to withstand the impact.

During transition, the first trimming should ideally be performed by a barefoot specialist who understands the unique needs of unshod hooves. Riding is generally acceptable on soft ground during this time, though hoof boots should protect feet on uneven or stony surfaces.

Exercise is encouraged as movement promotes blood circulation within the hoof, aiding growth and repair. Living out full time encourages natural movement, and access to varied surfaces including gravel and hardcore helps the hoof toughen gradually. It is important to avoid prolonged wet conditions; many owners bring horses in overnight during winter to allow hooves to dry thoroughly.

Professional advice is critical throughout transition, and some horses may never develop soles tough enough for very rocky ground and will require continued use of protective hoof boots at such times.

Diet and Exercise for Barefoot Hoof Health

Diet and exercise are crucial when transitioning a horse from shod to barefoot, as they greatly influence hoof quality. Dietary changes should begin at least a month before removing shoes, introduced gradually to prevent sensitivity or tenderness.

A typical barefoot diet is low in sugar and high in fibre, with forage as the nutritional foundation. Horses prone to being sensitive on rocky surfaces often do better with very low-sugar feeds, avoiding molasses and other high-sugar ingredients. Weight-managing forage may be soaked to remove excess sugars. Supplements such as biotin can also support hoof growth and resilience.

Regular movement increases blood flow, promoting quicker growth and stronger hooves. Full turnout encourages grazing and natural exercise. Providing access to a variety of footing types helps the hooves toughen, and specialised areas of gravel or hardcore can support hoof drying and reduce exposure to wet conditions.

Where ridden exercise is limited, it is important to monitor footing and use hoof boots as necessary. Stable your horse overnight in winter if needed, ensuring clean, dry bedding to maintain hoof health.