While many riders believe that shoes help give a dressage horse more beautiful gaits, a group of British equitation scientists have found that idea to be mostly a myth. | Photo: iStock

Would you compete your dressage horse barefoot?

While many riders believe that shoes help give a dressage horse more beautiful gaits, a group of British equitation scientists have found that idea to be mostly a myth.

“Our research indicates that an unshod horse is not going to be at a competitive disadvantage as far as dressage goes,” said Richard Mott, BSc, of Warwickshire College, in England. Mott presented his study, prepared in collaboration with Julie Ellis, MSc, also of Warwickshire, at the 2014 International Society for Equitation Science conference, held Aug. 6-9 in Bredsten,