Veterinarians are often asked about leaving horses barefoot. I must say from the onset that I favor horses being maintained without shoes when possible. Whether or not it is feasible for a horse to go without shoes will depend on the owners’ situation/ expectations and many variables that influence the feet. Horses can be shod in a physiologic manner such that the structures of the foot might change, but very minimal damage to the hoof will occur. Shoes are used for protection when wear of the hoof exceeds growth, for traction (which is often needed in the performance horse), and for therapeutic reasons. One or a combination of these reasons might dictate the necessity for shoes. Much of the horse industry is involved in the athletic performance of horses and the question arises: “Can this horse compete and perform at its best without shoes?”

As all horses are not created equal, neither are their feet. So when we decide whether a horse can be kept barefoot (and many can’t), many variables have to be considered. The breed of the horse, the hoof conformation, the manner in which the horse is kept, the surface on which it is worked, and most important, for what purpose the horse is going to be used. It also makes a big difference if the horse has worn shoes previously and for how long, as well as the previous farrier care the animal received. Many horses can do well without shoes as long as they are not asked to perform.

Horses are much easier to maintain barefoot if they have never worn shoes. The majority of horses’ feet remain healthy until they begin training. During this time, a lot of foot changes take place. When training begins at two, the hoof capsule and its related structures are still immature, the animal is confined more, and it now has a rider, which leads to additional weight bearing on the feet. These factors usually lead to excessive wear on the feet, and shoes are placed on the feet for protection. Traditionally, we place shoes on these youngsters too early, and often it is not necessary as long as a few modifications are made in our training program.

Next we look at the application of shoes by the farrier. The horse has receptors in the bottom of its foot, and it is speculated that these receptors function in a stimulatory capacity. So the first thing that happens when shoes are applied is that these receptors lose contact with the ground. How much protection is removed from the bottom of the foot in the form of hoof wall, sole depth, and the bars? How is the shoe fitted and attached to the foot, i.e., where are the nails placed, how many, and what size? As training progresses, the horse generally receives more baths, which increases moisture in the feet over time and makes them softer. So the combination of these factors can and will change the structures of the foot forever