A horse is only as sound as his feet. Care and management of the feet will vary, however, depending on the individual horse, his conformation and hoof structure, environment and climate, and use. Whether he needs to be shod or can be left barefoot will also hinge on these factors.

Trimming and Cleaning

Julie Bullock, DVM, an equine practitioner who primarily treats foot problems in Mt. Sidney, Va., says horse owners should try to keep a barefoot horse's feet tidy, with no rough edges to split or chip. "They can do this themselves by rasping away superficial cracks and keeping the edges smooth," she says. "Cracks and flares give infection an opening to enter the foot. I see a lot of white line disease in our area due to lack of foot care."

Periodically rasping around the edges can prevent or eliminate cracks and flares, but you should leave the sole alone because it needs a thick callous. Leave the barefoot horse's foot with a slightly longer hoof wall than a foot you'd put a shoe on, but keep it very smooth–rasping whenever it becomes ragged