The debate over whether horses should be barefoot or shod is one of the most hotly debated topics in the equestrian world.
Some riders advocate a return to barefoot, which is considered more natural. Others prefer shoeing to protect the hoof or improve the horse’s performance. In reality, the answer is not that simple. Every horse is unique and the choice depends on many factors: its environment, its work, the quality of its hooves and its state of health.
To understand this choice, we must first consider an element that is often underestimated: the horse’s hoof itself.
The horse’s hoof: a fascinating biomechanical structure
The horse’s hoof is not merely protection for the foot. It is an extremely sophisticated biological and biomechanical structure.
It fulfils several essential functions:
• shock absorber
• circulatory pump
• sensory receptor
• propulsion structure
A particularly fascinating aspect is its role in blood circulation.
With every step, the hoof acts as a veritable ‘peripheral heart’.
When the horse places its foot on the ground, the internal structures of the hoof compress, pumping blood upwards towards the leg. This is often referred to as the hoof pump. A horse takes between 5,000 and 15,000 steps a day. This therefore represents a considerable amount of circulatory activity.
This is why many vets now discuss the physiological function of the hoof. The difference between a bare foot and a shod foot lies precisely in the way this natural mechanism functions during the support phase.
The barefoot horse: a more natural hoof function
A barefoot horse does not wear shoes. Its hooves are simply trimmed regularly by a farrier or hoof trimmer.
In a healthy horse, weight is first borne by the heels.
This activates various internal structures of the foot:
• the frog
• the glomes
• the digital pad
These elements act as a natural hydraulic shock absorber.
When the horse places its foot down, the heels spread slightly and the hoof capsule deforms by a few millimetres.
This expansion allows for:
• better shock absorption
• stimulation of blood circulation
• activation of the internal structures of the foot
The hoof then fully performs its role as a natural venous pump.
The benefits of going barefoot
Going barefoot offers several benefits:
• more natural hoof function
• improved blood circulation in the foot
• better grip on certain terrains
• no risks associated with shoes (lost shoes, nails causing injury)
• often less expensive maintenance
Many horses thrive on bare feet, particularly when kept in suitable conditions.
The limitations of bare hooves
However, bare hooves are not always the ideal solution.
Certain drawbacks may arise:
• faster wear on hard or stony ground
• sensitivity of the sole in some horses
• a transition period may sometimes be necessary after removing shoes
Not all horses have the same hoof quality, and some may require additional protection.
Horses that are often barefoot
Bare feet are generally found in:
• horses that spend most of their time in the field
• horses that are rarely ridden
• horses with strong hooves
• horses used for leisure or trail riding
Under these conditions, the hoof can function naturally and gradually strengthen.
The shod horse: protection suited to certain uses
Shodding involves attaching a metal shoe to the hoof using nails.
Its purpose is to protect the hoof and adapt the foot to the stresses of the horse’s work. However, shodding alters certain natural mechanisms of the hoof.
The shoe stiffens the hoof capsule.
This can lead to:
• more limited expansion of the heels
• different shock absorption
• a change in the points of contact
With a shoe, the main contact is often made on the hoof wall, whilst the frog makes less contact with the ground.
This can sometimes reduce stimulation of the digital pad and, in some cases, lead to atrophy of the frog.
Furthermore, the shoe transmits more ground vibrations.
This can increase certain micro-shocks at the joints, particularly on:
• the tendons
• the fetlock
• the knee
However, shoeing remains a very useful tool in certain situations.
The benefits of shoeing
Shoeing helps, in particular, to:
• protect the hoof from excessive wear
• correct certain alignment issues
• adapt the foot to intensive work
• improve traction on certain terrains
It is also essential in certain orthopaedic cases, particularly for conditions such as:
• navicular syndrome
• laminitis
• certain conformation issues
The disadvantages of shoeing
Shoeing also has some limitations:
• potential reduction in the hoof’s natural function
• risk of a shoe coming loose or being torn off
• more expensive maintenance
• need for reshoeing every 6 to 8 weeks
Horses that are often shod
Shoeing is particularly common in:
• sport horses
• horses working intensively
• horses moving on hard or abrasive surfaces
• disciplines such as show jumping, eventing or driving
In these contexts, shoeing protects the hoof and helps to support the horse’s performance.
A modern alternative: hipposandals
Between bare feet and shoeing, there is an intermediate solution: hipposandals. These are removable shoes for barefoot horses, used only during work or rides.
They allow:
• protection of the hoof on difficult terrain
• the hoof to function naturally at rest
• avoidance of permanent shoeing
They are particularly popular for leisure horses that sometimes walk on stony ground.
Barefoot or shod: the right answer depends on the horse
Today, there is a trend towards returning to barefoot hooves where conditions allow. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The choice always depends on several factors:
• the terrain (sand, stones, hard ground)
• the intensity of the work
• the natural quality of the hoof
• any existing conditions
For example:
• a leisure horse living in a paddock = barefoot
• a horse used for intensive sport = shod
• a horse used for trail riding on hard ground = barefoot with hipposandals
• a horse with an orthopaedic problem = specialised shoeing
In some cases, a horse may also become sensitive or lame following shoeing. There are many possible causes, which often stem from a biomechanical imbalance in the hoof: incorrect angle, excessive pressure, nails too close to sensitive tissue, or excessive stiffness in the foot.
Understanding the horse’s biomechanics to care for it better
The horse’s hoof is designed to function naturally without shoes. However, shoeing remains a valuable tool when used wisely. The key is to consider the horse as a whole: its lifestyle, its work and its biomechanics.
To explore these concepts further and gain a better understanding of the horse’s muscular and locomotor functions, the book on equine myology published by CAMAYA provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms that influence the horse’s health and
performance. Because understanding the horse’s body is already an essential step towards its well-being.